it's wonderful what a smile can hide.

    I never thought of myself as particularly attractive, smart, or socially advanced -- certainly not rich. It was odd, then, to meet two men possessing everything that I lacked. Though modest, they had everything in their hands. The Lexus, a couple of grand to blow, nice shoes, stories of traveling the world. I had the choice of keeping up with them while questioning my own abilities or staying behind.

    There's no gap between poverty and excess, no medium between dim and blindingly bright. At least not here. Now more than ever I can't find a place in this world. I'm beginning to question if I ever will.

   

    "Why are you wearing a hospital bracelet, mate?"
    "I got into a fight. Didn't win."