Page 3 - Birthday edition 1 -OUTCAST_Neat

Chapter one .

Andrew slowly walks down the dimly lit path, descending the small hill that leads to Furesøen. A
cigarette pulses in his hand, and as he often does when alone, his eyes squint. The lake stretches out
before him, bathed in a shimmering silver glow, with wisps of clouds overhead allowing rays of
sunlight to break through, creating scattered beams of light.

From his vantage point, the lake appears colossal, its expanse hiding the shores on three sides.
However, as Andrew walks at an angle to the right, the shoreline vanishes from sight. Towards the
west, a faint, pale moon emerges, growing larger by the minute, like a paper-thin specter. Others
may not notice these details, but Andrew, lost in his own thoughts, observes intently, a bitter twist
on his lips.

In his right hand, a bottle, its contents concealed from her distant view. She can't quite discern what
it is, but it resembles a bottle of spirits. She knows he drinks heavily at times, especially during
periods of stress, perhaps leading up to exams. It's a secret world she can't fully comprehend, but
she's aware of his fondness for cocaine, speed, and, of course, hash. His intoxication levels seem
higher than ever, surpassing those of typical young men his age. In years past, he appeared too tall
and thin, almost sickly, but his body has matured, leaving him still tall but less gangly and
noticeably healthier.

She, too, was once thin and angular, deemed beautiful by all who laid eyes upon her.

Andrew reaches the edge of the lake, where a bench awaits, positioned next to the unused diving
board. Most people prefer to sail their small rowboats or sailboats from there rather than using it for
swimming. For them, the few kilometers to Øresund serve as a destination for bathing, while the
lake becomes a mere launching point. The picturesque landscape embraces the beautiful lake,
dominated by the white, classical Danish church that majestically presides over Holte town on the
hill to the right. She knows Andrew just turned 17 and is about to begin his time in gymnasium
(high school).