Author's note:

Hello guys. Here's my attempt at a fiction. I've never written a story before, and my grammar isn't the best. I'm hoping you can give me some constructive criticism to improve my ability.

To be clear, my style is still a work in progress. I'm trying to find a good pace and whatnot.

Any italics will be the main character's thoughts.

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Johan weaved through the isles of books in the library, making his way towards the exit. The smell of worn paper and leather covers fills the air. The large wooden bookcases towered over him, immersing him in his own little world free from hot weather and loud people. The ghost of a smirk rested on his face. His eyes darted through the books on display, looking for any late additions to his haul. He was carrying 'On the Origins of The Universe' and 'Theoretical Physics', which were on his recommended reading list for class.

The closer he got to the exit, the shorter his steps became. He came to a full stop a few feet from the door. He could see the heat waves rising. Johan rubbed the back of his neck and glanced at the clock on the wall.

With a sigh, he began to trudge outside.

"Enjoy your day, sir." The security guard told him.

Johan glanced at him, biting back a smart remark. He clutched his books and left. The hot air hit him like a brick wall. He raised his hands to shield his eyes from the merciless rays of the sun, shrinking back like an exposed vampire. He wanted to find a hole to crawl in, but it's a little hard to do that while blind.

When his eyes adjusted, he was greeted by the view of a mass of people. They were all merry. He spied a couple having a loud conversation even though they were walking shoulder to shoulder. "I don't need to hear this shit," he spat. Johan began threading through the crowd, avoiding any skin contact like the plague.

His destination was the subway station right across the street. With any luck, the cool feeling he carried with him from the library will last until he gets out of the suns range. He almost crashed into some idiot taking a selfie in the middle of a busy sidewalk. I should photobomb that idiot with my fist. He clenched his teeth and arrived at the subway.

Johan quickly paid his ticket and made his way to the lower level platform. It was the coolest area in the station, and he desperately needed a moment for himself. He tugged at his collar and shifted from left to right. He walked to the edge of the platform and stared down the tunnel. Come to me, train... I demand you show up.

"Hey friend, can you help me get something to eat?" a deep voice said from behind him.

He swiveled his head to stare down the man before him. The man was tall, at least 6'2, 6'3. A good 4 inches taller than Johan. He had a dark bushy, matted beard that longed for a good grooming and a hairline that was on the run from his forehead. His eyes were hard and piercing. He had a wide stance and his arms were crossed. Is that how you ask for a favor?

Johan pointedly looked him up and down. With a wave of the hand, he turned back around and went back to summoning the train. He could see a light coming.

"Ain't I even worth a 'no'?", the man asked in a shaky voice.

Johan tilted his head and rubbed his chin. After a few seconds, he replied "No."

"You think you're fucking funny?", the man boomed, attracting unnecessary attention. The throbbing vein in his neck was visible and his face began to flush.

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"Sir, you seem to be upset. Let me help you; I've taken a class in psychology, you see..."

WHAP!

Johan's head rocked back. The man's fist cleanly connected with his nose, sending him sprawling. He fell backwards onto the tracks and hit the back of his head on a rail with a sickening thud. The man's eyes widened and he flinched back. He looked around, then raced towards an exit.

Johan tried to stand but his legs had other plans. Blood ran down his face in scarlet streams. A crowd started to gather around the area he fell from, shrieking and calling for help. Some of them even pulled out their cellphones and began to record the scene.

Instead of helping me, they want to record a video to show their friends? That's the humanity for you.

Johan stopped struggling and tried to mentally regroup himself. The train tracks started to shake violently. He stared at the ceiling, tuning out all the noise around him. He felt his heartbeat slow and a hollow feeling rise in his chest.

Why does this have to happen to me? Why not an asshole who goes around punching people who won't feed them? Or some kinda rapist?

The train is getting closer and closer, with no inclination of stopping. Must be an express train. Just my luck

Haven't spoken to my parents in years. Guess the first news they'll get about me is about my death. He chuckled.

The train blared it's horn as it barreled through the station.

Ah, fuck this world. Fuck these people. Fuck this train.

The light from the train enveloped his body, obscuring his vision. He felt numb. Too weak to even flinch away from the impending doom. It felt like his body was floating. He closed his eyes. Then the train collided into him.

He awoke feeling weak, his breathing short and rapid. He flung open his eyes. He found himself hugged closely to a young woman, who was looking intently at him. The woman had smooth, slightly flushed, caramel skin with a complexion to die for. Her chest heaved in and out in ragged breaths. She smiled and her bright, glossy eyes started to moisten. She leaned over and kissed me on my forehead. Johan wanted to ask how he survived, but the

words were caught in his throat.

She said something in a foreign language, and nodded to her right.

Where am I? Why am I alive?

Johan looked to his right and saw a woman in a white nun's habit approaching. There was a golden pentagram embroidered on her right breast. A thick, golden stripe ran down from the collar to the hem. Definitely not catholic...

The nun picked him up with ease. He tried to wriggle out of her grip, shocked by the fact that he could be lifted so easily. He looks down and sees a babies body. His eyes widen and he lets out a shrill squeal. She whispered something in a soothing voice, and a warm energy ran through his body. A warm glow radiated from him.

What the...

Then he lost consciousness.

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