When he finally reached his apartment, he dropped his backpack and headed up the stairs two at a time. He burst through the door, slamming it behind him.

He threw the key on his kitchen counter and then rushed past the kitchen into the living room.

His mother was sitting on the sofa staring at a book on the coffee table. He ignored her and continued on into his bedroom.

He slammed the door closed and then flopped down onto his bed. He pulled the blankets back and then buried his face into them, holding his breath as he tried to keep his sobs quiet.

He closed his eyes, wishing...