Screams. Struggle. A woman was pushed, holding a plate high above her head. She screamed the loudest—until she was pulled out of line.
A little boy ran to her. She urged him toward his sister, who was hugging her chest tight. Despite the pain, the woman smiled and nodded. The boy hesitated... then ran. His sister grabbed him, her eyes already wet with tears.
They were filthy. Ragged clothes, hunger visible in every bone.
The wave of people surged forward like a monster—bleeding eyes, clawing for food. Unity in desperation.
The boy hugged his sister tighter.
—
The sun rose over broken docks and scattered bottles. Justin stirred, groaning as light stretched across his worn-out floor and naked, aching body. His skin was pale green from nausea. His eyes—bloodshot. His head—pounding.
He dragged himself into the bathroom and vomited, gripping the sink like it might hold him together. His phone buzzed somewhere in the mess.
Jack collapsed next to the toilet, hiccuping, reaching for the sound. Before he could grab it, the door creaked open.
Two women stood in the frame—half-dressed, shadows against the morning light.
One leaned down, her sharp manicure lifting his chin.
"Thanks," she said. She pecked his cheek, then walked out with the other woman, their small purse stuffed with his money.
The door shut.
The radio clicked on. A cheerful morning song played—"I'm Happy".
Jack collapsed onto his bed, laughing. Not joy—something else. Too loud. Too long.
—
That day, Justin changed.
He cleaned. Painted. Replaced the rotting mattress. Tossed out bottles and trash. Bought two of everything—new bedsheets, new pajamas. One for him. One for someone else.
He sang while he scrubbed. Took the longest bath of his life.
In his bone were steam of happiness.
—
Dressed sharp, Justin greeted his elderly landlord and landlady with a grin. They exchanged a glance and the husband shuggie.
He drove to the restaurant where he had made a reservation with the last of his money. Ordered two cups of tea. Kept checking the door.
His excitement slowly dulled. And with mins that tick doubt slip in.
Was he ready? Would she come? Did he look like a idiot? Why are they looking at him?
Then he heard it—the sharp sound of heels.
A woman entered.
Beautiful. Confident. She turned heads. Her curve visible to her black lace dress with her curl bouncing.
Justin smiled, whistled low. "Wonder who that is," he muttered, licking his lips.
She raised an eyebrow. Her voice cut cold through the room.
"Phil?"
His grin froze.
She slid into the seat next to him, brushing brown curls behind her ear.
"Long time no see… little brother." a small smile on her lips revealing a dimples
The color drained from Justin's face.
And for a moment, just one broken second, time stopped. A memory bled through—a boy clinging to his sister, while the world tore itself apart.
i wrote few words to it.
sister, while the world tore itself apart.
i wrote few words to it.