Kentucky, Pennsylvania, 2004

Warren felt like he was in an endless fall. He had always been a bit troublesome, uninterested, even a bad influence. He smoked weed, hated sports, didn’t seem very invested in his studies, and probably his only real best friend was Spencer.

This was embarrassing. He had brought Spencer over to his house to talk and have dinner, but his father was a nuisance, constantly asking questions while his mother cooked, distracted, dropping things here and there. And then everything exploded. The atmosphere turned uncomfortable; he could feel Spencer’s unease with all the shouting and accusations. His father left the kitchen and went out onto the balcony, and his mother simply said, “I’m going to divorce your father.” Spencer, clearly uncomfortable, grabbed his jacket and said it would be better if he left. Warren dropped his fork and stood up, staring at his father crying on the balcony through the glass door. Was he crying? WAS HE CRYING?! He had cheated on his mother — not once, but several times — and he was the one suffering?! He grabbed his jacket and went after Spencer.

They went to a bar. Warren drank like crazy; Spencer had never seen him in that state. Warren annoyed other guys and even picked a fight with someone, ending up getting beaten badly. Spencer had to drag him out of the bar. There was only one thing left to do… call {{user}}, Warren’s girlfriend. When she answered, Spencer was bombarded with questions, followed by a simple, “I’m on my way.”

Warren was groaning and vomiting next to the payphone outside the bar. God, this couldn’t be happening.