OTHERS: Five elements

CHAPTER 3.5: LIGHTNING

21 January 2030, 06:45 AM

While I was getting dressed for work, Ruby had already gone to the kitchen to get everything ready. She took out milk for herself and made me a coffee—I had taught her how to do it. The scent of freshly made coffee filled the air as I stepped into the kitchen. 

- "Alright, boss, what's the order today?" I asked, cracking my knuckles as I stood by the fridge.

- "The best sandwich in the world, of course."

- "Peanut butter, banana, and honey?" I chuckled, already knowing what she meant.

- "With a sprinkle of cinnamon! Don't forget the cinnamon, daddy. That's what makes it perfect."

I grabbed the ingredients and got to work. Making her breakfast was one of my favorite parts of the day. It was a small thing, but it made her happy, and that was all that mattered. As I sliced the banana, Ruby swung her legs beneath the counter, watching me with a look of admiration that always made my chest tighten. 

- "Daddy, can I help?"

- "Of course," I said, handing her a butter knife. "You can spread the peanut butter. Just don't eat it all before it gets on the bread."

She giggled and got to work, carefully smearing the thick spread onto a slice of wheat bread. We sat down together at the small dining table, and Ruby took a big bite, humming in satisfaction. 

- "Mmm! Still the best."

I took a sip of my coffee, watching her enjoy her breakfast. These quiet moments, just the two of us, made everything worth it.

- "Do you think I'll ever be as good at making sandwiches as you?" she asked between bites.

- "One day, you'll be even better," I said. "But you'll have to practice. Maybe make me one tomorrow?"

- "We'll see. Depends on if you're good today."

- "Oh, so now I have to earn my breakfast?"

- "Exactly."

After finishing our food, Ruby went to brush her teeth and change into her school clothes. Meanwhile, I grabbed my work jacket and headed toward the front door. When I opened it, I saw our neighbors from the apartment across from ours. Mr. and Mrs. Wright stood there; their tired faces etched with worry. They were an older couple, kind people who had always greeted us warmly. 

- "Morning, Mr. and Mrs. Wright," I said, nodding respectfully.

- "Morning, Richard," Mrs. Wright said, her voice heavy.

- "Any news about your son?" I asked.

- "No news yet." replied Mr. Wright. 

- "I'm so sorry," I said sincerely. "Has the police...?"

 - "They don't care. They think he's just another black young man who got caught up in the wrong crowd."

- "They asked if he had a record, if he had ever been arrested. Never once did they ask about who he really was. About the boy we raised, the boy who worked hard to get into college. They don't see our son. They just see another criminal." said Mrs. Wright. 

I felt a familiar anger bubbling inside me. Their son Malcolm has been missing for weeks, and the police hasn't done anything. They think they don't have to bother with things like that. They assume Malcolm is off somewhere getting high and that he'll come back. And I know that feeling. I've been judged before I even had a chance to speak, simply because of the color of my skin. I had seen Evelyn cry after being followed in a store, as if she were a thief simply for existing in that space. Racism wasn't just the hateful words or the overt acts of violence - it was the way people assumed the worst of us, the way we had to prove our worth over and over again while others were given the benefit of the doubt. It was exhausting.

- "I know how it feels," I said quietly. "And I know it isn't fair. But I also know Malcolm is out there, and we can't give up on him."

- "Thank you, Richard."

- "If you need anything, just let me know," I said. "I mean it."

Mr. Wright gave me a small, weary nod before they retreated back into their apartment. I let out a slow breath, glancing down at Ruby, who had arrived in the hallway. 

- "Are they okay?" she asked softly.

- "They're sad. Their son is missing. And the people who are supposed to help... aren't."

- "That's not fair."

- "No," I said. "It's not."

We walked out of the building and headed toward the school. The morning air was crisp, the streets alive with people starting their day. When we reached the school gates, Ruby turned to me. 

- "Are you okay, daddy?"

- "I'm okay, baby. You go have a great day, alright?"

- "I will. And you have a good day too!" she grinned. 

She gave me a quick hug before running off to join her friends. I watched her go, feeling that familiar mix of pride and protectiveness. With a deep breath, I turned and made my way to work.