Presley Qiaodi is a reserved 17-year-old boy of Asian descent and his best friend and now roommate Mitchum Charles who is African American since the first day of high school moved to attend college in H.I.D.C.A city. Including being the name of the city and College, HIDCA has a darker meaning in slang by the locals which the two only realize the hard way.

So though the college itself is a technological advancement and a known safe place for students human problems still exist. The city isn't all fun and games and precautions need to be taken. The underside of crimes that happen every day is easily overlooked by others but mixed in with teen drama wouldn't blend well. Even though Presley seeks to avoid getting involved, he may find it harder to do so because of those around him and the direct linkage to those at his school which is supposed to be their safe space.

How Presley copes with city life through his experiences he never talks about may be just what it takes for him and his friend to survive their college experience.

Presley

As I spoke to Priya I could tell she was hesitant to accept like Presley was, so I emphasized the safety issue. I sensed some concern as she asked questions about it but she was still indifferent about if she would want to be a part of it at the same time. I noticed Mitchum walk back up to us after conversing with Presley who remained behind. Then Mitchem tripped and bumped into Priya sending them both to the ground and causing her sunglasses to come off. 


"Oh no! Are you two OK? Mitchum, you have to be careful" I exclaimed. It was so sudden that I didn't react fast enough to catch any of them. 


"I keep warning him about those untied shoelaces. Are you ok Priya?" Presley said coming over and helping Mitchum up. I reached for Priya's hand she shook her hand in refusal keeping her head down. 


"Yes I'm fine, um I just need to find my sunglasses," she responded. 


Chapter 36- Be Your Own Hero