Lanterns Didn’t Fix the Loneliness

Hoi An at night is supposed to be magic—lanterns glowing, rain glossing the streets, every photo begging to be posted. I wandered for hours, soaked and half-hoping the city would fill whatever I thought was missing. Everyone else seemed to have someone to share it with. I had my phone, a plastic poncho, and the ache of being somewhere beautiful with no one waiting for my messages. I kept thinking: if I come back, maybe it’ll feel different. Maybe I’ll be different. But the truth is, even the prettiest places can’t outshine what you bring with you. I still haven’t posted those photos. #Travel #TravelLoneliness #HoiAnNights