Survivor | Frank Castle

.2.

The city's bustling streets are a stark contrast to the quiet haven Mary has found in her small apartment. As she walks through the crowded sidewalk, Bubs by her side, she's reminded of the chaotic world she's trying to distance herself from. The distant sound of sirens and the constant hum of traffic serve as a reminder that danger is never far away.

Lost in her thoughts, Mary rounds a corner into a narrow alleyway, a shortcut she often takes to reach her destination. But today, something feels off. She senses a presence behind her, a lingering feeling that she's being followed.

Instinctually, her body tenses. She knows how to defend herself, how to fight and win, but her newfound commitment to pacifism holds her back. She's trying to leave that life behind, to prove to herself that she can choose a different path.

The footsteps behind her grow closer, and a shadowy figure emerges from the alley's entrance. Mary stops, her heart pounding, her mind racing. She can feel the tension in the air—the potential for violence, for a fight that she knows she could win.

The figure steps into the light, revealing a man with a menacing grin. He's blocking her path, clearly intending to intimidate her. Mary's instincts scream at her to fight back, to defend herself, but she fights against them. She reminds herself of her decision to choose peace over violence.

"Nice dog you got there," The man sneers, eyeing Bubs with a mixture of interest and malice, "Would be a shame if something were to happen to him."

Mary's grip tightens on the leash, her knuckles turning white. Her heart pounds in her chest, torn between the urge to protect Bubs and the desire to honor her commitment to pacifism.

"What do you want?" She manages to say, her voice steady despite the fear that courses through her veins.

The man's grin widens, his intentions clear.

"Your wallet, sweetheart. And anything else of value."

Mary takes a deep breath, her mind racing. She knows she could easily overpower him, take him down without a second thought. But that's not the person she wants to be anymore. She's trying to break free from the cycle of violence, to find a different way.

With a deliberate movement, Mary reaches into her bag and pulls out her wallet, handing it over to the man. She feels a surge of frustration and anger, but she pushes it down. She won't let him take away her newfound sense of control.

The man takes the wallet with a triumphant grin, his gaze still fixed on Bubs.

"Good girl," He taunts, clearly enjoying the power he holds over her.

Mary's fingers curl into fists, her instincts screaming at her to fight back, to show this man that she won't be a victim. But then, her gaze shifts to Bubs, who looks up at her with unwavering trust. In that moment, she knows what she needs to do.

"Keep the wallet," Mary says, her voice steady as she steps forward, her body positioned protectively in front of Bubs, "But you're not taking anything else from me."

The man's expression changes, his amusement turning to frustration. He takes a step closer, his intentions clear. But Mary stands her ground, her heart racing, her palms sweaty.

For a tense moment, they stare each other down, a battle of wills in the narrow alley. And then, with a muttered curse, the man turns and disappears back into the shadows.

Mary lets out a shaky breath, her body trembling from the adrenaline. She reaches down to pet Bubs, her touch grounding her in the reality of the moment. She chose peace over violence, and she's still standing.

As she continues on her way, her steps steadier now, she reflects on the choice she made. It wasn't easy, and the pull of her old life was strong. But she's determined to stick to her commitment, to find strength in choosing a different path.