2002

Nick eagerly rushed up the broken stairs of his worn out house. As he opened the door, he called out, "Dad! I'm home! I'm so excited for the game! You're coming right? You promised to...Dad?"

No reply. A couple crashes from above filled the eerie silence. Then came the constant cursing.

Worried, Nick pranced up the creaky stairs in time to see his dad getting out of a heap of junk. Sighing, Nick asked, "Dad, you're coming to my game tonight right?"

Brushing off his dusty clothes, Dad replied, "Sorry son, I'm just so close to finding the way! I'm just too busy."

A wave of anger hit Nick. He yelled, "Dad! You promised! You did! But just like every other time, you back out on me at the last second! You're always too busy with your stupid machines and all! I hate you Dad and Mom would too if she was here!"

Frustrated, Nick ran out in a flurry, thinking, "Ever since Mom died an year ago, Dad NEVER has time for me. He's only cared about one thing, not me, but making this 'great' invention that could make us happy again. It's like I don't even exist anymore. I mean, I admire his persistence and all but why can't he ever spend time with his only family?"

Later that day, Nick went to his baseball game, still a little upset. He didn't feel like trying at all. After all, what was the point of showing off if there wasn't anyone cheering for you in the crowd? Stepping up to bat, he didn't have a motive that drove him. There was no purpose anymore. "STRIKE THREE!" Those words snapped him out of his dream. He didn't even swing at the ball.

The rest of the action happened quickly. Their team lost, an angry mob horded him, he walked on the silhouette path back home with a bloody nose and a bruised eye. Slamming the front door, with no enthusiasm at all, Nick spoke, "Dad, I'm home. We lost because of me. I'm going to take a shower and go to bed." Nothing except a few mechanical whirs. Groaning, Nick showered and went to his room. Looking around, he saw the poster of Bruce and Debby Johnson, the Invincible Duo that dominated everyone in the field of baseball. Nick laid down and tried to fall asleep. Rain pittered down, hitting the window pane with a strong yet light force. The sad wolf howled far into the night, as he called for the tribe that took care of him when he was young and followed after as he grew up...