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John said. “It’s a great reminder of the man you once were.”
    “That means I’m a respected man,” his father scoffed.
    “It means yo u WERE a respected man,” John said.
    “Get out of my sight,” his father coughed.
    “I’m glad you asked. Later this week I’m going to spend a few days at a friend’s place so I don’t have to be in this rathole with you.”
    “I provide for you and this is how you treat me?” his father coughed angrily.
    “Provide for me?” John said, “Take a look at yourself. What kind of father are you? I’m the one being generous to you. And I just don’t feel…”
    “I told you to get out of my sight!” his father yelled from his recliner. He grew a beer bottle at John and missed.
    John walked out of the front door and shut it behind him. He angrily rushed down the steps and headed toward the street. By the time he made it to the bus stop, he had cooled down and noticed Andrew Lockman. Lockman was dressed the same as always; polo shirt, khaki pants, rosary around his neck, and his long hair pulled back in a ponytail.
    “Hello, John,” Andrew said. “How are things?”
    “Eh, not bad,” John said lowly. “You?”
    “Likewise. Even when things aren’t going my way, I just remember they could be worse,” Andrew said. “Take for instance me. My mom is a single mother raising four kids. And this is the neighborhood we live in. But we do our best.”
    “Yeah, I guess it helps to stay positive or whatever,” John said.
    “Oh, it makes all the difference in the world, John,” Andrew told him. “The line between being okay and not being okay is a tightrope.”
    The school bus pulled up to the bus stop as John and Andrew boarded the bus along with a few other students. They sat next to one another and continued speaking.
    “Andrew,” John said. “I noticed you always wear the rosary. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you without it.”
    “Never leave home without it,” Andrew said as he held the rosary in his hand. “There are a lot of things about me that have changed and there are a lot of things about me that will continue to change. But if there’s one constant in my life it’s this. And faith in my family.”
    “What about faith in everyone else?” John asked.
    “I don’t know, John. The world is difficult. I just keep my family close. And I honestly just don’t have the energy to care for everyone. Some people want to save the whole world. Me? I just want to save my family. Because the way I see it, if everyone looked after their family then the whole would be alright.”
    “Trust me when I tell you that there are a lot of people who don’t give two craps about their family,” John told him. “One tragedy occurs and they just don’t care about anyone that remains in the aftermath.”
    “John, the pathway to peace is paved with hardship,” Andrew said as he bowed his head.
    “I’m not sure I agree with everything you said. Being a Marxist and all,” John laughed, “But I respect you. Everybody respects you. You’re just that type of person, y’know?”
    “Well, there are a few people that like to ruffle my feathers, but mostly, I think you’re right,” Andrew smiled.
    “Oh yeah,” John asked, “Have you heard about Clark’s party?”
    “Yeah,” Andrew said, “He told me about it. No location yet.”
    “He just found a spot,” John told him. “It’s gonna be outside. Across the tracks.”
    “It’s pretty empty out there,” Andrew said.
    “That’s why it’s the perfect spot. It’s gonna be rockin’ by the time we get there.”
    “Then I’m there ,” Andrew said.
    John peered out the window for the remainder of the bus ride.
    Later, before the first class bell rang, Clark was walking around campus inviting kids to what he called the “first, biggest, and best party of the year.” Helping her boyfriend out, Sarah was telling other students as well. She was certainly persuading more boys than Clark.
    “Party on the