The Foxhole Court

He set his standards impossibly high and tried for them with everything he had, and he didn't understand why others wouldn't do the same

"Morning, sunshine," Matt said with exaggerated cheer.
"Fuck you," Kevin said.
Dan yawned into her hand. "Glad to see you're still a morning person."
"Fuck you too."

He was something solid to lean against, something violent and fierce and unmoving. Neil couldn't remember what it felt like to have someone hold him up. It was terrifying and liberating all at once.

Neil Josten let his cigarette burn to the filter without taking a drag. He didn't want the nicotine; he wanted the acrid smoke that reminded him of his mother. If he inhaled slowly enough, he could almost taste the ghost of gasoline and fire. It was at once revolting and comforting, and it sent a sick shudder down his spine. The jolt went all the way to his fingertips, dislodging a clump of ash. It fell to the bleachers between his shoes and was whisked away by the wind.

Welcome home, Neil."

"Get some sleep," Andrew said. "We're going home tomorrow. We'll figure this out then."

You aren't going anywhere. You're staying here."

don't feel for anyone or anything," Andrew said. "Don't forget that."

His life was out of his control now; he was giving it to Andrew and hoping Andrew would keep it safe.

In a moment you're going to be perfectly honest with me and tell me what I have to do to keep you here."