Chapter Four: Oddball:

They saw me as odd back then. My mates would have to drag me out of the house on the weekends. We would go to the pub on Friday nights. They drank and talked while I sat in my corner with my drink. Why was I there? I thought about slipping away on many occasions. Not like they were going to notice anyway. Somehow, I wouldn’t do it. Well, almost. There was only one time snuck away to go home. I don’t understand why they had to drag me out of the house.

To be honest, I don’t really miss the old days. Too many people. I’m not being dragged around to a pub Friday night. It’s quiet. It’s nice.

I used to work at an IT job. I sat at my desk. It was only because I didn’t have to talk to people. My job was to make sure that the computer system stayed up and running. I could do it from my home. The pay was good. I could work in peace. Don’t pity me. My life was good. I had some friends. I don’t know where they are now. (I hope they are okay.)

I don’t remember what I was doing when they called for evacuation. I think I was either asleep or I don’t know what. Let’s go with I was sleeping. Why didn’t anyone wake me up? I don’t know, but I have a couple of guesses. It doesn't matter now. They are gone and I am still here. Are they still looking for me? I don’t know and I’m not holding out hold either.

Now, I’m not depressed or anything. I am just what you would call a loner. There’s no real reason, really. I just don’t enjoy hanging around people. My friends understood this and yet they still tried to take me out places. In fact, I think it was a mate’s birthday before this all happened. I don’t remember which one it was. Of course, they had to drag me along. That night, I didn’t try to argue. But I did slip away early.

Do I sound weird? My mates think that I am. They say things about me to my face.

“How you never smile?” Max asked.

“Are you feeling okay, man?” Sam asked.

“You’re not trying to push away, are you?” Paul asked.

“Is something wrong?” Jai asked. They kept asking me all of these questions. All I did was smile and nod. They wouldn’t understand. Frankly, I am surprised they stayed with me for so long. Now they are gone. All of them. It’s just me now.

Well, it’s me, her, her daughter, another kid, and the dog now. I don’t know how to deal with it. Fuck me.