Hrm... A very nice piece honestly. (I was moved here after reading some of Emers' work. Seeing as she seems to love the way you love her, I figured you might be worth a look-see, so here I am.)
Your words are far more than just faintly reminiscent of another young writer I used to know. (young being a turn of phrase seeing as he's actually older than me by several years) In fact, I'm almost moved to ask you if you are him, but I'm entirely too certain you're not, only because of the fact that he'd never put his work on a site like this. :)
The only bad thing I can say about this first chapter, is simply the fact that you used the term "rice-a-roni" too many times. One of them (most likely the last) should be changed to some more generic term. It's a common failing in writers to over-use a specific word or phrase, and I have to constantly check my own work to avoid such errors.
Other than that most minor of failings, I've found this particular piece to be oddly stirring in a dark and decidedly pessimistic fashion which somehow makes me want to read on.
I believe the specific word I'm searching for to describe this first chapter is "Hopelessness" but a hopelessness which does not necessarily state that being hopeless is necesarily such a bad thing.
And now onto Chapter 2.
Arthur E. King

ya know, i worry about you too. well, you've got a bit of characters here, not much of a story yet. all i can say is delve, more. these are short chapters and i think you could put a lot more detail and character-personality. right now we just have a whinney inner-voice. ive seen you write better, but this has potential.

Dreams that keep coming back at you are the freakiest! And they always seem to be the scary ones, you know?

Interesting little snippet. Is it going to go somewhere?

well, the dicriptions of hte nightmare were very vivid, well done - good job. some of it is a little confusing, but it gives a nice drowsy effect.
Ibid?