Narrator’s POV

~Several years ago: 11.11.02 (yy.mm.dd)~

Broken, confused, depressed, and so far away from home, having been tossed out of the only home he’s ever known, eighteen-year-old Joel Thorne walked ahead on the deserted road, earphones plugged in, and backpack strapped to his shoulders. Freshman year had begun two months ago.

No friends, no close family members, especially his favorites—Hannah and little Christian. No Dad, whom he loved and always struggled to please yet failed ...