Keith sat alone by the door to his next class during lunch, reading a bio-chem book and eating nothing. He had no money for any food and the welfare check hadn't been a good one, his mother spent most of it on booze and smokes, leaving only a few frozen dinners left for him. His migraine was slow to fade, but at least he could see better now. He took several deep breaths, trying to force himself to calm down and get a stiff upper lip. With a slow sigh, he realized it was useless. This school, this year, this place, everything would be the same shit he'd been slogging through his whole life. It was like the universe needed someone to pick on and he fit the bill. His father put out cigars on Keith's arms and chest whenever he got drunk, before he ran off with all the money he and his mom had. His mom was always lazy and useless, she never wanted a child, and never bother to learn ho to raise one. It was a true miracle that Keith survived early childhood, or a curse depending on how you see it. Keith was always bullied because his parents neglect left him shy and without a shred of self-confidence, he was the logical target. he buried himself in books, but never neglected his physical health. Each morning was push-ups and jack-knives until he could't do anymore before he went on a run to get to school. He was so lost in thought that he almost didn't realize that lunch was almost over. He got his things and waited by the door