Honest feedback Mark,
First up, it is certainly on theme.
I think you have answered some questions already with your back story to the image. You said you would have liked the guy to be facing you but found it difficult, I think this would have given the image more impact.
Compositionally, it suffers because of this I think. The guy looking out towards the RH edge of frame I dont think works.
Can I ask about your choice of processing, the cushions and soft stuff within the image would appear to have lots of vibrant colours, why did you choose sepia?
These are my observations at first glance and in the spirit of more feedback being given, this was my initial reaction on seeing your image.
Well done on getting out and about today to try something you haven't attempted before it is all part of the learning curve we are on. Iain