After reading this story I was FIGHTING the tears back. I think a part of it is that the main character is so relatable. The constant feeling of loneliness and hopelessness is something that I have experienced quite often. As a result, when he finally finds something that truly makes him happy and then gets it taken away so suddenly, it felt like it was being taken from me as well.
When I read a story, I also tend to completely throw myself into the character's shoes. I feel and sense everything that they do. The fact that the story was written in first person and didn't offer much background on the character (not even a name) seemed to intensify the feelings ten-fold.