Nick sighed dramatically “It’s not like you need anything at this moment, plus I will pay you back as soon as it comes through, with interest.” Nick put on his real estate charm and gave her the same winning look he reserved for very special clients. “OK Nick.” she went to the drawer, pulled out a cheque book and wrote it out to the full amount without hesitation. “Thanks, Mum.” He went upstairs excitedly, closed the door and started to pack. He was pleased with himself, even by his standards this was a big achievement. A quick glance at his mirror and he noticed how different he looked already. His new shoes that he had bought earlier made him look taller, and made him feel more handsome. Who knew what adventures awaited? The money would buy him the friends that he never had. The money would buy him an escape from the mundane, the mediocrity of his uneventful life - until now. The next day his mother took breakfast to an empty room. She noticed a crumbled piece of paper, the same one she had handed to him the day before. She opened it, the words burning in her brain. And slowly, the realization dawned on her; Nick her son, was not coming home. “..she had sabotaged him genetical ly and he felt cursed by his looks.” Charlie Ausden 13.