After 12 years…
Mark trudged along, his head bowed as if carrying an invisible weight. Dark sunglasses shielded his sensitive eyes from the harsh fluorescent lights, but they did little to alleviate the throbbing pain that pulsed behind them.
It was like some sadistic virus had taken up residence in his body and was having a grand old time torturing him from the inside out. His muscles felt like they had been put through a meat grinder while his head was a congested maze, and even his teeth seemed to pulse with a dull ache.
He stifled a groan, reaching for a jumbo-sized bottle of ibuprofen. Work was a non-negotiable evil, and he needed something, anything, to dull the pain enough to get through the day. As he tossed the bottle into his basket, his phone buzzed. He fished it out of his pocket, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as he saw his buddy’s name flash across the screen.
“Hey, dude. What’s up?”
“Hey, you sound like crap. Still under the weather?”
Mark replied, leaning against a shelf of overpriced organic granola. “Something like that. Feel like I got hit by a truck, then the truck backed up and ran over me again for good measure.”
“Damn, that bad, huh? Maybe you should ditch work and come hang out. We can watch those cheesy kung-fu movies you love so much.”
“Tempting, but I gotta power through. Bills don’t pay themselves, unfortunately.”
“Alright, hey since you’re already at the supermarket, could you grab me a few things?”
“Sure, what do you need?”
“You’re a lifesaver, man. Okay, so I need those spicy chili cheese puffs, the big bag, and some of those weird pickle-flavored chips you like. Oh, and a six-pack of that ginger ale, the fancy kind.”
Mark raised an eyebrow, chuckling. “Pickle chips and fancy ginger ale?”
“Hey, a man’s gotta have his indulgences,” his friend replied with a laugh. “I’ll swing by your place later and grab the stuff. You’re the best.”
“Yeah, yeah, just don’t forget the cash this time,” Mark replied, already picturing his friend’s sheepish grin when he inevitably forgot his wallet.
Mark cautiously returned his phone to the pocket of his distressed jean jacket, acutely aware that losing it would earn him another tiresome lecture from his aunt on adult responsibilities. The store’s flickering fluorescent lights seemed to mock his misery, amplifying his discomfort. With a look of disdain, he grabbed a box of painkillers and headed toward the snack aisle.
As he perused the shelves, heavy footsteps suddenly filled the store. He turned to see three burly men clad in black and wearing face masks approaching the counter.
The cashier, a bored-looking woman with a name tag that read “Sally,” greeted them with a monotone. “Can I help you with something?”
One of the bulky-looking men leaned forward.
“We don’t need any help, but you do,” he replied, causing the cashier’s bored expression to change. The other two men moved closer to the counter, and Mark’s heart began to race.
The middleman pulled out a gun from his back pocket. “You don’t want to make this difficult for us, do you?”
Sally’s lower lip trembled as she started to cry. “P-Please, I’ll give you whatever you want!”
“Shut up!” the man barked, slamming a duffel bag onto the counter. “Just fill the damn bag!”
She struggled to retrieve the money from the register, and her hands shook with fear.
“I don’t have all day!” he shouted again.
“Please, don’t hurt me,” she pleaded “H-Here, t-t-take this. Please, don’t—” she sobbed, holding out a wad of cash in front of her.
“That’s it? Where’s the rest?”
“Th-thh-that is all there is….”
“Do I look like a dumbass, bitch?” the robber sneered, pressing the gun harder against Sally’s forehead.
Sally’s sobs intensified, her pleas for mercy turning into incoherent babbling.
Mark, who had been frozen, now started to take in his surroundings, noting the empty aisles and abandoned shopping carts. The other customers had either fled or were cowering out of sight, leaving him as the sole witness.
His gut instinct was to help, to do something, anything. But the rational part of his brain screamed at him to stay hidden, to not get involved.
Sally’s pleas continued to fall on deaf ears, the robber seemingly relishing in her terror. Mark knew he couldn’t just stand there and watch, but his mind was blank.
He needed a plan, a distraction, something…
He took a cautious step back, trying to make himself as inconspicuous as possible.
But fate, it seemed, had other plans.
His foot landed on a small pyramid of canned goods, sending them crashing to the floor with a resounding clang.
All three sets of eyes turned to him.
“Well, well, well. What do we have here?”
He tried to back away, but the leader grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and pulled him close. “You got a death wish or something, kid?”
Mark’s mind raced, adrenaline coursing through his veins. “Hey, let’s just all calm down,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady. “Nobody needs to get hurt.”
“Looks like we’ve got ourselves a brave one,” the leader chuckled, his voice dripping with a sadistic amusement.
“Yo, chill with the kid,” one of the other robbers interjected. “Let’s just finish the job and get out of here.”
“Shut your mouth!” the leader snapped.
Just then, the third robber, agitated by Sally’s continued sobs, backhanded her across the face.
“Hey, there’s no need for that!” Mark protested.
The leader’s grin widened. “Oh, there’s a need, alright,” he purred, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. “There’s a need for you to understand exactly who you’re dealing with.” He pressed the gun harder against Mark’s forehead, the cold metal sending a shiver down his spine. “So, tell me, hero,” he hissed, “you ever had gun in your face before?”
Mark swallowed hard, his heart pounding against his ribs. He forced himself to meet the leader’s gaze, searching for any shred of humanity behind the mask. “Look, I don’t want any trouble,” he said, his voice steady. “Just take the money and leave. No one needs to get hurt.”
“But it’s so much more fun when they do,” the leader cackled, his eyes gleaming with a twisted delight.
Mark’s gaze darted between the three masked figures and the crumpled form of Sally on the floor, her face a canvas of pain and fear. A surge of anger, mixed with a deep-seated sense of responsibility, coursed through him.
He couldn’t just stand there and watch.
Taking a deep breath, he reached within himself, tapping into the reservoir of power that had always hummed beneath his skin. Lida’s warnings echoed in his mind, but they were drowned out by the urgency of the situation.
Closing his eyes, he channeled his ether, feeling it flow like a warm current through his veins. Carefully and inconspicuously, he focused his energy, sending a quick pulse of magic towards his hands and legs, subtly enhancing his physical capabilities.
The leader, sensing a shift in Mark’s demeanor, narrowed his eyes. “What the fuck are you doing?” he growled, his finger tightening on the trigger.
Before the words had even left his lips, Mark moved with inhumane speed. In a blur of motion, he disarmed the leader, the gun clattering harmlessly to the floor.
The robber stumbled back, his eyes wide with shock and confusion.
Seizing the opportunity, Mark lashed out with a lightning-fast jab, his fist connecting squarely the nose. A satisfying crunch echoed through the store as the man stumbled backward, clutching his face and howling in pain.
Stunned, the remaining robbers turned to face Mark. Enraged, the one who had struck Sarah charged at him, throwing a wild haymaker.
But Mark, his reflexes heightened by the magic coursing through him, effortlessly sidestepped the blow. With a swift counter punch, he slammed his fist into the robber’s ribs, feeling another satisfying crack beneath his knuckles. The man crumpled to the floor, his breath expelled in a pained wheeze.
Seeing his accomplice down, the last robber made a desperate grab for a fallen gun. However, Mark, with his speed, intercepted him effortlessly. He grabbed the man by the collar, spun him around, and threw him into the nearby aisles, causing cans and boxes to crash down around him.
Mark turned just in time to see the leader struggling to his feet.
“You little shit!” he roared, spitting out a string of curses.
Mark simply shrugged, a sardonic smile playing on his lips.
The leader, enraged, charged at him like a bull, fists flailing wildly.
However, Mark was faster and skilled. He bobbed and weaved, dodging the intruder’s wild swings and counterattacking with precision.
Each punch from Mark landed with a satisfying crunch, and he relished in the feeling of his knuckles connecting with his hard face. Robber tried to fight back, but Mark was in control. He delivered blow after blow, not giving a chance to his attacker to catch his breath.
The robber, his bravado shattered, tried desperately to fight back, throwing wild haymakers that Mark easily dodged.
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He moved with a grace that belied his enhanced strength, his strikes precise and punishing. A left hook to the jaw, followed by a right cross to the temple, sent the leader staggering backward.
The robber tasted blood, his vision blurring. He tried to catch his breath, but Mark gave him no respite. A flurry of blows rained down upon him,
“How does it feel to be on the receiving end?” Mark taunted between punches.
He had never been a violent person, but seeing the fear in Sally’s eyes, the way these men had treated her, had unleashed a rage he couldn’t control. Each blow he landed was a cathartic release, a way to channel his anger and disgust into something tangible.
He felt a sense of satisfaction in seeing the intruder cower and wince in pain. Finally, the leader fell to the ground, blood trickling from his nose and mouth staining the pristine white tiles of the supermarket floor.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Mark’s focus shifted to the trembling cashier. He rushed to her side, gently helping her to her feet. “Are you alright?”
“I… I think so,” she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
“Good,” Mark said reassuringly. “Call the police. I’ll take care of these guys.”
Sarah nodded numbly and reached for the phone, her hands shaking as she dialed 911. Mark, meanwhile, turned his attention to the subdued robbers. He quickly located a nearby aisle stocked with cleaning supplies and grabbed a roll of heavy-duty rope. He bound the men’s hands and feet, ensuring they wouldn’t pose a threat while they waited for the authorities to arrive.
The minutes ticked by with agonizing slowness as they waited for the cops. One of the robbers, regaining consciousness, began to struggle against his bonds, his muffled curses filling the air.
“Save your energy,” Mark said flatly, his gaze unwavering.
The robber glared at him with pure hatred. “You’ll regret this, you little prick,” he hissed. “Just wait till my boys get out. They’ll hunt you down.”
Mark sighed, a humorless chuckle escaping his lips. “Yeah, yeah, I’ve heard it all before. Now just stay put until the cop haul your ass off.”
The robber continued his tirade of threats and insults, but Mark simply tuned him out. His attention was drawn to Sally, who sat huddled in a corner, her body still trembling from the ordeal.
“Thank you,” she whispered shakily, her voice barely audible over the robber’s rant. “Thank you so much.”
Mark offered her a reassuring smile. “It’s okay,” he said gently. “It’s all over now.”
He kept a watchful eye on the robbers, making sure they didn’t try anything before the police arrived.
It felt like an eternity before Mark heard the sirens in the distance. He could feel the tension in the air, but he refused to let his guard down until the police were inside the store. Finally, he heard the sound of footsteps approaching and the jingle of keys as the officers unlocked the door.
When the police finally arrived, Mark held up his hands and stepped back, making it clear that he was not a threat. The officers quickly assessed the situation and took the intruders into custody. Mark gave a statement to the police, explaining what had happened.
Their gazes lingered on him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion, but they ultimately accepted his account.
As the robbers were led away, Mark made his way back to Sarah.
“It’s okay,” he said softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “You’re safe now.”
She looked up at him, her eyes filled with gratitude. “I don’t know what I would have done without you,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
He gently guided her to a chair and sat down next to her. He stayed with her until she calmed down, offering words of comfort and support. Once the initial shock had subsided and Sally was in the capable hands of the paramedics, Mark quietly slipped out of the store.
***
Mark quickly got up from the lawn and wiped his hands on his pants, hoping that none of his nosy neighbors had seen him. He looked around, making sure that there were no prying eyes before he made his way to the front door.
The last thing he needed was another round of gossip and speculation about the “strange boy” living next door. He knew Lida would have a field day with that.
He could already hear her disapproving voice, lecturing him about the responsible use of his abilities, about the dangers of drawing attention to himself. Her constant warnings and cautious nature had always frustrated him, but deep down, he knew she only wanted to protect him.
He sprinted towards his house and fumbled with his keys, eager to enter and avoid any further attention. As he unlocked the front door, he could hear the sound of Lida’s voice coming from the living room.
Mark silently tiptoed past the living room, trying to make his way up to his bedroom without being detected.
However, his aunt spotted him and called out, “Mark! What’s going on? Why are you so dirty?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I just… uh… tripped and fell on my way back from the library.”
“Is everything okay? You look a little shaken up.” Lida’s brow furrowed.
“Oh, I’m fine. Just a long day, you know.”
Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing him for a moment longer before she seemed to accept his explanation. “Dinner’s ready. Wash up and come down.”
“Actually, I’m not really hungry,” Mark said, hoping to avoid any further questioning.
“Are you feeling ill again?” She asked, concern creeping into her voice. “Still feverish?”
“Nah, just not feeling much of an appetite.”
Lida strode towards him, her hand reaching out to touch his forehead. “You still feel a bit warm,” she murmured, her touch gentle yet firm.
He gently pulled away. “I’m fine, Lida. Just tired. I think I’ll just head to bed.”
Lida studied him for a moment, a flicker of doubt still lingering in her eyes. “Alright,” she finally conceded. “Get some rest.”
Mark breathed a sigh of relief and quickly made his way up to his room. He collapsed onto his bed, the events of the day replaying in his mind like a broken record. His heart hammered against his ribs, the adrenaline slowly receding, leaving behind a tremor of unease. He closed his eyes, seeking solace in the darkness, but sleep offered no escape.
Dreams, vivid and terrifying, pulled him back to that fateful night thirteen years ago. He saw his parents, their faces etched with love and laughter, then contorted in terror as the intruders burst into their home. The metallic tang of blood filled his nostrils, the screams echoing in his ears. He was trapped in the darkness of the cellar, a helpless witness to the violence unfolding above.
The visions morphed and shifted, blending with the recent encounter at the supermarket. The robbers’ masks became the faces of his parents’ attackers, their cruel laughter merging with the screams of terror. He felt the same suffocating helplessness, the same gut-wrenching despair. He was eight years old again, trapped in a nightmare he couldn’t escape.
The images played out in his mind like a movie, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of helplessness and despair. He felt the terror and the pain, and the guilt of not being able to save them.
He tossed and turned, the sheets tangled around his limbs, his body bathed in a cold sweat.
Mark tried to shake himself out of the dream, but it was like he was trapped in it. He could hear the shouts ringing in his ears, and the smell of blood was overpowering. He couldn’t escape the feeling of loss and the crushing weight of the tragedy.
Eventually, he fell into a fitful sleep, haunted by the memories.
The next morning, Mark awoke in a daze, his mind still shrouded by the unsettling remnants of his dreams. He took a deep, steadying breath, forcing himself to dispel the haunting images. With a heavy heart, he dragged himself out of bed and into the bathroom. Splashing cold water onto his face, he willed himself to shake off the lingering dread.
He walked down the stairs to the sound of sizzling bacon and the smell of freshly brewed coffee. Lida was already in the kitchen, humming softly to herself as she cooked breakfast.
“Good morning.”
“Good morning, dear,” his aunt replied, turning to greet him with a warm smile. “Did you sleep well?”
“Sure did,” he lied, masking his unease.
“Good. Breakfast will be ready soon. Have a seat.”
Mark settled into a chair at the kitchen table, his gaze distant, his thoughts still clouded. The familiar sounds of clinking utensils and the sizzling of bacon did little to soothe his troubled mind.
As she served him his breakfast, Mark’s thoughts wandered back to yesterday. He couldn’t shake off the image of the terrified cashier and the intruders who threatened her life.
They ate in silence for a few moments before Lida broke it. “So, how’s college going?”
“It’s going well,” he replied, taking a sip of his orange juice.
“That’s good to hear. “Any interesting projects or assignments?” she pressed, trying to engage him in conversation.
“The usual stuff,” Mark replied vaguely. “Presentations, group projects, the never-ending cycle of exams.”
Lida’s eyes narrowed slightly as she observed him. “So, nothing out of the ordinary? No strange occurrences, no… unusual encounters?”
He swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. “Nope, nothing out of the ordinary,” he said, trying to maintain a casual tone.
“Really?” Lida pressed, her voice laced with skepticism. She set down her coffee cup, her gaze unwavering. “Mark,” she said, her expression turning stern, “is there something you want to tell me?”
He froze mid-bite, feeling his heart skip a beat. Did she somehow know about the incident at the department store? Or was she picking up on his anxiety from the nightmare he had just experienced? He tried to keep his expression neutral as he looked back at her.
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve been acting strangely ever since you got home last night,” Lida observed. “Something’s bothering you. What is it?”
“Nothing. Just swamped with college work,” he deflected, hoping she’d buy it.
“So you were never going to tell me about yesterday, huh?”
Mark nearly choked on his orange juice. “What? What are you talking about?”
“I got a call from the police station, informing me about a robbery that took place at the department store,” Lida explained.
A cold dread washed over Mark. He had been hoping that the whole incident had gone unnoticed, but now it seemed that his secret was out.
“I…I didn’t want to worry you.”
“Mark,” she sighed, her voice laced with frustration. “Why would you involve yourself in something so dangerous? You know how important it is to keep a low profile.”
“I didn’t go looking for trouble. I was just at the store, and…” he trailed off, unsure how to explain the situation.
“And what?” Lida pressed, her eyes narrowed. “You just happened to be a superhero in the right place at the right time?”
“It wasn’t like that,” Mark insisted, his voice rising in defense. “Those guys were hurting this woman, I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing!”
“And what if you had gotten hurt? Or worse, what if someone had seen what you can do?”
“I was careful. Nobody saw anything… unusual.”
“Even if nobody saw anything overtly unusual,” Lida continued, her voice laced with a quiet urgency, “drawing attention to yourself is never a good thing. You know the risks, Mark. We’ve talked about this.”
Mark ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling up within him. “I know, Lida, I know,” he said, his voice strained. “But they were hurting that woman! They had a gun! What was I supposed to do, just stand there and watch?”
Lida’s expression softened. “I know it’s hard, Mark,” she said gently. “And I’m not saying you did the wrong thing by helping. But you need to be more careful. There are other ways to help people, ways that don’t involve exposing yourself.”
“Like what?” He challenged. “Call the police and hope they get there in time? Sometimes, you have to take action, even if it means taking a risk.”
“And sometimes,” Lida countered, her voice firm but calm, “taking action means knowing when to step back, when to let others handle things. We are not superheroes, Mark. We are not invincible. And the more we expose ourselves, the greater the chance of something going wrong.”
“But what about the people who need help? What about the ones who are being hurt, who are being threatened? Are we just supposed to turn a blind eye and pretend it’s not happening?”
Lida sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “It’s not that simple, Mark,” she said, her voice heavy with the weight of years of experience and caution. “We have to be smart, to choose our battles carefully. We can’t save everyone, but we can protect ourselves and each other. And that, Mark, is the most important thing.”
“I’m not going to stand by and watch while innocent people suffer.”
Lida reached out, placing a hand on his arm. “Mark, please,” she pleaded, her voice cracking slightly. “I understand your anger, your desire to help. But you have to trust me on this. It’s too dangerous.”
Mark pulled away, his frustration reaching a boiling point. “Why can’t you see it from my perspective?” he snapped. “I’m not a child anymore, Lida. I can make my own decisions.”
“Don’t you think I know that?" Lida sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping in defeat. “I just… I just don’t want to lose you too,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
The air hung heavy with unspoken emotions.
Mark’s anger dissipated, replaced by a sense of guilt. He knew that she only had his best interests at heart, but he still couldn’t shake the feeling that he needed to use his powers to help others.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap like that,” he said quietly.
She gave him a small smile. " I just want you to be safe,” she said, reaching across the table to pat his hand.
As Mark looked into his aunt’s pale eyes, he could see the concern etched on her face. The wrinkles around her eyes and the weariness of her expression made him feel guilty.
He remembered how she had comforted him when he lost his parents, and her tireless efforts to provide him with a semblance of normalcy in a world turned upside down.
She had taken him in and raised him as her own, and he knew he owed her everything.
She had never asked him to call her “Mom,” but in his heart, she held that place. She had raised him, nurtured him, protected him. He owed her everything, and the thought of causing her any pain was unbearable.
“I… I’m sorry,” he mumbled, his voice thick with remorse. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that.”
“I know you have a good heart, Mark. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I promise.”
“I’m sorry for raising my voice. It’s just… I get scared, Mark. I’ve already lost so much, I can’t bear the thought of losing you too.”
“It’s okay,” he replied, offering her a reassuring smile. He understood her fear, the echoes of their shared loss that haunted them both.
She pulled him into a tight embrace, her arms wrapping around him like a protective shield. He held her close, drawing strength from her warmth and the steady beat of her heart. When they finally pulled away, Lida’s smile was genuine, filled with love and a hint of hope.
“I love you, you know that, right?” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I only say all of this because I worry.”
“I know,” he replied. “And I love you too.”
As Mark got ready for college, the weight of their conversation lingered. He knew he had a responsibility to use his abilities wisely, to navigate the treacherous path between helping others and protecting himself. As much as he hated worrying his aunt, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had done the right thing.