Chapter 1: Hunger Struck

It was summer already! A milestone that had become increasingly impressive as the years passed. At least it had for one of the key inhabitants of "wake lane," Niko. A street dominated by broken cars and hardened neighbors, you could describe his surroundings as rough to say the least.

His marks weren't impressive but they had never been the focus. The meals given to students halfway throughout the day was his concern, something often overlooked by his peers. Time had flown by him to his detriment. Who could he rely on for his meals now that his school year was behind him.

Patricia had promised to alleviate the stress but would swiftly leave Niko without a cure. Niko's own mother had left for days and without proper goodbyes. Someone he could rely on had become a ghost, he relished memories that passed even if only so long ago.

The clocks which decorated the cafeteria walls rung, he would be filled with a sense of uncertainty as his classmates prepared to leave. Tables in rows could be seen trembling at the rise of the students that once occupied them. This time he had been given proper goodbyes. His friend of many years greeted him while preparing to leave. "Summer is going to be great, Nic, trust me." A sentiment Niko couldn't agree with in any sense. His chest sunk, his friend walked away.

All he could hear was the ring of those bells. Who'd imagine that the ring of school bells could leave one so depleted? Niko's head thudded the coming summer breeze which engulfed his still face and made his way home atop his shuffling feet. The door was locked but this had never worried him before, he was afforded the luxury of keys by his mother before her leaving.