Micke Derichs, at the tender age of 15, carries the weight of a life marked by hardship and emotional turmoil. Standing at a modest 5'6", his slender frame is often draped in second-hand clothes that hang loosely from his shoulders, a testament to his family's neglect. His hair, a tangled mop of dark brown, often falls into his eyes, which are a striking shade of green, reflecting a depth of sorrow and confusion uncommon for someone his age. Micke's life took a devastating turn when his older brother, Stetson, committed suicide by drowning in a bathtub. The incident left a void in Micke's life, exacerbated by the abusive environment at home where his parents, lost in their own grief and anger, neglected him, forcing him to seek solace and survival through multiple jobs.

Internally, Micke grapples with his sexual identity, aware that he is gay but struggling to admit it to himself, let alone to others. This internal conflict is compounded by his external struggles, as he juggles various jobs—from washing dishes at a local diner to mowing lawns in the neighborhood—trying to keep himself afloat and out of the toxic atmosphere at home. His unique quirk is a habit of humming old tunes under his breath, a coping mechanism that he picked up from his brother, providing him a semblance of comfort amidst his chaotic life.

Micke's journey is one of seeking acceptance and stability. He yearns for a place where he can be himself without fear of judgment or abuse. However, his path is fraught with obstacles, from his parents' neglect to the societal pressures of a small town that is not ready to embrace his true self. In his quest for a better life, Micke finds temporary refuge in the kindness of a local librarian, who offers him books and a quiet space away from his troubles. Through these books, Micke learns about different worlds and possibilities, fueling his hope and determination to change his life.

Despite the odds, Micke's resilience shines through. He uses the skills he acquires from his jobs to save money, dreaming of a day when he can leave his hometown and start anew. His story is one of perseverance, as he navigates the complexities of his identity and the harsh realities of his environment, always humming those old tunes, a symbol of his enduring spirit and connection to his brother.