[1] The story, which flashes back and forth from the 1970s and present day, revolves around a man Andy who reflects upon his childhood and the events that led to him living a life alone, with no friends or loved ones.

Raised by his grandfather after his parents both died (mother from a blood clot in the brain, his father from cancer) when he was young, Andy is bullied by his classmates and dominated by his obnoxious best friend Louie.

When he turns seventeen, Andy (who is weak and skinny) begins smoking and suddenly experiences short bursts of what appear, to him, as being super strength.

These include a journal, that explain that as a kid, Andy was exposed to experimental hormones by his father to ensure that his son would not be frail and weak like he was.

Ultimately, Louie attempts to crush Andy's head in with a rock in order to permanently steal the death ray from him.