Welcome to Hell

*Max*

I haven�t talked to my friends since the �92 fire in Tokyo. I can�t explain why I am doing this now, but I just had to urge to find them again. It just started on a whimper at first. I was just curious. My search began with a yearbook. I remember their faces so well. Ben, Kele, Julie, Lisa, Russell, Matt, Robin, Gordy, and little Kris. The more I wondered about how they were doing, the more I just had to find them.

I wrote down their names and looked them all up online. I was able to track down Ben, Julie, Kele, and Lisa. I plan to look for Gordy next. I can�t seem to get a hold of Robin no matter how I try. Every time I try to reach Matt, his phone is always busy or he just doesn�t pick up. I think I�ve seen Russell around, but I can�t be too sure. Kris�s number has been disconnected for a long time now. However, Julie gave me her new number. I plan to call Kris this morning and then find Gordy.

So, why exactly am I doing this? Like I said before, I haven�t seen or heard from them in years. I just want the chance to talk to my old friends again. I�ve been all alone since my family and I all moved away from Tokyo to Suiten when I was six. I couldn�t blend in well there and I still can�t blend in well here. My current life right isn�t any better. I am what the Japanese call a NEET. Well, almost. I don�t have a job (yet). I am in my junior year of college. (Though my grades aren�t that great.) I live at home with my parents and I don�t like it. So, yes it is pretty lonely and pathetic. You can see why I just want my old friends back to talk to every once in a while. So far, I am fulfilling that quest and now I have four people to talk to from time to time. I just need to find the other five. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed Krista�s new number. I flopped back unto my bed as the other line rang.

�Hello?� I heard a woman answer. I smiled at such a chirper sound. There�s no mistaking it; that�s Kris!

�Hey Kris!� I said. �It�s me, Maxxie! How have you been?�