when night comes ━━ mike schmidt

𝟬𝟬𝟭 fifteen minutes

WHEN NIGHT COMES / Chapter One

Fifteen minutes.

He was fifteen minutes late to pick up his little sister from school. It wouldn't have been a problem if the playground wasn't completely empty, and his sister had to stand with Zion Adams while she waited. Zion didn't mind, though. Abby was a sweet girl with puppy eyes that made you immediately say yes to whatever mischief she was up to. She was also the only kid that didn't bully Zion's ten year old sister, Mía, for being mute, which made Zion instantly love her.

Plus, Zion knew how hectic things were for Mike Schmidt. She knew very well—they had only conversed three times in total and the topic of each one was Mike complaining that his work life was so chaotic. Then, he apologised for complaining, and Zion would laugh and say she understood. Because she did.

She'd been the sole provider of her family since she was seventeen. Now, aged twenty-four, it was clear to see it was taking its toll on her. Zion would paste on thick black eyeliner in attempt to hide her eyebags, she'd blast rock music in her ears to avoid anxious thoughts of not doing enough, not being enough; and her back was in constant agony. She was embarrassed to admit it but yes, her knees cracked every time she bent down.

But it was worth it.

She loved Mía more than anyone in the world. The little girl was unruly, brown hair always untamed, and she was snarky, definitely stolen from her sister; but she was also sweet and imaginative. Zion loved to see her eyes light up in delight as she picked up her latest book, excited to escape into her own mind. Mía was everything to her.

And who else would protect her? Certainly not their mother. So, it was up to Zion to safeguard her sister. And apparently, Mike's as well.

"Where's Mike?" Abby asked, looking up from her current drawing and tugging on Zion's sleeve.

"I don't know, honey, he's probably busy with work." Zion responded with a tired smile.

Abby sighed and went back to drawing, grumbling under her breath, "He's always busy with work!"

Zion bit on the inside of her cheek. She was supposed to be busy, too. She had two jobs: spend all day cleaning houses, then work at some crappy fast food restaurant until midnight. She had a few hours free in between those where she would pick Mía up from school and spend a little time with her. It wasn't ideal, though Zion made it work.

Where was he?

Where was Mike? Zion could feel her chest start to tighten. If he didn't pick Abby up, what was Zion going to do? She couldn't take the kid to work with her and she doubted her mother could look after two rambunctious children; she could barely look after Mía alone. And if she couldn't go to work, she'd get fired, she wouldn't be able to pay rent, they'd get kicked out—

No. Stop overthinking. Calm down.

Zion heaved in a shuddering breath and closed her eyes tight, trying to quieten her overactive mind. She lightly traced the palm of her hand with her index finger, exactly how her mother used to. Her anxiety fell silent. Frowning, Zion tried to think of anything at all that could help her.

Wait! Zion had Mike's number, right? Maybe. Possibly. Unless she accidentally deleted it because they never talked, ever. No, wait, here it was, saved as 'Mike?' because Zion wasn't sure if she'd heard his name right the first time they spoke.

Zion: Where are u
Zion: Im here with your sister but I need to get going so hurry up!!!!!!!
Zion: This is zion btw
Mike: I know. You gave me your number as well remember?
Zion: O right
Mike: I'm five minutes away don't leave Abby.
Zion: Ofc I wont