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A few weeks ago, I moved to an unfamiliar place for work because it was the right decision for my career. I knew I'd be away from home, but I didn't expect the place itself to feel so... isolated.

It's not really a city, and it's not exactly a village either. It's somewhere in between—a suburban area where everything feels quiet and disconnected. I don't have any friends here. No relatives. Nobody I know.

I'm staying in a hostel in a single room. The room itself isn't the problem. It's the fact that out of 12 rooms, I'm the only occupant. To save electricity, they switch off most of the power around 10 PM, and the whole place goes completely dark. Every night feels strangely empty.

It's been days since I've even spoken to another Malayali. I didn't realize how much hearing my own language mattered until I stopped hearing it.

Today I bought a betta fish. I thought it might make the room feel a little less lonely. But now I just feel guilty. I keep thinking I invited another living thing into the same loneliness I'm trying to escape.

I want to give him a name. Maybe that's silly. Maybe it's not.

Has anyone else moved somewhere completely alone for work? Does it ever start feeling like home?

I hope your betta settles in well. If you want, I can also suggest some names for him.

Moved to a new place for work. Didn't expect loneliness to hit this hard.