Two Years Later

Before Cyubo’s departure, Norman had asked for and received the ability to astral project.

At first, he had been absolutely elated. He had begun to have dreams of traveling the world. Of finding treasure. Of working for the CIA. It had felt like his wildest fantasies were about to come true.

But Norman had quickly realized that his power was limited to a mere ten-mile radius. There would be no epic adventures in Egypt. No spying on the Russians.

Norman had been crushed. It was as if all of his aspirations had been stolen from him. He became bitter once again.

Beep. Beep. Beep. It was seven in the morning. Time to get up. Norman got dressed. Snatched a bagel from his mother. Caught the bus.

At seven-thirty, Norman arrived at school. He had to drag himself into the building. Immediately, he felt on edge. He could feel a thousand pairs of eyes boring into him. Judging him.

He glared at everyone he saw.

Tick. Tock. Tick. It was eight. First period. Math. Over the years, he had grown to hate math. Too many letters. Not enough numbers. He felt his teacher hovering. Watching him. Thinking he was stupid.

Norman distracted himself for a while by astral projecting and spying on the neighborhood girls. It got boring fast. He’d done it a million times, after all.

Norman canceled the projection and stood up. He was leaving.

When Norman arrived home, his mother was still there, sitting at the kitchen table. With her letters. Not working.

He glared at her. He hated being poor.

She just smiled at Norman sadly.

“Did you have a rough day?” she asked.

Norman just scoffed and went upstairs. Dumb bitch. Probably didn’t even notice he’d skipped.

He wished his dad was home.