You took after your father—quite a lot, actually. You were very introverted, and found it very hard to socialize; you could if you wanted to, but sometimes you just didn’t want to.

School was a challenge. Elementary was fine enough, the kids were eager to talk to anyone who would listen—but as you entered middle school, it grew harder. Cliques developed, and friends became harder to make.

It was a rocky start, but you were eventually able to gain some friends. You were a tight knit group, only about 4 or 5 kids, but you guys were close nonetheless. Your father was proud of you, that your friends were getting you out of your comfort zone.

Not all things can stay, you soon learnt as you entered high school. Some of your friends moved away, causing your friend group to shrink, but the rest that were left stuck together. The only problem was, you were the after thought.

You should’ve seen it coming. The rest of your friend group had more classes together, they lived closer; they were bound to grow closer with each other, bound to eventually exclude you.

You kicked off your shoes as you entered your house, door slamming shut as you closed it with more force than normal. Your friends had scheduled a hangout without you. Again.

“They leave you out again?”

Your father, Simon, spoke up from his spot in the kitchen. He tried his damndest to tolerate your friends. He knew you still cared about them, they’re your friends. But what kind of friends are they if they keep pushing you aside?

“I can’t with these kids.”