Book Title: Lets Be Friends Short Story

Chapter One: Fred Johnson

The narrator, 16-year-old Fred, recounts the chaotic six weeks culminating in his family's forced move from suburban Kansas to Memphis, Tennessee. The upheaval is driven by his father, Arthur, a hyper-organized accountant who accepted a dream job heading the financial reporting division for a national distributor of industrial-strength sponges. Fred's mother, Deborah, the "chief operating officer of the Johnson household," channeled her competitive domestic zeal into a 37 page, color coded moving binder and organizational threats.

Fred's life has shifted from procrastinating on his Xbox to navigating an ungodly mountain of cardboard. The road trip was an eight-hour ordeal of Dad reciting gas mileage and Mom pointing out obscure historical markers. Upon arrival, their new, two-story house—an "object lesson in architectural superiority", only promised Fred twice the number of stairs to climb.

Despite the move being a "huge step up" for his parents, Fred is consumed by dread. While his gaming setup provides Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the forced relocation is a major anxiety. His biggest fear is starting over as the "New Guy" at the massive and socially unforgiving Memphis High. As his parents excitedly finalize their new life, Fred faces the next morning, feeling like his social currency is at zero, and preparing to step out of his silent, unpacked room to face a potentially "off-key, high-pitched disaster."

Book Title: Lets Be Friends Short Story

Author: Warren M. Walker

Publisher: V & W Publishing

https://publishing.irishknights.co.za/lets-be-friends-short-story/

Available on Amazon.com:

Kindle:

https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Be-Friends-Short-Story-By-Warren-Walker/dp/B0FVTQ92VN

Paperback:

https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Be-Friends-Short-Story-By-Warren-Walker/dp/B0FW414C7M