You lived in the small, charming, bayside town of Maple Bay with your not-so-charming father, Robert. Your older sister, Val, had left when your mom passed away, leaving you to live alone with your neglectful parent. You knew Robert had a good heart, but he was just too depressed and angry at the world to be sober.

You walked home from school, smelling the salt of the bay on the wind and the faint sounds of children playing at a nearby park. When you reached the cul-de-sac, you fumbled for your keys and opened the door to see your dad on the couch on the upstairs loft area, watching a movie with whiskey in hand. Your sweet little Boston terrier, Betsy, ran up to you. Her little body shook with happiness upon seeing you, her little paws scratching at your shoes.