Gunther Paraway hated Chicago. Sure, there was Millennium Park with its gardens and themes, and the selections of renowned museums to tour in, but Gunther couldn't bear it. It was the smell of oily, polluted air that burned his nostrils. There was the non stop noise of cars and trash talking people that produced his splitting head aches. And on top of all of that, it was simply too crowded. How was one supposed to enjoy a nice family meal in their cramped backyard with all of that happening? Could anyone possibly pass the time reading a book outside while the constant droning cars would interrupt the small amount of relaxing bird chirping? What if you are claustrophobic? How, how, HOW?

That was what Gunther kept asking himself as he stood grumbling at the foot of the sidewalk. Cities had never been his forte, and never would be. His father had explained that he had been born here in Chicago and lived here his whole life, but there was something inside of him that didn't feel right being here in the city.

He stood at a street corner, sometimes shuffling in place out of boredom while waiting for his school bus to arrive. Across the street from him, there was a Walgreens; a Walgreens flooded with people coming in and out and in and out. Over and over, simply repeating, never ending! No! Don't think about that! But then off to his right there was a vendor selling hot dogs and chips, a homeless man begging, and a group of show off teenagers all yelling at once.

"Get your hot dogs…!" yelled one

"Money for the poor…?" begged another

"Hey there ladies, what you got there…?" teased the group.

Gunther's mind swirled and he felt slightly dizzy. First, he steadied himself by putting his hand against the white 'Bus Stop' sign and leaned against it, then shook his head to clear his vision. After recovering, his nose almost involuntarily breathed in a little too much air. Gunther's head and vision became fuzzy again as the sour aroma of vehicle fumes and burnt fuels filled his body. Gunther, again, steadied himself on the pole before slumping to the ground.

UHG! What's with me today? His mind screamed. He always felt a little light headed but today it was really acting up. Gunther reached behind his back in a clumsy fashion, opened one of the flaps and fished around inside for his water bottle. He found it. Hands shaking, he managed to twist of the cap and take a long swig. The cool water only slightly helped, so he tried a more practical approach and splashed the remaining water onto his face. He was up on his feet instantly. The cool drip of the water from his face and black hair to his clothes felt unusually refreshing. The water had also gone all over his shirt, which was perfectly fine with him.

"Dude?" came a voice from behind. Gunther jumped in surprise. "What the heck is wrong with you?" It continued. Gunther turned around to see a teenager boy just behind him. He was almost as tall as he was, roughly five feet six inches. His pants were tight black skinny jeans slightly sagging but being held up by a spiked belt. His shirt was black with the band name 'Demon Hunter' imprinted on it with blood dripping letters. He wore a hoodie which was also black. And not surprisingly, his hair was long and wisped around to one side, also in the shade of black.

Gunther responded, "Sorry man, but the city makes me feel weird sometimes. Something's just getting to me today."

"Whatever."

The boy stepped back and leaned against a nearby fence, plugging in his skull candy headphones. Gunther, even from where his distance was, could hear the heavy bass beat of screamo music.

Gunther decided to sit back down on the pavement to ease his legs, which were becoming shaky. But no sooner then he had he sat down, the main group of kids came walking around the corner. Gunther could see them all. Michael, the popular one. Jessi, the hot one. Jeff, the wacko one. And so many more.

To many people! Gunther's mind yelled at him. I know but what's causing this? He questioned himself. Ha, I'm arguing with myself.

Then the bus arrived. Its rumbling engine, gassy exhaust pipe, and ugly yellow colour tortured Gunther even more. It came to a halt right in front of him. Everyone wanted the best seats in the back and stampeded the doors. People were pushing past Gunther. So many people. A person shoved into him, but he couldn't see who. That's when he felt the shock. It wasn't electrical but it hurt; a powerful pain through his whole body. It was all Gunther could do to get to his seat before almost succumbing to unconsciousness….