"Dad!" I call out, pausing to listen from my room. Silence. "Hey, Dad!" I say again, poking my head into the dim hallway. The apartment is cloaked in shadows, the only light coming from the glow of his TV and the neon city outside, spilling in through the window like colorful graffiti painted across the walls.
I make my way down the hall, stopping at his open bedroom door. He's sprawled out on the bed, boots still on, a half-empty bottle of whiskey resting precariously by his side. The soft murmur of Friends plays on the TV, the laugh track echoing in the quiet. I roll my eyes and step inside, tugging off his boots and setting them on the floor. The click of the TV turning off leaves the room silent, save for his steady, heavy breathing.
"I'm gonna borrow twenty bucks, cool?" I say, knowing he won't answer. His wallet sits on the nightstand, worn leather creased and frayed. I slip a bill from the fold and shove it into the pocket of my shorts. "Thanks," I mutter, heading for the door. I pause for a moment, glancing back at him. His face is peaceful, softer than when he's awake. "I love you, Dad," I whisper, barely loud enough to be heard.
The hallway feels darker as I make my way back through the living room, the hum of the city outside vibrating against the thin walls. I slide open the glass door that leads to the fire escape, the cool night air brushing against my skin. It's way more fun to use the fire escape than the actual door.
Stepping out, I take a deep breath. The city air is sharp, electric, carrying with it the tang of exhaust and the faint scent of cigarette smoke. The sounds of cars and distant shouts echo below, familiar and alive. The metal rungs of the fire escape tap lightly under my shoes as I descend the three stories with practiced ease, the city's neon glow painting my path.
When I reach the bottom of the ladder, I hop off and land gracefully, like a cat in the night. Frankie and a few of his friends are lounging against the brick wall at the end of the alleyway, their laughter rolling through the warm air, punctuated by jokes and the occasional smack of a hand on a shoulder. I stand up, giving them a playful salute as I approach.
"Evening, gentlemen," I say with a smirk, the streetlight casting a warm glow over the scene.
Frankie's grin widens, revealing the glint of a gold tooth. He's way older than me-probably 30, maybe 35ish or so-but he's always been pretty cool. "What's up, baby girl?" he says, nodding in greeting, his voice rough with an easy confidence.
"Thinking of grabbing a hot dog from the store. You want something?" I ask, eyes flicking to the group as I stroll closer.
He clicks his tongue, shaking his head. "Tch, ain't you sweet," he says, giving me a once-over with a grin. "But I'm good, though."
Just as I'm about to move on, one of his friends tilts his head and steps forward, eyes glinting with the telltale look of mischief. "Yo, Star-" he starts, puffing out his chest as he grabs his crotch, ready to drop the pickup line of the century. "I got somethin' for you right here-"
"In your dreams, hotshot," I shoot back, laughter bubbling out as I keep walking, hips swaying with confidence.
Frankie's hearty laugh echoes down the alley, his hand coming down in a playful slap on his friend's back. "Man, you wish," he says, still chuckling. "She's too wild for you, bro. You wouldn't even know what to do with yourself if she gave you a chance."
The group bursts into laughter, and I glance back with a confident smile before disappearing around the corner, stepping into the pulsing heart of my neighborhood. The streets are alive, but not in the glossy, touristy way of downtown. Here, the sidewalks are cracked, and the streetlights flicker with a dull hum. Groups of people linger on stoops, trading stories and laughs, and probably drugs too, while an old man pushes a cart piled high with junk, muttering to himself as he goes. A couple of kids zip by on rusted bikes, their laughter echoing in the dark as they weave through potholes and clusters of people.
YOU ARE READING
Star: A Zombie Story
Misterio / Suspenso"The city is falling, and the dead are taking over." Star's sharp, bold, and quick-witted-she's had to be to survive her neighborhood. But a zombie outbreak? That's a whole new kind of danger. With Frankie, the protective hothead, and Oscar, the la...
