Ricky is born with a health problem. He lives in Canada where they have National Health Care ...but his health problem isn't even considered serious enough to correct.

His parents love him, and they consider it important, but the health care system's assessment is that it is unnecessary and expensive.

Ricky's nasal passages are too small, and he has to breathe through his mouth.

His first day of school, one of the popular children, Robbie, asks,"What's that sound!"

Everyone hears Robbie's comment, and sees the face he makes when he turns to look at Ricky.  Indeed, Robbie's facial expression is hilarious ...and everyone laughs.

One of the kids says he sounds like Darth Vader. Another kid, who brags that he has cable television, says he looks like Herman Munster.

Authors note:  You are about to read, why, by the end of the week, they will all cumulatively refer to him as"Monster".

Ricky doesn't receive much kindness at school, so he is really surprised when Robbie offers to share some of his lemonade.

Ricky considers it the worst lemonade he'd ever tasted, but maybe that's because it has been sitting out, and got warm.

The next day, Robbie and a circle of friends all say hi to Ricky. Ricky is surprised by their friendliness, but is thankful for the attention. He doesn't want to refuse the lemonade that Robbie once again offers him. As before, it is warm ...and as the other kids smile, he wonders if they had some too, and whether they think it's as bad as he feels it is.

Soon this leads to other things.

Ricky shares some of these other things with other kids as he gets older ...though he resolves never to share warm lemonade.

It is whispered around school that Ricky is a homosexual.  As the teachers hear about it, they decide to meet with Ricky's parents.