Broken ties

01: into the darkness

Zayn's PoV

I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my black trousers and long-sleeved shirt. The outfit felt simple, but sharp enough for the interview. It wasn't just about looking good; it was about convincing myself that today could be the start of something new, a chance to step away from everything I knew and build a better life for my family.

"Zayn, how long will it take?" My mom's voice called from outside my room, pulling me out of my thoughts.

"Collin's on his way. I should be back in a couple of hours," I replied, glancing toward the door. "Why?"

My mom's face appeared, her eyes scanning my outfit. She gave a small nod of approval, which somehow calmed the knots in my stomach. "Mira left early to meet up with her friend. I've called her a few times, she promised she'd study with Sofia today. Make sure she's home early for Sofia's exam tomorrow."

I sighed. "She still mad at you for not letting her go to that party?"

My mom's expression softened with a hint of frustration. "Probably. But she'll get over it. Just make sure she's back."

"When's Sofia coming home?" I asked, leaning against the doorframe.

Mom glanced at her phone. "She should be here in about an hour. I've got to head to work now. Food's ready in the kitchen. Just don't leave Sofia home alone for too long, okay?" She kissed the side of my head, her warmth briefly melting away the weight in my chest. "Love you."

"Love you too," I muttered as she rushed out. The door clicked shut, and the silence settled in again.

I took a deep breath, feeling the tension in my shoulders. Soon, all of this would change. Once I landed this job, I could finally start contributing properly, get us out of this mess. I checked my phone—Collin had already texted.

Time to go.

I headed outside where his car was parked, the bass from his music already vibrating through the pavement. As I climbed in, the smell of weed hit me instantly. Collin sat there with a grin, blunt in hand.

"Bro, not now," I groaned, waving the smoke away. "I don't want to show up smelling like that."

He laughed, a lazy grin stretching across his face. "Chill, man. You won't be there long anyway."

"Don't say that," I snapped, shaking my head. I hated how easily he dismissed my attempts at bettering myself.

"I'm just being real," Collin shrugged, taking another drag. "You can try to leave the ghetto, but it'll never leave you. That's who you are, Zayn."

I clenched my jaw, ignoring him as the city streets blurred past the window. When we finally pulled up to the towering building with sleek cafés and busy storefronts, Collin whistled. "Damn, bro. And they want you?"

I laughed, trying to shake off his cynicism. "Yeah, it's a good start. Receptionist gig, but you never know where it might lead."

Collin snorted. "You never went to college, man—"

"Can you shut up?" I cut him off, my frustration spilling over. "I'm trying to do better."

He smirked, shaking his head as we stepped out of the car. "Yeah, that's what I said once—"

I shot him a glance, half laughing despite myself. "And now look at you: cop by day, gang member by night."

Collin has always been that way. His family, especially his father, tried to get him out of our criminal neighborhood by pushing him to become a police officer. But it didn't take long for him to fall into corruption, playing both sides. For us, he was a valuable asset. He'd always tip us off when the cops were about to raid our warehouses, packed with every kind of drug.