I woke up grogily to a blaring alarm. I wanted to sleep some more, but I looked at the clock and saw it was 10:30 in the morning. I sighed and got out of bed, heading downstairs for breakfast.

My old man slapped me upside the head as got to the kitchen.

"You really think you can sleep in this late? It's summer, you should've been out doing your chores hours ago!" He yelled.

I just sighed, and made myself a bowl of cereal. "There's no point in doing chores in chicago. It's gonna get messed up by some gang member anyway."

I finished my bowl of cereal and threw my hoddie, snap back and shoes on, kicking my skateboard up.

My old man was mad now.
"If you don't get your responsibilities to this family in line, you won't have a Place to sle-" I slammed the door in his face.

It's always the same old story. Do your things, or I'll yell and threaten you. But even if you do, I'll still find something to yell to you about. That's his philosophy.

I started riding thru town. I didn't get thru ten minutes of riding before falling on my face. An unfamiliar man that I didn't know ran up to me. I was about ready to pull my knife on him, till I realized he was trying to help.

He helped me up, and brushed me off. I was kind of bummed, because my pants had a whole in them. But I brushed it off, thanked the man, and walked away.

***
I was pretty tired from riding for a long time, so I started heading home. I was crossing the street, and saw an old lady not too far off. I noticed she had groceries, and was struggling. I kicked up my skateboard and ran over to her.

It was really weird, because I seemed to be nicer than ussual. I asked her if I could help her with the groceries. She seemed to brighten up.

I offered her my skateboard, and she carried it. We walked along the street, laughing and talking about her grandson. We got to her apartment building, and I looked at my watch. I said I had to get home, and she patted me in the head, sending me on my way.

I got home just a little bit later, and managed to sneak past my dad. I got up to my room, and layed down. Something didn't feel right. I was actually feeling good about myself. Heh, who would've thought it.