In the story, Clay, a senior in high school who is notably older than his peers, struggles with his coursework. During a class, he is ridiculed by his classmates for not knowing basic information about the brain, and the teacher expresses frustration with his repeated failures to meet academic expectations. Clay, who is balancing school with work at a diner, faces criticism from his boss for doing homework on the job instead of focusing on his responsibilities.

Despite the challenges, including being the target of bullying and struggling with his assignments, Clay's family supports him. They acknowledge his efforts and the difficulties he faces, such as being late to work due to school commitments. The story highlights Clay’s perseverance in the face of adversity, his ongoing struggle to succeed academically, and the support he receives from his family despite the challenges.