courage and cowardice

ii. then again, he couldn't

A banner above the city read, "Northport's Annual Fall Festival 1998!" and there were signs pointing to where the festival was to be held.

The signs pointed to a large fairground, full of entertainers and entrepreneurs, setting up their booths and stands for the crowd who would soon be approaching. 

There would soon be thousands of people, especially kids, their parents, and teenagers.

Everyone was too distracted to see the cruel intentions of the few, just behind their beloved attractions.

~

The festival finally opened to the public, massive and lit for the occasion. The crowds swarmed in, desperate for fun and social activities after a dreary school (and work) week.

River walked in, with two of his friends from school alongside him. His wristband was on his left wrist, along with a watch. He carried his wallet in his pocket, hoping not to spend too much money, but inwardly acknowledging the amount he definitely would waste on carnival games and chuckling.

Closely behind him, but unaware of River's presence, was another boy. He had a slight limp, but walked relatively well. The still-chubby boy had nothing but his wristband and a couple bucks with him, and he too was accompanied by a friend.

Blissfully unaware of each other, they carried on having fun and spending a little bit of money (for River, a lot of money) at the festival, enjoying its plethora of games, rides, and activities.

Soon after, River split up from his friends to find himself some dinner, waving them goodbye as they exited the fairgrounds and went home upon their parent's requests.

He walked to a booth selling Hispanic food, and ordered a couple tacos with his favorite corn tortillas. He leaned up against the booth, waiting, trying to look cool. He stared off into the distance until he heard his name called. He walked up to pick up his tacos, and, after a word of thanks, proceeded to sit down at a table by himself. He started to eat, feeling apprehensive about going around the fairgrounds very alone. Whatever, he thought, I'm 12 years old, I can do anything that I want to.

After slowly eating the tacos, he grabbed his trash, threw it away, and found interest in the rides to the back of the fairgrounds. There were many teenagers there, so instead of avoiding them, he tried to puff out his chest and walk through like he was one of them. He was nearly tall enough, and definitely getting more muscular - more than the twig he was as a kid. He was past most of the crowd when all of the sudden, a hand grabbed his arm and dragged him out of view of the crowd.

A very intimidating, muscular teenager pulled River into an area behind the booths and rides, not well lit or attended by anyone, cornering him. He spoke loudly as he threw River to the ground, towering over him.

"Hey, kid. Listen up. You look like a cocky fella', so imma do you a little favor. You do somethin' for me, I don't pummel you to pieces. Let's get to the point, you munch, I'm taking all the money you have. Hand it over, loser." The boy made a beckoning motion to River. 

River quaked in fear, then handed over the rest of his money, which was about $7.

"Thanks loads, Pablo. But I betchu got more in that pocket uh' yours. After all, you is one of them crazy Indians who has those loony good luck charms, right? Y'all make a pretty penny off those, I'd bet." The tall boy accused.

River could do nothing but shake his head in terror.

"Whatever, dirtbag. I know you have more, but I gotta deliver my goods to some other scoundrel. Get lost, scum." The boy said to River, swiftly kicking him in the gut, picking him up by his shirt,  and pushing him into a bin.