I pulled myself out of bed, knowing that I couldnt lay there all day. It was the first day of summer vacation, so you'd think an upcoming senior could sleep in. But I had shit to do. Money to make. Sometimes I hated my life. When I got downstairs I saw my father at the table with a big bearded man and a woman dressed like a hooker. Who knew? Maybe she was.

"Hey dad . . . what are doing up so early?" I asked, utterly bewildered. I had never seen him up before noon.

"Up? We never fell asleep!" the bearded man bellowed.

They were definitely high on something.
I stared at the intimidating stack of dishes in the sink and knew that they had been eating all night. I had some shopping to do.
I made a list in my...