There was once a young chap called Charlie. Besides a few minor hiccups Charlie's life seemed more or less perfect; captain of the school football team and representing his school for various other academic/sporting endeavours you could arguably say his life was perfect. One day when Charlie was not far into his double figures an unknown family moved into his neighbourhood. This family had three children; one Charlie's brother's age, one Charlie's age and one 4 years younger than Charlie. They had just moved to town and Charlie was asked by the school to introduce them to people and show them around.
As time went on Charlie got to know this family better and better. He became best friends with their middle child -Jane- and the family effectively took him in as one of their own. One perhaps untold fact about Charlie was that he was raised to be a Catholic. His mother was quite strict with some ideals (accordingly lax with others), one of these being along the lines of be nice to everyone.
As time went on Charlie's patience began to be tested. Attending a new school in a different town was a big step, however all seemed to be going well - almost all that is. The younger brother -Adam- began to become a nuisance. Coming to visit him on a near daily basis Charlie's patience began to be tested. In a move that was perhaps out of character, one fine summer's day, when Charlie answered the door to discover Adam his choice of words were: . .. .. .. . off. Being a sensitive flower Charlie was aware of how this affected Adam and was aware of the possible consequences of his actions.
Adam's sister Jane was a popular girl and had the looks to go with it. What had been an excellent start to secondary school turned into something of a poor show - Charlie began to feel like he was getting some funny looks. Whether this was due to paranoia is not for question, what is important is that Charlie became something of an introvert.
Several years later it was time to leave home for University. A fresh start, fantastic. It was like secondary school had been a blur and Charlie had not a worry in the world. However, history has a habit of repeating itsself. Without going into detail it could be said there was a case similar to role reversal. Charlie became an introvert once more and his previous means of escapism came running back. As it does, time went on. Charlie moved into a new flat and his flatmates went off for the summer to their respective parts of the globe. Charlie was alone for a while allowing for introspection and self improvement then I started a new job. History has a habit of repeating itsself, but this time I was prepared.
I have been happier than I can recall since starting this job. However there is always room for tragedy. One fine summer's day when I was in my bedroom and I heard the doorbell, I was not alone.
-I. Will
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