Crooks

My name is Crooks. I’m one of the workers on the ranch where George and Lennie used to work. I’m also the only black man on the ranch, which means I’m often left out of things. Most of the guys don’t talk to me, except when they have to.

I live in my own little room attached to the barn, where I keep my books and my few possessions. I like to read a lot – it’s one of the few things that keeps me sane out here. Sometimes I get so lonely I don’t know what to do with myself. But when reading, I can escape into another world for a while.
I’m not sure how I ended up on this ranch, to be honest. Being a black man in a white man’s world hasn’t always been easy for me. But I try to keep my head up and keep going. I may be an outsider, but I’m still a human being, you know?

I have few friends on the ranch, but I’ve learned to be self-sufficient. I take care of my own space and try to stay out of other people’s way. But sometimes, I can’t help feeling like I’m just an afterthought, like I don’t matter to anyone. It’s a tough way to live, but I’m doing my best.