Luiz stared at the message on his phone — the tuition reminder — until the words blurred.He shut the screen, rubbed his eyes, and pushed himself off the cold breakroom chair.
By the time his shift ended, everyone else was gone. The supervisor left him a small envelope — his first pay.
He opened it outside the studio.The money wasn't even enough for a week's meals, let alone school.
Luiz slipped the envelope into his pocket, feeling a hollow ache in his chest. He didn't even know if he should laugh or scream.
As he walked out, neon lights painted the wet streets in scattered reflections. Music from nearby bars spilled into the night — loud, careless, mocking.
His shoes soaked through a shallow puddle, but he didn't bother avoiding it.Every step home felt heavier, like the world was weighing him down one coin at a time.
He passed by the same food stall where he used to eat with Clara. The owner glanced up, recognized him, and gave a small nod. Luiz just looked away. He couldn't face another person who knew the version of him that still had hope.
The street ahead narrowed — dimly lit, quiet, almost empty.He shoved his hands in his pockets and kept walking.
Then — footsteps. Behind him. Slow at first, then faster.
"Yo, bro!" a voice called out.Luiz didn't turn.
Another voice, rougher: "You walking alone with that bag, huh?"
He froze. Three figures emerged from the alley — hooded, shadows stretching under the streetlight.
One of them smirked. "Relax, man. We just wanna see what's in your pockets."
Luiz's throat went dry. He took a small step back. "I don't have anything."
"Everyone's got something." The tallest one cracked his knuckles. "So let's not waste time."
The night air grew colder. Somewhere far off, a car horn echoed — but no one came down this street.
Luiz's heart pounded. His fingers brushed the envelope in his pocket — his entire week's pay.
He knew they'd take it.He also knew he couldn't afford to lose it.