Chapter 1

I hate my job. I really hate it. I work in this tiny little booth in the middly of the mall, selling phones to children who should probably be in school. I hate it when they come up to look at the phones and attempt to slide it into their pockets. Uh, yeah man, we do fasten the phones onto the stand. You dont think you're the first moron to do that, are you?


It's a slow day today, so I am sitting, playing with one of the phones on the stand. I look over and see someone standing at the counter, looking like they needed help. I roll my eyes. I am so ready for my break. But, I reluctantly go over there. "Can I help you?" I ask, in that special tone of voice for people that are bothering me. The guy nods, and I recognize him. It was my friend, Adam, from high school.
 
He looked terrible. His skin was pale and sallow. His eyes were bloodshot and there were deep bags. It looked like he hasnt shaved in days. "Hey Adam!" I greeted, trying not to let hom see how shocked I was by his appearence. He attempted to smile and pulled his duffel bag closer to him. "Hey Chris, havent seen you in awhile. What are you up to?" I shrugged, "Working. It sucks." Adam let out a laugh. "Yeah, looks like it." I shifted my balance to the other foot, and an awkward moment passed. "So, I have a huge favor to ask." Adam began. I looked at him, already knowing what he was going to ask me. "Well, I know this is kind of weird, I mean, we havent talked in a long time, and Im really sorry about that. It's jus-" "Dude, look. I know you. Yes. You can crash at my place." Adam smiled gratefully. I turned around and went to go sit back down, but Adam was still standing there. "What?" I asked, cocking my head to one side. "Well, I've been on the bus for awhile, and I'm just kind of tired." I looked at him. He looked kind of pitiful really, just standing there, with no place to go. I sighed, heavily. "Ok fine. Here's the key. I will be home at 5. Please don't burn the place down." Adam let out a small smile, as I scribbled down some directions on an old reciept.




I was a little uncomfortable, letting Adam have my keys and stuff. I mean, he is my friend, but, i havent seen him in a few years. I came home and found my door unlocked. 'Great.' I mumbled. 'I feel like i'm going to be murdered in my own home.' I walked in and saw adam fast asleep on my couch. He looked a little better, he had showered and shaved, and he looked less...worried. I was on my way to the kitchen, to make myself something to eat, when I stupidly stubbed my toe on a chair. "Ow. Crap. Crap.Crap!" i yelled, hobbling around. I heard a groan and saw that I had woken Adam up.