Alex brought up his hand, sniffing the liquid that clung to his fingers. His nose twitched as it was assaulted by the pungent odor. It was dark Shadow Stout, the cheapest and foulest of alcoholic beverages. The stench hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to the aromatic delights of the marketplace.
The four men walked menacingly toward Alex, expecting him to start begging and apologizing, assuming that their brutal assault would reduce him to submission. They were led by a short, blonde man covered in freckles, a sadistic individual who reveled in bullying others. He seized every opportunity to assert dominance, especially when surrounded by his so-called 'boys,' who took pride in their camaraderie.
"Apologize to Barny now, and kiss his boots ten times, or we will kill ya, you damn kid, ahahaha," the blonde man bellowed with a cruel grin, his laughter echoing through the bustling marketplace.
