The next morning, Kendrick sat at the kitchen table, staring at his untouched breakfast. His mom was bustling around the small apartment, getting ready for her shift at the hospital. She paused when she noticed him sitting there, deep in thought.
"What's wrong, Kendrick?" she asked, her voice full of concern.
He hesitated. He didn't want to worry her, but he also couldn't keep everything bottled up. "It's Trenton, Ma. He and his crew won't leave me alone. They keep showing up, trying to pull me back in."
His mom sighed, sitting down across from him. "I told you, baby, the streets don't let go easy. Trenton… he's made his choices. But you? You've got a chance to do something different."
"I know, Ma. But it's not just words anymore. They're starting to show up where I practice, where I work. It's like they're waiting for me to mess up."
His mom reached across the table, placing her hand on his. "You're stronger than that, Kendrick. You've got a future ahead of you, and they can't take that from you. But you've got to be smart. Stay focused. Don't let them bait you into anything."
Kendrick nodded, feeling her words settle into his heart. She was right. He couldn't afford to let Trenton or anyone else drag him down.
Later that day, Kendrick headed back to the gym, determined to shake off the fear and frustration. He threw himself into his drills, pushing harder than ever. By the time he was done, his body ached, but his mind felt clearer.
As he walked home that evening, the streets felt quieter than usual. Too quiet. Kendrick quickened his pace, his senses on high alert. He didn't see anyone following him, but the tension in the air was impossible to ignore.
When he reached his building, he saw a note taped to his door. It was simple, but the message was chilling:
"Stay in your lane, or you'll regret it."
Kendrick ripped the note down, his hands shaking. Trenton's crew was making their threats clearer. But he wasn't going to let them scare him. Not now. Not when he was so close to his dream.