Alex's phone rang, piercing the silence of the night. He groggily reached for it, his mind still foggy from sleep. ''Who is this?'' he answered, his voice laced with sleep.
The voice on the other end was menacing. ''If you want your little brother to stay alive, come to the warehouse on 5th and Main.''
Alex's heart began to race as he sat up in bed. ''What did you say? Who is this?'' he demanded, but the line was already dead.
He threw off his covers and quickly got dressed, his mind racing with worst-case scenarios. What had Mike gotten himself into now?
When he arrived at the warehouse, a figure emerged from the shadows. ''Well, well, well. Look who came to save his little brother's life. What a brilliant brother you are, Alex,'' the man sneered.
Alex's anger flared, but he kept it in check. ''Where is Mike?'' he demanded.
The man chuckled. ''Ah, your brother took a little loan from me. One million dollars, to be exact. And if he doesn't pay it back in two days, well... let's just say he won't be painting anymore.''
Alex's heart sank. Mike's dreams of becoming a painter were well-known to the family, but Alex had no idea he was in such deep financial trouble.
The man released Mike from his restraints, and Alex rushed to his side. ''You idiot! What have you gotten yourself into now?'' he exclaimed.
Mike looked up at him sheepishly. ''I'll handle it, bro. I promise.''
Alex sighed. ''Handle it? You're in debt to gangsters! Take this money and pay it back. I don't want to see you hurt.''
Mike hesitated, but Alex's firm tone brooked no argument. Finally, Mike nodded, and Alex handed over the money.
As they left the warehouse, Alex couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and concern for his little brother. He knew Mike's dreams were worth fighting for, but not at the cost of his safety.
''Be careful, Mike,'' Alex warned. ''And don't think about borrowing more money without telling me.''
Mike nodded, looking grateful. ''I won't, bro. I promise.''
Alex smiled, relieved. ''Alright, then. Let's get out of here.''
The next morning, Mike gathered his family in the living room, his eyes cast downward in shame. ''Dad, I want to say something to all of you,'' he began, his voice trembling.
Daniel looked at him with concern. ''What's wrong, son?''
Mike took a deep breath and bowed his head. ''I want to apologize to Alex. I've been a terrible brother to him, and I'm ashamed of my behavior.''
Alex looked at him in surprise. ''But what happened, Mike? What's going on?''
Mike hesitated before speaking. ''Dad, I borrowed one million dollars from some gangsters for my art supplies. And they kidnapped me when I couldn't pay them back. But Alex saved me and gave me the money to pay them off.''
The room fell silent, with only Grace's shocked gasp breaking the stillness.
Alex placed a hand on Mike's shoulder. ''No, Mike, we can start fresh. You can pursue your passion for painting, and we'll support you.''
Daniel nodded in agreement. ''Alex is right, Mike. You have a talent for painting, and we want you to be happy.''
Mike's face lit up with gratitude. ''Thank you, Dad and Alex, for forgiving me and giving me a second chance.''
Grace's expression turned cold, her voice laced with disdain. ''Mike, how can you quit architecture? You're throwing away your future.''
Mike stood tall, his resolve evident. ''No, Mom, I love painting, and I'm going to pursue it. I'm not going to let you dictate my life anymore.''
Alex stepped forward, his voice firm. ''Aunt, Mike is not your slave. He has his own choices, and as his brother, I'll support him.''
Daniel's voice boomed through the room, silencing Grace's protests. ''Alex is right, Grace. I want my son to be happy, and if painting is what he wants to do, then so be it.''
As the family dynamic shifted, Grace's anger and frustration simmered just below the surface. She stormed out of the room, leaving the others to breathe a sigh of relief.
As they left for Mike's college, Grace's resentment lingered, her mind plotting ways to regain control over her son's life. The once-peaceful household was now a battleground, with Grace on one side and Alex, Mike, and Daniel on the other. The war for Mike's future had begun.
Betty was pacing back and forth in her living room, her phone pressed to her ear. ''OK, bring her to my house. Thanks, I owe you one. I'll treat you to a meal next time,'' she said, her voice laced with urgency.
Just then, the doorbell rang. ''That must be Joey,'' she thought to herself. She opened the door to reveal her friend Joey, a psychologist, standing on her porch.
''Hey, Joey. Thanks for coming over. I need a favor,'' Betty said, her eyes pleading.
''Of course, what do I have to do?'' Joey asked, his curiosity piqued.
''I need you to help me remind someone of their past. She's a friend of mine, and she's been through a lot. I think your expertise could really help her,'' Betty explained.
Just then, the doorbell rang again. This time, it was Alex. ''Hey, Betty. How are you?'' he asked, his eyes scanning her face.
''I'm fine, Alex. Thanks for coming over. I was just talking to my friend about you,'' Betty said, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
Alex raised an eyebrow. ''What about me?''
Betty hesitated before speaking. ''I think you know someone who can help you remember your past. Joey here is a psychologist, and I think he could really help you uncover some memories that have been buried for a long time.''
Alex's eyes widened in surprise. ''You mean my childhood memories?''
Betty nodded. ''Yes, exactly. I think it's time you faced your past and dealt with whatever demons have been haunting you.''
Alex took a deep breath before nodding. ''Alright, I'm ready.''
Just then, Alex's phone rang. He answered it, his expression changing from determination to concern. ''Dad, I'll be right there. Something's come up.''
He hung up the phone and turned to Betty. ''I have to go. My dad needs me.''
Betty nodded understandingly. ''Go, Alex. We'll do this another time.''
As Alex left, Betty turned to Joey. ''Thanks for coming over, Joey. I think we're onto something big here.''
Joey nodded. ''I'm always here to help, Betty. Let's do this.''