Alex's phone buzzed on the kitchen counter, startling him from his thoughts. He glanced at the screen and saw Mia's name light up. "Hey, Mia!" he answered, trying to sound cheerful.
"Hey, Alex! It's Friday, and it's our turn for the big event at the community center," she chirped excitedly. "I was wondering if you could help me run the stall? People should start arriving around 11 AM."
"Sure, I can be there," he replied, glancing at the clock. He still had some time.
"Awesome! Thanks! See you soon!" Mia exclaimed before hanging up.
As he hung up the phone, Alex decided he would swing by the grocery store to pick up a few things for breakfast—a nice omelette sounded perfect. He stepped outside, welcoming the fresh morning air, though a strange feeling prickled at the back of his mind. Something felt off, but he shrugged it off, attributing it to the remnants of his restless nights.
Just a few blocks from the store, the strange sensation returned, sharper this time. Suddenly, a voice echoed in his head, urging him to duck. Ignoring it felt wrong, so instinctively, he leaned to the side. In that split second, a fist flew past him, barely missing his face. He turned, eyes wide, only to see Tyler, his former tormentor, stumbling forward on the sidewalk.
"What the fuck, Tyler? What's your problem?" Alex exclaimed, barely able to process the chaos unfolding before him. Tyler lost his balance and collided into a parked car, a sickening thud resonating through the air as he hit the pavement.
"Shit!" Tyler cursed as he pulled himself up, blood trickling down from a cut on his arm. "You're fucking dead meat!"
He reached into his pocket, pulling out a switchblade, its blade glinting ominously in the sunlight as he stalked toward Alex.
Before Alex could respond, a voice boomed from behind them. "Hold it right there!"
Both boys turned in unison to see a police cruiser parked nearby, lights flashing, and a woman officer striding toward them with authority. Panic crossed Tyler's face. "Shit!" he muttered, turning to flee.
But he barely took a step before the officer was upon him, strong hands locking around his arms. "You are under arrest!" she declared firmly, pulling him toward the squad car.
Alex stood there, stunned. The whole scene felt surreal. And as the officer dragged Tyler away, she turned her attention to him.
"Are you okay, kid?" she asked, her voice softening as she approached him. "I'm Sergeant Shelly. Do you need medical attention, and would you like to press charges against him?"
Alex blinked, still processing what had just happened. "I… I think I'm okay," he stammered. "I wasn't hurt, but he's been a real problem for me."
"Understandable," Sergeant Shelly said, nodding. "We'll take care of him. If you change your mind about pressing charges, you can come down to the station later."
"You don't understand. That guy has been trouble for a long time," Alex replied, a newfound fire igniting within him.
"Then it's important for you to stand up for yourself," she encouraged. "Don't let him intimidate you. We're here to help."
Alex took a breath, the adrenaline still coursing through him as he nodded. "Yeah, I won't let him get away with it."
"Good," she said, her expression firm as she looked back at Tyler, who was now fuming in the back of the cruiser. "Stay safe, okay? And keep your phone handy."
"Thanks, Sergeant," Alex replied, feeling a curious mix of relief and empowerment. With a quick wave, she walked back to the cruiser, ready to take Tyler into custody.
As Alex turned to continue his journey to the store, he felt an unexpected surge of determination. Today would be different—not just because of the angel's words, but because he was done letting others dictate his life. With every step, he could feel the shift within him, knowing that he was ready to face whatever came next.