Wow! What a great first chapter! Clark has the angst, the despair, the thought that maybe his life could have been better. You've really nailed his quiet desperation.
I agree with Carol that the saddest thing is how he's voluntarily cut himself off from Martha and Jonathan. No wonder he is spiraling into a deep morass of depression and self-loathing.
And what about the aliens? What an excellent concept!
Crop circles, mutilations, abductions; everyone thought they were the work of hoaxers and tall tales from crazies in Nowheresville. Who knew that they were the precursor of days to come? To an actual, real threat?
I love this! All the stuff that we write off, all the stuff the tabloids print - you mean it's TRUE?!
Great beginning. Post more soon.