Question

What is the theme the story of "Nethergrave" by Gloria Skurzynski?

Answer 1

Science fiction, short story (about the impact of science and technology on the world). It is not set in the future (it does not have to be to be classified as science fiction, but science fiction is OFTEN set in the future)

Jeremy is treated poorly by his classmates/teammates, he lingers in the shadows instead of going home right away, he gets home and immediately starts talking to his online friends and lies to all of them about his day and has a joke that falls flat, he worries about how they view him when they all suddenly log off, and he learns about "Nethergrave" from NetherMagus. He eventually makes an avatar that resembles what he wishes he was (or that has the qualities he wishes he had).