• “Let’s have another toast to celebrate my brother’s success!” Eric’s drunk uncle said, swaying back and forth in his chair.

    The rest of the many other drunken people cheered.

    Eric sighed. Had his father not won the lottery earlier, this beer party would not have been. He longed to play with his friends outside the house, eating ice cream and laughing with them on this hot, sunny afternoon. But no, his domineering father had insisted that he attend. So what could he, a helpless eleven-year old boy, do but say yes?

    His stepmother approached him. “You should go up to your room if you’re bored,” she said softly.

    “Nah, I’m good,” Eric replied. “Watching them celebrate is already keeping me busy.” And it was true. He wondered why people should celebrate just because somebody had won a million dollars. He was glad, of course. He would be able to buy anything he wanted. But drinking didn’t do your health any good. It makes your breath smell bad and you get reckless. People say it gives them temporary joy, but honestly, Eric would prefer his health and hygiene to temporary happiness.

    “Have it your way, then.” Joy went back to her usual place: the kitchen. Eric bit his lip. Joy was kind and all, but she was nothing like his real mother. It was just…different.

    Suddenly a loud cry arose from among the alcohol-reeking people, followed by the sound of glass shattering. After that, the whole living room was in chaos. Men lunged at each other, shouting vulgarities. Other women pulled each other’s hair violently, cursing and swearing at one another. Eric heaved another sigh. He was quite used to scenes like this, since he had been taken to bars and discos ever since he was six years old. A disadvantage when you have a drunkard dad. And another disadvantage when people drink. Chaos would always erupt sooner or later. He got up to go to his room, where he could enjoy the peace and quiet in there to himself. But just as he stood up, something shattered against his head and pain shot throughout his body.

    Eric sank to the floor, moaning and groaning. He touched the area where the glass or whatever it was hit him. Then he gazed at his fingers, blood dripping through them. His vision blurred. And then he saw a woman, most likely Joy, coming towards him and sitting down beside him. He gave one last groan.

    And then everything in Eric Summers’ mind went black.