Teen Ink

3rd August 1914:

There is quite possibly nothing I hate more on this Earth than school; I should think myself the luckiest man alive the day I walk from that wretched place for the last time. My headmaster’s threatening to throw me out after today’s fight, so I don’t see why I can’t just leave already, it would make everyone happier, to see the back of me. I’m a lost cause, always have been. Never the academic one, not like Johnny. I’m Just the 16 yr old, 6’2 thug with a quick temper. No, the only thing I’m good for is getting into fights. After today’s battle wounds, my body’s starting to look more like a walking gallery of scars. No wonder that woman gave me a horrified look before rushing her child on today, what a sight I must have been! Mother’s given up on me too, I think, at least from the look on her face today when I walked through the door in bloodstained clothes yet again, the way she gave a miserable nod and rolled her weary eyes. My brother doesn’t understand either, he’s too much like mother, so patronizing always telling me how I let everyone down. Me, I’ve always taken after Father, I like to think he at least would be proud of me. The only one that still believes in me is Rosie; she’s always been there for me. Never complaining, patching me up without criticism. She has such a kind-heart, always knows how to cheer me up when everything else seems so hopeless; I sometimes think she’s the older sibling. I will try to be better, to not let down the one person who hasn’t given up on me completely. I will try.