Each person, no matter how broken, has a reason for what they become. A reality that makes sense to them, shaped by their desires and the illusions they believe in.
Mike Richards lived in a family of three.
Seven years ago, his father died in a car accident, leaving behind his mother, Violet, and his twin sister, Lily.
Since then, Violet had been the one holding everything together.
She worked as a nurse, but that alone wasn't enough. She took on extra jobs whenever possible, balancing income with the need to keep the family stable. Despite everything, she still cared deeply about both of her children.
Lily was doing well. She was already in high school through a hospital-sponsored program and was known for her academic performance.
Mike, on the other hand, was different.
Mike had been affected by losing his father, even if he never really talked about it. Over time, he changed. He became quiet, kept to himself, and spent most of his time gaming late into the night.
He didn't have many real-life interactions.
Instead, he spent time in the virtual world, where things felt easier. Through gaming, he connected with people and built a kind of identity for himself. One of the people he talked to most was someone named Scarlet, an online friend he often played with.
At home, Mike and Lily had a constant rivalry.
They argued often—sometimes over small things, sometimes over how Mike lived his life. Lily was more organized and logical, and she often tried to guide him, which Mike didn't always appreciate.
Their relationship wasn't hostile, but it wasn't peaceful either.
It was just how things had always been.
Over time, both of them became more reserved socially. They didn't have many friends outside the family and often relied on their own thoughts to pass time. They each created mental versions of themselves, imagining different personalities and lives.
That was how they coped.
Eventually, Violet made a decision.
Mike would attend Star Academy in Philadelphia.
It was a top-tier school, and Lily was already enrolled there.
Mike had never been to school before, but Violet believed it was time. It would give him structure, discipline, and a chance to grow.
Mike didn't fully agree—but he didn't have much choice.
"Mom, how come Lily gets to go first?" Mike asked.
"Because she passed the test," Violet replied from the kitchen. "And you didn't."
"Besides, handsome boy—mom needs a daughter-in-law," she added jokingly.
"Your mom sounds nice," a voice came through Mike's headset.
Mike leaned back slightly and smirked. "Shut up, Scarlet. Let's just focus on the game."
"Relax, I'm just saying," Scarlet replied, teasing him. "Hope your ego can handle it."
Mike chuckled quietly.
The day finally came.
Mike wasn't excited. In fact, he felt uneasy about it. Meeting new people, starting at a new school, and leaving behind what he was used to—it all felt unfamiliar.
Lily, however, was already prepared.
When Mike finally stepped out, Lily immediately noticed his outfit.
He had dressed formally—too formally. Black trousers, a large blazer, and oversized shoes. He looked more like someone attending a formal event than a high school student.
Violet burst into laughter when she saw him.
Lily, on the other hand, was disappointed.
"Kill me," she muttered under her breath.
Mike didn't understand what was wrong. He thought he looked serious and presentable.
"Go change," Lily told him. "We've talked about first impressions."
Another argument nearly started, but Violet stepped in and told them to get in the car before things escalated.
The drive to the academy was tense.
Mike and Lily exchanged quiet remarks and occasional insults along the way. Even though they were twins, their personalities clashed constantly.
They had always been like that.
When they arrived, Mike immediately noticed the difference.
Students were arriving in expensive cars—sports cars and luxury SUVs. In contrast, he stepped out of a simple sedan.
It was clear he didn't belong in this environment.
Violet had to leave quickly for work, so she said her goodbyes and drove off.
Mike was then escorted by the boarding master to his room.
As he walked through the corridors, he heard whispers and small comments from other students. It made him more aware of how new everything felt.
Eventually, he reached his room.
It was simple. A single bed, a desk, a chair, and a built-in closet. The room was plain, with curtains displaying the school's logo.
"This is your room," the boarding master said. "Your roommate will arrive soon. His name is Jim Cath Cort."
"And you can call me Mr Jeffrey,"
With that, he left.
Mike stood there alone.
No gaming console.
No familiar environment.
No Scarlet.
Just a quiet room in a completely new place.
A new life had just begun.