My life used to be normal. Nothing special. I was just an ordinary guy—no big dreams, no major accomplishments. I grew up in a quiet family. Mom, Dad, and my younger sister, Asha. There was no drama, no surprises. Just a simple, everyday life. I went to school, did okay in class, and spent my time like most people do.

I wasn't the smartest or the worst student. I didn't stand out in any way. Just another face in the crowd. And honestly, I was fine with that.

But everything changed when my parents died.

I was 21. Asha was 20. And in an instant, our world turned upside down.

The hardest part was the phone call.

I remember that afternoon like it was yesterday. I was sitting at the kitchen table, scrolling through my phone, not really paying attention. I thought it was just another random call. I picked up.

"I'm sorry, but your parents didn't make it," the voice said, too calm, too distant.

At first, I didn't even understand what she was saying. It took a few moments for my brain to process it. The words were empty, like I was hearing them from a long way off. I could hear her sympathy, but it felt like she was reading from a script.

I just sat there, frozen. I couldn't move. The world felt like it was spinning around me, but I was stuck. I didn't know what to do.

Nothing made sense anymore.

After that, it was just me and Asha.

She was strong, way stronger than me. She held things together when I couldn't. Even though I was the older brother, she stepped up. She made sure we kept going. She took care of things, like she always did.

But she didn't deserve this.

Asha had so much ahead of her. She was ready to start college, chase her dreams. But now… all of that was slipping away. I couldn't let that happen. I had to do whatever it took to make sure she didn't lose everything.

The tuition bills came, and I didn't have the money. I could barely make rent, let alone pay for school. But I couldn't just let her give up on her future, so I did what I had to do. I took three jobs. No questions, no complaints.

I worked mornings, nights, weekends—whatever it took. I didn't sleep much. There was no time for that. I had to keep going. For Asha.

One afternoon, I finished work early. For the first time in a while, I wasn't completely exhausted, so I decided to take a small break.

I went to a manga café—just to sit, read, and forget about the stress for a little while. It wasn't much, but it was something for myself.

Walking to the café, the streets felt calm. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their pale pink petals swirling in the soft wind.

The sight always made me feel like life wasn't so heavy, like there was something beautiful beyond all the struggle.

I could hear the rustle of the leaves, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in it.

The café was warm and quiet when I entered. I grabbed a coffee, sat by the window, and opened a manga.

It was the first time in weeks I wasn't thinking about bills or deadlines or Asha's future. I could just relax.

But then, I heard it.

A scream.

It was sharp and full of panic, cutting through the peaceful silence like a knife. My heart raced. I dropped the manga and grabbed my phone, already dialing 911 in my head. But I didn't just sit there. I had to do something.

I ran.

I followed the scream, my feet pounding on the pavement, my thoughts a blur. I rounded a corner, and there, in the alley, I saw it.

A man had a girl pressed against the wall. His hand was around her neck, and she was struggling, gasping for air. The fear in her eyes was clear.

For a second, I froze. I was reminded of the moment when I heard about my parents. I wanted to run away from it, to pretend it wasn't happening. But I couldn't. Not this time.

I spotted a metal rod lying on the ground. It was cold and heavy in my hands, but it was better than nothing.

I approached as quietly as I could, but then I stepped on something, and the noise echoed in the alley. The man looked up.

His eyes met mine, and I saw something—something dangerous. He wasn't going to stop.

I swung the rod at him, but he was faster. We moved, back and forth, each trying to get the upper hand. I wasn't winning.

He was bigger, stronger. But I couldn't give up. Not with her there.

Then he hit me. Hard. Right in the jaw.

I stumbled back, my whole face burning. My vision blurred. Everything felt heavy. I wanted to fall, but I couldn't. I had to keep going. For her.

The girl found her chance. She shoved him off and started to run.

My chest tightened. She was getting away. She was safe. But I couldn't let him go after her.

I grabbed his leg, holding on with everything I had left. He kicked me, trying to shake me off, but I didn't let go.

Pain shot through my side, sharp and unrelenting. I could barely breathe. Every movement felt like my body was falling apart. And all I could think about was Asha.

What if I wasn't there for her? What if I couldn't protect her? What if she lost me, too?

I couldn't stop. I couldn't.

But then, everything went black.