Shadows Of The Past

Chapter Five: Shadows in the Night

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the kitchen table. Riley, Jordan, Mahina, and the siblings sat together, enjoying a rare moment of peace. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, creating a comforting atmosphere.

"Pass the eggs, please," Kai said, reaching for the dish.

Riley handed it over, smiling at the sight of her family gathered together. "What's everyone's plan for the day?"

Kai shrugged. "Same old, same old. Construction site."

Avery, the youngest, grinned. "I'm working late at the convenience store again. Might even get some overtime."

Mahina looked at her youngest with a hint of concern. "Be careful, Avery. It's not the safest neighborhood."

"I will, Mom," Avery reassured her, taking a bite of toast.

Jordan leaned over and squeezed Riley's hand under the table, offering a silent promise of support. Riley felt a rush of warmth, grateful for Jordan's constant presence.

After breakfast, everyone dispersed to their respective jobs. The day passed uneventfully, a normality they had begun to cherish amidst their turbulent lives.

As evening fell, Avery found himself alone in the convenience store, the fluorescent lights casting harsh shadows on the shelves. He whistled a tune as he restocked the candy aisle, glancing at the clock. Almost closing time.

The minutes ticked by slowly. Avery locked the doors and started counting the cash register, eager to finish up and head home. Suddenly, the sound of the front door being forced open made him freeze.

He looked up, heart pounding, to see three figures dressed in black, their faces hidden by masks. Panic surged through him as they approached.

One of the figures grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall. "You're Avery, right?" the voice was cold, menacing.

Avery's mind raced. "Who are you? What do you want?"

The second figure stepped forward, holding a knife. "We're here on behalf of Clarence. He sends his regards."

Fear coursed through Avery. "Please, don't hurt me. I don't know anything."

The attacker with the knife sneered. "We don't need you to know anything. Just stay quiet and maybe you won't get hurt."

But Avery couldn't stay quiet. Summoning his courage, he kicked out, hitting the first attacker in the knee. They stumbled back, and Avery seized the moment to break free, bolting towards the back of the store.

He fumbled with his phone, dialing Riley's number with shaking hands. "Riley, help! I'm at the store. They're attacking me!"

"We're on our way, Avery. Stay hidden if you can," Riley's voice was filled with urgency.

Avery crouched behind the counter, his breath coming in rapid gasps. The attackers were getting closer, their footsteps echoing ominously.

The sound of a car screeching to a halt outside made Avery's heart leap. He peeked over the counter and saw Riley, Jordan, and his brothers charging into the store, their faces set with determination.

"Get away from my brother!" Kai shouted, lunging at one of the attackers.

The store erupted into chaos. Riley grabbed a broom from behind the counter and swung it at one of the attackers, knocking them to the ground. "Avery, stay down!" she yelled.

Jordan tackled another attacker, her movements precise and powerful. She disarmed them, pinning them to the floor. "Call the police!" she shouted to Avery.

Avery dialed 911, his voice trembling as he explained the situation. The fight continued, Riley's family fighting with everything they had.

Mahina arrived moments later, grabbing a heavy can of food from a nearby shelf and throwing it at the remaining attacker. The force knocked them back, and they fled the store, disappearing into the night.

Breathing heavily, Riley rushed to Avery's side. "Are you okay? Did they hurt you?"

Avery shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "I'm okay, Riley. I'm just scared."

Mahina hugged her youngest son tightly. "We're here now. You're safe."

The sound of sirens grew louder, and the police arrived, taking statements and securing the scene. As they left, Riley looked at her family, bruised but united.

"This isn't over. We need to find out who did this and why," Riley said, determination in her voice.

Jordan nodded, placing a hand on Riley's shoulder. "We'll figure it out together. All of us."

As they drove home, Riley couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. But with her family by her side, she knew they could face whatever came next.