AN/ Hi there. This will be my first written fiction. My purpose in creating this fiction is mostly in improving my writing skills. Constructive criticism is appreciated, as is pointing out any grammatical or spelling errors that make it past myself and my editor.

I will not be posting on any schedule, between schoolwork and hobbies I don't have much time./

Ben was poking at his tray of cafeteria gruel at the end of the lunch table by himself.

He was thinking about the virtual reality game being released next weekend. He wouldn't be able to buy one when they first came out, but prices would go down in a month or two.

Like most guys his age, he dreamed of a new world. Not to run away from a horrible life with abusive parents or a friendless, bullied school life. Ben wanted a video game where he could immerse himself to the point where he would feel a purpose in leveling up and getting stronger. He wanted to have a place for himself and he wanted to be special.

America isn't a hard country to scrape by in, food stamps and unemployment support could keep you alive. There wasn't really any motivation to do anything.

As Ben contemplated the bleakness of life and virtual reality's opportunities a couple of guys and girls sat near him while animatedly discussing the upcoming elections. 'Great, they just had to sit here. I'm not going to get any peace for the rest of lunch' Ben thought, annoyed.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The group of three guys and two girls had been in his class since freshman year and would be graduating with him after this school year. He wasn't especially close with them, but when they weren't arguing on about how terrible Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton would respectively be for the country or ranting about what reforms were necessary for society, he could enjoy time with some of them.

Will, Drake, and Susan had roped the other two into their conversation apparently. Something about political corruption. 'Original. Very original'. Ben thought, and continued to daydream about a new land full of possibilities to explore. The bell rang and be joined the throng of students going to class.

As he walked he heard snatches of conversation about the vr game, which he ignored, opting to keep to his daydreams. After all, he wouldn't even be able to play for months, no point in discussing the game now.

He went through the motions of participating in class until the final bell rang and walked home.