THE SKY WAS A DEEPENING SHADE of the twilight, casting long shadows across the narrow alley. Laughter and light spilled from the nearby streets. Azrael's small hand clasped firmly in his mother's as they exited the cinema.
The vibrant marquee lights flickered above, casting colorful reflections on their faces.
"Never in my life did I ever imagine Robin Williams playing Peter Pan." His mother said.
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"Or Julia Roberts as. . . Tinkerbell." His father mused.
"Oh! She was pretty there, dad!"
"I agree." His father replied. . . maybe a little too quickly as he was met with a harsh glare from his wife. He lets out a shaky laugh, "I-I'm just kidding, honey."
The air was brisk as they meandered through the bustling streets, laughter and the scent of street food mingling in the evening air.
Azrael's parents shared a quiet smile over their son's head.
"I love these nights, just us." Azrael's mother whispered, squeezing her husband's hand, "It's like we can forget everything else for a little while."
His father nodded, pulling them both closer as they navigated through the crowd.
"It's perfect. We should make it a monthly tradition." He said, "What do you think, Azrael?"
"Can we watch a movie every time?" Azrael asked, his voice hopeful, his steps light with excitement.
"Every time." His father smiled.
As they turned into a quieter side street, the atmosphere subtly shifted. The lively sounds of the main road grew distant, and the shadows in the alley seemed to deepen, stretching out like dark fingers across the cold pavement.
Azrael's mother tightened her grip on his hand, her cheer fading into caution.
Her eyes scanned the dimly lit path ahead.
"It's just a bit further to the car." His father murmured, trying to sound reassuring, though his eyes too were alert, "Maybe we can get some Ice cream after."
"That'd be great, papa." Azrael agreed, giggling.
"What's the verdict, champ?"
Azrael's face lit up.
"Can we get chocolate?"
As they walked towards the exit, his mother's laughter echoed.
"Chocolate it is. Let's just hope it doesn't have any microchips in it."
A sudden clatter in the darkness made them all jump. Azrael's father instinctively moved in front of his wife and son, his body tense.
