Terminally Abstract

Chapter 1

I massaged my aching eyes, stinging from late night studying. I peer over at my holographic clock and check the time. 2:37 A.M..

No one said it'd be easy taking AP classes.

I rest my head on the sickly metal desk and listen to its echoes. I can't complain, I thought. I thought about how it'd be at school today. School, school, school. Looking at my blue hue-d room gives me a sad reminder of the lack of social life. Not like it mattered anyways. This is for the best. For the best.

The best for who? I wondered. Always wondering. Always thinking. I think too much.

The back of my head tinged with a sharp pain. Another headache.

The best for who? I questioned further.

I sat up and grabbed my earpiece to zone out my speeding thoughts. I wasn't going to go through this again. I placed my head on the table once more and shut my eyes.

"Fading. Fading in the fog. Remember. Remember me in time."

That's where I am now. In the fog.

___

The blaring of my alarm clock snaps me awake and I drowsily try to prepare myself for class. As I'm pulling over a sweater, my mother calls for me from downstairs.

"Michael! What did I tell you about being late to class?"

I heave a sigh. That was one time. I overslept once in sophomore year and now she'll never let go of my one error. Error. Such a good word choice, Michael.

By the time I'm downstairs, my mother is on her tablet, typing away at a report for work. The t.v. is playing in the background and I see my father. I grab a slice of toast from the table and look at the screen. Life's certainly different when you'd only see your father through the news. Or even as a political speaker who does absolutely nothing and blabbers lies through a microphone. That's the only way I would describe him. Or even could. Maybe I thought about him that way from the jealousy of his lack of attention towards me. I don't care. He could never stand for one decision. I'd be better than him, more...influential.

The screen flashed into an advertisement.

"Buy your chip years early!"

I picked up the touchscreen control on the couch, coated in a fingerprint proof metal. With a warm hand, my fingerprint sent an indication to change the channel.

"Get ready for the new sale! Upgrade your intelligence with this small USB!"

"Just click it, and it'll fix it!"

A woman with a USB walked over to a small child, perking up her smile for all to see.

Click

"Wow, gee! Thanks, Mom! I'll pass that quiz tomorrow!"

"Because intelligence, is the key!"

"Please use responsibly."

I flicked my finger to switch the tv off.

I turn over to my mother and watch her sipping her coffee. We haven't even properly talked yet and we already feel distant.

I start shuffling my feet towards the door.

"Hold it mister." I freeze and make eye contact with my mother's judging eyes. "Your grades came in yesterday. Your citizenship and comments are saying that you are not paying attention in class?"

I heave another sigh. "Well, at least I'm passing, okay?" I start reaching for the doorknob.

"You know that's not what I meant. I want you to actually be interested in something. Just plan ahead."

"I understand. I just need time, that's all."

"Time for what? To find yourself? Honey, I thought you were interested in the robotic field like your friends. How is Arthur by the way? He's such a talented boy." I cringed.

"I-I am. He's fine." I hesitated. "I can still-."

"Then there's no need in "finding yourself", dear. It seems like you've got your career set already."

"Mother, I don't think I want to be a-"

"You'll never get anywhere in life if you don't accept what you're made to do, Michael. Focus on your education and that's that." Her stern voice bounced around the kitchen. "Now, don't forget to have a great day at school." she chirped.

Flustered and embarrassed, my headache raged. I speed walk to the door and head to school.