The Morning After
The next morning, Kalin woke up early, but this time, things felt different.
For the first time in days, he had a sense of purpose. The job at the small shop, though humble, was his first real step toward independence.
But the world wasn't going to make things easy. As he sat on the cold floor next to his sister, he couldn't help but think about all they had lost, and what they still had to fight for.
"Are you ready?" he asked his sister, who was still rubbing her eyes and stretching.
"Yes," she replied, her voice quiet but full of determination.
They had learned quickly that no one was going to give them anything. The world would remain harsh, but they had each other, and that was enough to keep them going.
First Day at the Shop
Kalin arrived at the shop just before opening time, his heart beating faster than usual. It was a new beginning, but he wasn't sure if it would be enough.
The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a stern face, barely acknowledged Kalin as he entered.
"You're here," the man said curtly, his tone giving nothing away. "Get to work."
Kalin took a deep breath and nodded. He had promised his sister he would make this work.
He spent the day doing the usual: cleaning, organizing, serving customers when needed. Every so often, the shopkeeper would throw a few harsh words his way, criticizing his every move, but Kalin ignored it. He had no time for distractions.
However, the physical work was nothing compared to the emotional toll. As the hours passed, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing—something more important than a simple job.
By the end of the day, his muscles ached, but there was one thing he had gained: self-respect. He had survived another day, and that was enough.
The Unexpected Visitor
Just as Kalin was about to leave, the doorbell chimed, and a man entered. He was tall, well-dressed, and his presence seemed to command attention.
The shopkeeper greeted him with a polite nod. "Good evening, Mr. Levens," he said, his tone suddenly softer.
Mr. Levens, a middle-aged man with sharp features, looked at Kalin. His eyes seemed to appraise him, sizing him up.
"You must be the new kid," Mr. Levens said, his voice smooth, almost calculating. "I've seen you around the city. You've been through a lot, haven't you?"
Kalin nodded, not knowing what to say.
"Tell me," Mr. Levens continued, "are you looking for more than just a job?"
Kalin's eyes widened. Was this a job offer? Or something else?
"I'm offering you something... bigger," Mr. Levens said, his gaze sharp. "Something that could change your life."As Kalin was about to leave the shop, the doorbell chimed again, and the man who had walked in earlier, Mr. Levens, approached him.
Kalin felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up, as if something was different about this man.
Mr. Levens looked at him, his eyes piercing through him, studying him in a way that sent a shiver down Kalin's spine.
"You think this is just a simple job, don't you?" Mr. Levens said softly, his voice cold and knowing.
Kalin looked up at him, surprised by the sudden change in tone.
"But I know who you are, Kalin," Mr. Levens continued, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.
"And I know what you're capable of. This is just the beginning... but be warned..." he leaned in closer, his eyes locking with Kalin's.
"You're not the only one with power."
The words hung in the air, leaving Kalin stunned and confused.
As Mr. Levens turned and walked out of the shop, Kalin stood frozen, unsure of what to think, or what this mysterious man meant.