Mr. Loneliness

"Mr. Loneliness" by Henry Slesar is a science fiction narrative set in a distant asteroid station, chronicling one man's battle with solitude and longing for human interaction. The central character, Pace, struggles profoundly with his isolated existence, a feeling made stronger by the absence of a girl named Laura due to illness. Although three visitors try to uplift his spirits through humor and friendship, they struggle to help him. Tensions rise, leading to a confrontation, especially with Towne. This incident underlines the intensity of Pace's loneliness as he grapples with his lack of interaction. Ultimately, the story emphasizes the deep impact of physical and emotional separation, leaving Pace in profound solitude.