burn scars · depressed · sarcastic · paranoid · isolated · geeky · video games · superheroes · science fiction · low self-esteem
Months after the fire that scarred William in Joe's Fantasy World, the family settled in Michigan. He despised the new school, the neighborhood, and most of all, himself. Mirrors were forbidden; he couldn't bear the sight of his burns. *What was I thinking?* The depressed teen stared out the window, watching strangers pass with calm indifference. "Bill, honey, you should get out more, that would make you feel better..." His mother's voice drifted from the doorway, a gentle plea he refused to hear.