< Riko's POV >
I don't even have to get away from them.
I just have to get outside the store. That cold, metal bar. I just have to reach it. Pull it open-
Thank gad, the madam's son is an airhead. The only thing he must think about is inflicting pain. He kicks like a damn horse but at least he kicked me out of there.
Ignoring the sharp sting on my thigh, I stood to run as fast as I could.
But of course, they'd catch me. Dogs. Bred and trained to be just...goons.
I looked up as I held onto the hand that grabbed my hair.
An alley. Across the store.
I heaved a sigh of relief as they dragged me farther.
"Did you think you could pay off your debt working a job like that?"
"Did you really think I had planned on paying off my father's debt?"
He snickered. "It's better if you just die."
The bastard never uses his hands. He just kicks and kicks and kicks mindlessly like the animal he was born and raised to become.
As long as I curl up sideways, I'll survive.
I'll live.
< 11PM: End of Shift >
Ting's already at the counter. Haoran and I stood outside, ready to get off work.
He pointed to the left of Queen's Rd street. "My house is that way."
"What a coincidence. I'm heading that way as well."
"Great. Let's go together. It's pretty dangerous to walk around alone at this time of night. Lots of loan sharks going around beating up debtors."
I know.
"Have a safe walk, guys." Ting's voice came muffled from inside. "Don't trip and suddenly find out you've been reading each other's letters."
"What?"
"What?"
She walked towards the door and stuck her head out. "I said don't trip and die young."
"Wow, thank you so much, Ting."
"Very reassuring."
"I'll pray for you fallen angels. Now, go home."
It turned out that Haoran lived in the same apartment, on the floor below mine but only temporarily, while he's taking care of some papers that his father needs for business. He's dutiful and upright...
and in no way should I bring him to harm.
As it goes,
I can't work at the convenience store.
I can't retaliate against the madam's son. Because the last time that I hurt one of hers,
I lost a friend.
I've quite forgotten, for a time, what fear felt like.
YOU ARE READING
Dear Kafka
Romans[CPN] Riko was nearing the end of her life. What she decided to do for the remainder of it was to find someone to love. She never knew it would be so beautiful, maddening...turbulent. She got what she wanted and Lord knows it was the first time.
