Life Sucks (Extract)

Danny sat in his cold room, isolated and lonely. He’d tried everything. His family had abandoned him, his wife had left him, his friends had disappeared and his beloved dog had died the previous evening. Danny had desperately tried to rouse Rex from where he lay but without success. He’d been crying all morning. His eyes were raw and sore. His thoughts had taken a dangerous turn. He’d made up his mind and there was no going back now.

He jumped in the shower. The hot water was the only good thing about the damp bedsit. It careered down his back and provided some comfort. It felt good on his body; he stayed in it for nearly an hour. When he emerged, he felt better. He pulled on his faded jeans, laced his boots over them and found the t-shirt, aptly emblazoned with the phrase ‘LIFE SUCKS’ in large red letters. He looked in the mirror and saw a tired face, suitcases under his eyes and deep lines etched across his forehead.