I feel for this man. He sounds so afraid.

This line really stood out to me: " He’d often had the thought that a picture would make him a real person."

I often...don't feel real? Assume no one sees me? Which makes no sense really. I feel I walk through the world...unnoticed.

And I wonder if that might heal this poor guy in your story. Maybe he needs to feel seen and loved by at least one person.

And then I think wow, your writing is amazing as I am now all worried for someone who isn't even real (the man in your story.)

Great job!