And now is where the story begins.

By the time I was seventeen I had become a complete introvert. I was not standoffish, mean or unlikable, but I felt no motivation to leave my home or establish friendships. My father was the only person I spoke to for an extended period of time. I helped at the counter. People said hello and I returned the gesture. That was it.

Then one day a suited man came in. This was unusual. The people of the town were either farmers who wore suits only for funerals or chômeurs, who in any case rarely came into the store. This was the only time I saw this man. He was about five and a half feet tall, with brown hair and green eyes. His suit was clearly made fore business, a sportcoat with a white shirt and blue tie.

He said three words:

"Are you happy?"