Steel Heart ▪ Toby McDonough

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Note: most of the chapters in the story will be in Toby's POV

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Toby's POV

Life.

I haven't really given much thought about it and barely understand it. People exist for a reason. Some of them are meant to be a huge star, an award winning icon, a talented person in a certain field, and to just live.

I really don't understand the concept of modern humans. Why would a person like to live in a world full of hate, drugs, greed, jealousy, and lust?

I think the only least complicated things that exist is food and sleep. At least they're not as complex as humans.

But mornings are more complex than humans. You know why? Because I have a blooming hatred for them for an unknown reason.

Sadly, my brother Connor has to drag me out of bed for God knows what reason.

"Urgh," I groaned grodgily and kicked his side. He winced and hit me back using his arms. "Wake up Toby!"

My mouth formed a thin line into a frown. I still haven't open my eyes but I could feel the softness of my bed but with just a few inches from the edge, I'm close to meeting the floor.

"No," I stubbornly reply.

I could imagine him rolling his eyes and making an annoyed sound. "Be glad I cooked you breakfast. You don't wanna eat cold eggs."

I groaned and smashed the pillow to my face to cover me. Grumbling between, I said, "Fine whatever Mom."

"Gee, can't you be less cranky in the morning?"

"Because I hate mornings."

"Yeah. I could see a huge sign above your head," he grumbled.

A tsk sound escaped my lips and I groaned. "Just get out of my room. I'll be downstairs in a sec." I didn't hear his reply afterwards and heard the door slam close.

As much as rising early in a Tuesday morning is against my will, I dragged myself out of bed and put on some pants and a navy blue shirt.

At least breakfast is something I like looking forward to. I jogged downstairs, hopped on one of the stools in the kitchen counter and started eating. Connor's nowhere in sight. Probably he's in his room or hanging outside.

I heard shuffling footsteps coming in making me glance up. Riley opened the refrigerator and took out a refreshing milk.

While his adams apple bobbled and his mouth savored the taste of the cold milk, his eyes travelled to me and caught me watching him.

After drinking, his eyebrow raised at me while licking the remaining white liquid on his mouth. "What's up with you today?" he asked.

I shrugged and continue eating my usual breakfast: eggs and bacons. "What about you?"

"I'm hanging out with Natalie," he said and took out his phone. I could feel the urge to release a pathetic sigh but I couldn't.

Not when my brother's on this phase of his life to bounce on every girl he sees just because of his break up with Monica. I guess that's just his way of dealing with a broken heart.

I made a gesture, waving him off the kitchen then I continued eating. I thought I was left in peace, to enjoy the beauty of eating breakfast until Connor bugged me again.

"Yo," he greeted. "Hmm?" I reply since I couldn't speak while chewing.

He shrugged and took the stool across me. Without uttering a word from his mouth, I groaned and sensed that he's watching me eat.