𝐀𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐑 - MCU

II. THE FORGOTTEN ANTI-TRACKING SYSTEM

II. THE FORGOTTEN ANTI-TRACKING SYSTEM
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An afternoon of silence at the orphanage while the other kids were at school wasn't how Luna thought she'd celebrate the rest of her birthday. She still had that exhilarating thrill running through her from her sort-of victory. It yearned for more. It yearned for... ice cream. Not the best substitute for a birthday cake, but it would have to do. She could even take a birthday candle—she was sure there was one somewhere in the house.

It was a plan. She knew exactly what to do to achieve her goal. First step, cash. Over the long years of running out of allowance at the orphanage, she had been getting good in alternative ways of getting her hands on money.

Today's a special occasion, Luna thought, I'm celebrating.

And what better way to celebrate than to pickpocket some unsuspecting stranger?

The Brooklyn streets were filthy and crowded, with a blue tint caused by thick layer of clouds covering up the sun. Even on a somber day like this, she loved the city. People from all walks of life passed you by in a split second. You could stop to talk to anyone and leave with enough story to write a novel.

Luna walked along on the pavement, avoiding sweaty men and prissy women as she let her eyes scan the crowd. At each possible victim, she went along her mental checklist: good excuse to bump into them, accessible pockets, laid-back attitude. The last thing she needed was some New Yorker yelling at her and derailing her entire plan to score some much-needed ice cream.

Coming towards her walked a possible target; eyes glued to her phone, to-go coffee in her hand and sunglasses on her face even on a cloudy day. Luna nodded to herself and sped up, going in a slow jog and making herself stumble and fall, her shoulder ramming harshly against the woman. The lid of the woman's cup flew off and coffee spilled over her leather jacket.

Luna stopped and began her act. "Oh my god, I am so sorry," she said, trying to clean up the dripping coffee.

The woman brushed her red hair out of her face and adjusted her large sunglasses, waving Luna off. "It's fine, kid, just watch where you're going next time."

Luna sighed in relief and handed the woman her now-empty coffee cup. "I will, and again, so sorry!"

"Alright," the woman mumbled under her breath and rushed off, going back to her phone.

Luna watched as the woman walked away without a second glance. Rushing through the crowd of people, she ducked into the first alleyway she could find and held out a sleek black wallet. A victorious smirk made its way onto her face as she opened in and found five bucks just screaming to be used to buy ice cream.

• • •

With her legs dangling from the rooftop of a random Brooklyn building, Luna stared at her scoop of chocolate ice cream. Chunks of chocolate poked through the fluffy surface and a small purple-striped birthday candle was pushed in on top. She squinted her eyes at the wick, glaring heavily in an attempt at... She wasn't sure, but nothing happened anyway.

She pulled out her lighter and lit it the normal way. It took a few tries with the heavy breeze coming through, but eventually she managed it. She held the flame in front of her and closed her eyes, and made a wish. She flicked her finger and a special breeze blew the candle out.