Not Nothing

Alex is the protagonist and the character who experiences the most significant growth. From the beginning, there are hints at Alex’s troubled past, particularly his stressful home life and his anger issues. Throughout the story, Alex struggles with feelings of guilt over something he did, described as “truly bad,” but he does not reveal the specifics until much later because it takes time to confront it. 

Alex has not seen his mother in over a year, which adds to his feelings of isolation and abandonment. He feels out of place at the retirement home and nervous about his first day there, his heart racing as he faces yet another unwanted change in his life. His sense of distrust and reluctance extends to the social worker, who is only trying to help him. Alex’s inability to trust anyone is worsened by his pessimistic outlook on life, leading him to dislike the social worker’s overly optimistic attitude and his current living situation with his aunt and uncle, which he does not consider to be a home. He resents being at the retirement home, viewing the volunteer work as a punishment rather than an opportunity.

Despite his resistance, Alex begins to find a sense of purpose and belonging at the home.