Typical human behavior. We all want something that we ourselves do not possess. We become envious of the other person and unhappy with all the things we have to offer. We don't realize that other people are envious of us. Blinded by our own envy can get us into trouble…

The rumble of many piano keys being struck at the same time permeated the room. Peter sat at his piano on the makeshift bandstand in the beach house he shares with his three band/roommates. He let out a long, loud sigh. He had become distracted from practicing the piano from all the giggling and chattering coming off of the back porch. Davy was out there with his new flavor of the week Daphne.

Lately, Peter noticed himself feeling uncomfortable whenever one of the other guys brought a girl over. He would specifically observe Davy's interactions and notice envious thoughts begin to creep into his mind. I wish I could do that. And at times the thoughts would become more annoyed. What does he have that I don't have? He himself had difficulty interacting with girls. It was not that girls didn't like Peter, he just seemed to be awkward around them.

Now, Peter was getting sidetracked by the disruptions and thoughts. He began practicing the piano in the first place to get his mind on something else. However, he could not focus. Why does that little leprechaun have to flaunt his relationships? Does he really need that much attention? Peter realized the irritability was coming from envy and that it wasn't Davy's fault. He got up and began to wander into his bedroom.

"Hey, Shotgun. Why the long face?" Mike said noticing Peter's abrupt exit.

"How can anyone get any work done around here with Casanova out there?" Peter grumbled unable to keep his emotions at bay. "Every time I turn around he's sweet talking one girl or another. It's like he's putting his good fortune on display. Is nothing private anymore?"

Mike was taken aback. "I'm sure he doesn't do that on purpose, Pete. He's just a hopeless romantic. Why does that have you so uptight?"

"It's just annoying is all," Peter said quietly beginning to feel embarrassed about the outburst.

At that moment, Davy and Daphne entered the beach house. "Hey fellas, you've met Daphne haven't you?"

"I've seen a little too much of her lately," Peter mumbled.

"What was that?" Davy asked.

Mike interrupted, "Daphne, good to see you again. How are you?"

With that Peter continued trudging to his room. He needed to be alone and away from this sickening display.

Davy entered his and Peter's shared bedroom a few hours later. He noticed Peter just lying on his own bed staring at the ceiling. "Hey Mate, you doing alright?"

"Yep, fantastic," Peter answered sarcastically.

Davy looked at him and frowned. "Want to talk about it?"

Oh sure. Peter was definitely not going to unload all of his frustrations on Davy. Even though Davy's actions had triggered this response, he didn't want to blame his friend for his own emotions. "No, I don't want to inconvenience you with my stuff."

"Peter, we're friends, it's never an inconvenience. If you do want to talk, let me know."

"Sure."

"Anyway, I saw you practicing the piano. Anything new you're working on?"

"Well, I was trying to work, but I kept getting distracted," Peter muttered.

"What's got you distracted?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Just in my own head," he lied. No way he was going to make Davy feel bad for living his life just because Peter was in a funk.

"I know it will be great when it's finished. You're an amazing musician. Promise me I get to hear it first."

"Sure, Davy."

"Well, goodnight."

Davy got ready and climbed into bed. Within a few minutes, Peter could hear Davy's light breathing. I'd be tired too if I was gallivanting around with a bunch of girls. I wouldn't have a care in the world. Peter was normally a free loving spirit and this new bitterness was causing him not to like himself. I need to work through this tomorrow. He switched the light off, but didn't fall asleep for another two hours.

Peter woke up to that feeling of irritability still nagging at him. He knew that the emotion would still be around if he did not work through it. He turned over to see that Davy had already left the bedroom. What a perfect time for some self-reflection so that he could move forward. He sat up and grabbed a pen a notebook from his nightstand drawer.

Peter contemplated his current emotional state. Sure just like every other human being he experienced all emotions, but he didn't usually dwell on emotions related to anger. That just wasn't his style. Noticing that this had been a trend lately, he wondered why. The guys hadn't done anything on purpose while interacting with girls. It wasn't their fault that Peter had difficulty in that area. In fact, they had tried to help him on occasion, like with Valerie the debutante.

How dare he project his emotions out on them, especially Davy? It seemed to him that he was projecting his frustrations in himself and lack of social ability onto his friends. That wasn't fair. How can I work on those feelings when they arise? he pondered. Music didn't seem to be an effective distraction. He needed another outlet. Peter decided to play it by ear in the moment and see what worked best.

Since Peter was alone in this moment, he began adding some lyrical ideas to a song he had been jotting down notes for. He wrote down; Don't stay in your lonely room just staring back in silent gloom, That's not where you belong.