Alecs took a deep drag on his cigarette and exhaled a plume of smoke into the cool night air. He leaned against the edge of the rooftop and watched the cityscape below, lost in thought. Suddenly, he heard the sound of footsteps behind him and turned to see his little sister standing there, her eyes wide and curious.

Alecs's sister was a small girl with puffy cheeks and bright red hair that falls in gentle waves around her shoulders. She doesn't have any implants because of her young age. Her face is round and innocent, with a smattering of freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her eyes are a bright green, wide and curious, and she has a smile that could light up even the darkest alleyway. Despite growing up in a tough environment, she still has a childlike sense of wonder and a belief in the goodness of people.

"What are you doing up here, Lily?" Alecs asked, flicking ash from his cigarette.

"I couldn't sleep," she said, fidgeting with the hem of her nightgown. "I heard you up here and wanted to see what you were doing."

Alecs looked at her and smiled, despite the heaviness in his heart. His sister was only nine years old, too young to understand the harsh realities of life in the city. He took another drag on his cigarette and blew smoke into the night sky. He knew he shouldn't be smoking around his sister, but it was one of the few things that helped him cope with the stress of his life.

"You shouldn't be up here, Lily," he said. "It's dangerous."

"I'm not scared," his sister said, standing up straight and puffing out her chest. "I'm brave, just like you."

Alecs knew he had to be strong for his sister, he was all she had left after the death of their parents. He had become her guardian and protector, but it was a heavy burden to bear.

"I know you're brave," Alecs said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "But you still need to be careful. This city can be dangerous."

His sister nodded, her eyes wide with understanding. She stepped closer to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest.

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"I'm scared, Alecs," she whispered. "I miss Mom and Dad."

Alecs's heart broke at the sound of her voice. He wrapped his arms around her small frame and held her close, the cigarette forgotten in his hand.

"I know, Lily," he said softly. "I miss them too. But we have each other, and we'll get through this together."

They stood there for a few minutes, just holding each other, until she pulled away and rubbed her eyes.

"I'm sorry for being a baby," she said, her voice trembling.

"You're not a baby," Alecs said firmly. "You're the bravest person I know. Now, let's go back to bed before Gran comes looking for you."

His sister nodded and took his hand, the two of them making their way back down to their apartment. Alecs knew he had to be strong for his sister, but he couldn't help feeling the weight of his own fears and doubts. He took one last drag on his cigarette, his mind racing with thoughts of his sister's safety and his own uncertain future in the city.

Suddenly Alecs's device rang, startling him out of his thoughts. He sighed and answered, the holographic image of a woman appearing before him. Her voice was cold and rough, and Alecs knew immediately that she was a member of the Widow Makers.

"One eye," she began, "you're to be present tomorrow at midnight. Don't be late. We need to remind you of the job we have for you."

Alecs rolled his eyes. "I haven't forgotten," he said, "I'll be there."

"Good," the woman replied, "because if you're not, we'll find someone who is."

The line went dead, and Alecs stared at the device for a moment before pocketing it. He knew he had no choice but to go. The Widow Makers were dangerous, but they paid well, and Alex needed the money to take care of his sister.

He flicked his cigarette off the roof and watched it disappear into the dark city below. He turned to see his little sister standing behind him, watching him with her wide green eyes.

"Who was that?" she asked.

"No one important," Alecs replied, ruffling her hair.

"When will you be back?" she asked, her eyes full of hope.

"I don't know," Alecs said, his voice heavy with guilt. "But I'll bring you back something nice when I do."

His sister nodded, seeming to understand, and then ran off to her small bed. Alecs watched her go, feeling a pang of sadness in his chest. He hated leaving her alone with his grandma, but he had no other choice.

He took one last drag of his cigarette before crushing it beneath his heel and heading back into his apartment. He had work to do, and he couldn't afford to waste any more time.