In a flash of light, Alex found himself back where it all began, standing at the edge of his neighborhood. He breathed deeply, feeling the familiar crisp air but weighed down by the intensity of the encounter he had just endured. As he walked home, an unsettling realization settled in—he needed answers. He couldn't shake the thought of who or what loomed over his life, willing to unravel it thread by thread. His parents were gone, leaving the bitter taste of loss, and he had borne the weight of too many betrayals. Each abuse had chipped away at his spirit, leaving him empty. The thought of facing whoever was truly responsible set a fire in his gut, and he swore that if he ever crossed paths with them, he'd curb-stomp their face into oblivion.
With a huff, he muttered to himself, "Well, not much I can do about it now. But I know this is my life, and I'm taking control of it from now on." Determined, he marched to the nearest store, picking up groceries for dinner thinking Mac & cheese sounds good while its a simple meal, it felt like a step towards normalcy. After eating, he climbed into bed, sleep consuming him quickly, his dreams a blur of determination and revenge.
The next morning, Alex rose early, feeling a surge of energy coursing through him. He decided to get some exercise in the nearby park before reaching out to Harrold about the martial arts instructor. As he jogged, the rhythm of his feet on the pavement synchronized with the steady beat of his heart, pushing away the remnants of yesterday's turmoil. However, peace was fleeting.
"Hey, asshole!" a voice pierced the morning air. It was Logan, the embodiment of everything Alex loathed.
Wiping the sweat from his face, Alex shot back, "What now?"
Logan's sneer was venomous. "You know it's all your fault Tyler is going to juvy because of you. His life is ruined!"
"My fault? How the hell is it my fault? Tyler deserves it for being such a jerk! He even tried to pull a knife on me! And let's not forget all the crap you guys have done to me—I'm glad he's finally getting his comeuppance," Alex yelled back, fueled by a desperate need to vindicate himself.
"SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!" Logan shouted, lunging at Alex with a punch that landed squarely in his stomach. The wind knocked out of him, Alex fell over, coughing, struggling to catch his breath.
Logan loomed above him, hurling profanities, "You think your life was so hard before? Well, I'm going to make it so much worse!"
As he continued his assault, a chorus of voices erupted nearby. "Stop that! We're calling the cops!" A group of bystanders gathered, shouting threats that made Logan hesitate. With a final glare, he stepped back, growling, "This isn't over. It's just beginning."
Still lying on the ground, Alex wiped himself off, the swelling anger in his chest intertwining with the resolve he felt after the angel's words. This would be the last time Logan or Tyler took a piece of his peace away.
Shakily, he pulled out his phone and called Harrold. "I'm ready to meet the martial arts instructor," he said, his voice steady and firm.
"That's great! I'll send over the address and his information," Harrold replied enthusiastically, and the brief exchange ignited a spark of hope in Alex. This was just the beginning of taking back control, and he was ready to fight.
With a firm grip on his phone, Alex felt a surge of purpose as he walked towards the bus station. Each step brought him closer to a future where he could take a stand, not just against Logan and Tyler, but against anyone who threatened his peace. As he boarded the bus and settled into a window seat, he gazed out at the passing landscape, still buzzing from the exchange with Harrold.
He wondered about the martial arts training that awaited him. What kinds of techniques would he learn? Would it be grueling? He thought about the strength and agility he wanted to develop so that he could defend himself and protect those he cared about without hesitation. The shadow of his past loomed large in his mind, but he pushed it aside, envisioning success instead.
What if he could learn to overcome his fears, to stand tall enough to face anyone unflinchingly? He pictured himself practicing kicks and punches, the rhythm of disciplined movements becoming second nature. Could he really master it quickly enough to thwart any future threats?
The bus rolled soothingly beneath him as he listened to the ambient noise of the city—the chatter of passengers, the roar of engines, and the soft hum of city life. It felt like a world away from his previous struggles. Finally, the vehicle came to a stop in front of a small shopping center. As Alex stepped off the bus, he muttered to himself, "This is it."
His eyes widened at the big sign adorning one of the buildings: "White Tigers Fighting Gym." He was drawn in by the slogans painted on the windows: "Train your mind for focus, Train your body for resilience and determination." Each phrase resonated with him, solidifying his resolve. Taking a deep breath, he walked towards the doors to the entrance, feeling a blend of anticipation and nerves surging through him. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one where he would no longer be a victim. Instead, he would become a force to be reckoned with.