Just Sh*t: A New York City Story

Chapter 36: Behind the Scenes of Heroism

As the TV flickered in their apartment, Jamie's face appeared on screen in a news segment. The boys sat on the couch, watching in various states of amusement and disbelief. Judah, Jackson, Alex, and Ryan were already halfway through a pizza, with Judah smugly grinning. He had secretly asked his channel to do a story on Jamie after the 5K run, telling them Jamie was "so inspiring."

The news anchor's voice played over a shot of Jamie jogging, looking a little wobbly but determined. "Today, we feature a heartwarming story of a brand new runner, Jamie Brooks, who participated in the kids' cancer charity 5K. Not only did Jamie finish the race, but he has since visited hospitals to meet with the kids and brighten their spirits."

"Brighten their spirits?" Jackson snorted, smirking at Jamie. "Dude, when did you turn into Mr. Rogers?"

Jamie groaned, sinking deeper into the couch. "Shut up, Jackson. It wasn't like that."

Judah laughed, throwing a pillow at him. "Hey man, you're the 'inspiration' now. Embrace it!" He gave Jamie a sly wink, proud of himself for setting this whole thing up.

The segment cut to footage of Jamie visiting a hospital, smiling and talking to a group of bald, cancer-stricken children. They handed him hand-drawn pictures, and Jamie knelt down, shaking their hands and looking genuinely touched.

"Aww," Alex teased, "Look at you being all soft and heartwarming. I didn't know you had it in you."

"Yeah, yeah, laugh it up," Jamie muttered, though a smile tugged at his lips. He couldn't deny the visit to the hospital had been a meaningful experience.

The camera panned back to the studio where the anchor said, "And here's Jamie Brooks in his own words, sharing why he decided to participate in the run."

Jamie's recorded interview began, his face serious but a bit awkward, clearly not used to being in the spotlight. "I signed up for the run because, well, I care about the kids. Seeing them go through what they're dealing with, it just hit me, you know? I wanted to help in any way I could. And, um, if I could run a few miles and raise some money, then that's worth it. It's about the cause."

Ryan laughed, nearly choking on his pizza. "Yeah, sure. You signed up because you were *drunk*, remember? Where's that part of the story?"

Alex grinned. "Bet you left that part out for the news, huh?"

Jamie ignored them, his interview continuing. "I think anyone can do this. It's just about showing up, putting in the effort. And, uh, I challenge anyone watching to start running or, you know, support a cause they care about. It's a small thing that can make a big difference."

Jackson laughed again, pointing at the screen. "I don't know, man, you look like you're about to collapse just saying the word 'run.'"

The interview transitioned to Jamie thanking Mira. "And I really want to thank Mira for helping me out. She was a huge support, and I honestly don't think I could've finished without her pushing me."

At that, all the boys let out exaggerated "Oooooooh" noises, making Jamie roll his eyes.

"You and Mira, huh?" Judah teased, smirking at Jamie. "She *pushed* you, alright."

"Guys," Jamie groaned, grabbing a slice of pizza and stuffing it in his mouth, trying to block out their teasing.

Meanwhile, across town, Mira was watching the segment from her small but cozy apartment. Her cat lazily curled up next to her on the couch. As Jamie's face appeared on screen, thanking her, she smiled, feeling a quiet sense of pride. She didn't do it for the recognition, but it was nice to hear. She absentmindedly scratched her cat behind the ears and murmured, "He did good."

The segment ended with Jamie shaking hands with the kids again, a slow, inspiring instrumental playing in the background. The screen faded to black, leaving the boys in the apartment sitting in silence for a brief moment.

Then, Judah leaned forward, holding up his beer. "Here's to Jamie—our local hero. Maybe next time, you'll sign up for something *on purpose.*"

Jamie, feeling the weight of their teasing but secretly happy with how everything had turned out, raised his glass in mock exasperation. "Yeah, maybe next time it'll be the New York Marathon."

That actually stopped the boys for a second, blinking in surprise.

"Wait," Jackson said, his face serious, "You're not actually thinking about it, are you?"

Jamie shrugged, a mischievous grin forming on his lips. "Who knows? Maybe."

The room erupted in laughter, and amidst all the jokes, Jamie felt strangely content. He'd survived the 5K, he'd made a difference, and he'd shared a moment with Mira. And even though his friends were relentless with their jokes, deep down, he knew they were proud of him.

As the night wound down and they began cleaning up, Jamie hung back for a second as the others started to leave the room. He turned to Alex, the one friend who had been with him through it all. "Hey," Jamie said, a little nervous, "You think... I mean, do you think Mira and I should, like, keep working out together or... maybe grab something to eat sometime?"

Alex gave him a knowing grin. "Oh, absolutely. Just don't sign up for anything else by accident, alright?"

Jamie laughed. "I'll try not to. And, uh, thanks."

"No problem, man. You deserve it."

With that, Jamie joined the others, feeling a little lighter, not just from finishing the race but from knowing he might be on the start of something new.