Adam.

Silence. I'm safe for now. They've gone on to other activities, in the darkness I am forgotten. In the darkness I am safe. I could go out now, but if I leave there is no guarantee I can make it back. I think I'll stay here for now.

Wake up. Wake up. Get dressed, blue jeans and the only shirt that the dog hasn't shit on yet. I wish I had a dresser. I wish I had deodorant. Thick parka, a gift from Grandma. Outside the sun has not yet risen, the February wind whistles past the windows. I shiver just thinking about it. Better go, the bus driver is early sometimes, and he never waits.

I know this... I know this... I read this already, why can't I move on? I finished the entire novel the first night I took it home, why do we only read a chapter a day? On to the next room. Numbers dance across the page, symbols flash before my eyes. Why won't they stay still? Letters never move, but the numbers form a conga line. Symbols are distracting, they never look the same way twice.

Scenic Mountain, more like desert hill. The city stretches out below, smoke stretches out behind. How does it get so hot in only a few hours? Better question, who thought this forsaken stretch of sand was a good place for a city? Roughnecks I guess.

Zelda, Mario, my good friends. Nice to see you again. A few hours of happiness, contained within a plastic cartridge. See, he's not mean all the time. He let you use the game today. Maybe he doesn't hate you. Maybe you can be his friend some day. Why does he get so angry at me? He is 5 years older... I guess little kids are annoying... I even annoy him when I help him with his homework... maybe I'll try not to sound so smart, maybe it offends him. 

Bed, cold sheets. Bottom bunk. I've never had my own room, six children make for crowded quarters, but the oldest are gone now. Now only the youngest share a room. Four of us remain, middle-child syndrome with an even number of children. Odd.

Sleep, blissful dreams of better days. Maybe they will love me someday. God, please let them love me someday.