Karma

They say what goes around comes right back around, and I've certainly experienced this firsthand. I thought my actions would never catch up with me, but before I knew it, the tables had turned and now I was the one in trouble. It wasn't something that happened intentionally - all my mistakes were simply a consequence of carelessness or not thinking things through - yet even so, the universe still held me accountable for every misstep I made.

My heart was pounding with fear as I frantically searched for someplace to hide. Every gunshot felt like it was ripping through the air, closer and closer to me. My desperation grew as I ran from yard to yard - each one more exposed than the last - until finally, I spotted a truck and dove underneath it, seeking refuge from my pursuers. Shaking in terror, I grabbed my burner phone and dialed Vonte's number. He answered almost instantly with an anxious voice demanding "Where are you?". Quickly giving him my location, I begged him for help as he reassured me that assistance was on its way, yet all too aware of how little time I had left before Quay's gang caught up with me.

My heart had never pounded so hard as I heard Quay's car pull up outside and the thud of feet hitting the ground. Panic surged through me as I strained to make out what they were saying, but it was all a jumble. My breathing grew louder with each second that passed, almost like a roar in the silence of night - and my racing heartbeat seemed to fill the air.

My heart raced as I saw Quay's partners approach the yard, and my stomach dropped at the thought of not having a weapon to defend myself. In an instant, their legs vanished from view - and panic filled me as I worried what had become of them. Suddenly, my feet were yanked out from under the truck with a tremendous force before a powerful punch landed on my face. A flurry of kicks rained down upon me until I was coughing up blood, leaving me completely vulnerable against the group that now surrounded me.

I screamed out in pain, begging them to stop. But my pleas fell on deaf ears as they continued their relentless attack. My mind raced for a way out of the situation, but I soon realised that no matter what I did or said, it wouldn't make any difference. In desperation, I searched for something – anything - that could help me survive this beating from Quay's partners and take back control of the situation.

As the beating seemed to last forever, I felt my strength beginning to fade. Nothing that could save me from this brutal attack. Desperately hoping for something - anything - that might help me escape alive, all I found was the hard cement beneath me as they slammed my body against it again and again. Was this how it would end for me? Beaten to death instead of being shot? They clearly took pleasure in making sure every ounce of life was knocked out of me before finally leaving.

I watched as they drove off and I managed to crawl against the tire of the truck. My ribs felt like they had been shattered into pieces. When I looked up I could see the home owner standing on the porch. Even in my battered state, I managed to pull myself up and walk towards him. The owner of the house cried out for me to be taken to a hospital, but all I could do was shake my head before collapsing back onto the ground - too exhausted and injured to stand any longer. Just as it seemed like hope had run out, I heard the sound of another car pull up and saw Vonte come running towards me. He reassured the home-owner that he would take care of everything.

With a grunt of effort, Vonte lifted my battered body and carried me to his car. I could hear the home-owner telling him to take me to a hospital while simultaneously warning him not to move me too much. The pain in my ribs was intense but somehow I managed to utter a weak "No" before being whisked away into Vonte's car.

As we drove, he looked over at me with concern - checking for any sign of life as he asked if there was someone he could call on my behalf. Vonte quickly dialled my brother Josh and explained the situation, asking permission for me to be brought over there. Without a moment's hesitation, Josh told him yes and to hurry.