Curiosity got the better of me, making me wonder what was going on with these people. The two on the outside looked to be helping the man in the middle. They were wearing dark clothes, and cloaks, which I found strange considering it was only spring and the weather was fair. I followed slowly after them while they went, occasionally hiding behind some trash piles or around a corner when one of them turned around to make sure they weren’t being followed. Their actions made me more curious. After maybe 5 minutes, I was starting to wonder where they were taking the man. Suddenly, they stopped and knocked on something in the alleyway, when a doorway was thrown open and an elderly woman opened it, before gesturing them inside and closing the door behind her.
My curiousity sated, I was turning to leave when I stepped backwards and bumped into something. Falling forwards onto my hands and knees I turned over to see a large man looking down on me. With a sneer the man said “So, wha’chya doing this far off the main street little man?”. He scared me with his expression and harsh tone, so I ran. Scrambling to my feet, I ran futher down the alley, past where the men stopped to meet the elderly lady. I turned left, and right, wishing I was faster as I heard the man’s heavy footfalls behind me. No matter how many alleyways I turned down, he seemed to keep track of me. Slowly panic was settling in, when I ran into an alley with no way out. Turning around I saw the man standing at the entrance to the alleyway. My panic shot through the roof as a bunch of bad things that could potentially happen ran through my mind. What bothered me the most was the thought that this man might take the money Sister gave me to get the supplies and bring them home. Each footfall of the man approaching sounded like thunder to my ears. “Well kid, you didn’t answer my question…” he said, now with a much calmer voice and knelt down a few feet away from me. “I was following some people I saw, they looked strange and …” As I looked the man over I noticed he was wearing the same colored clothing, and the cloak he wore also looked the same. “I was just curious.” He started to chuckle and laugh at this point, before standing up and motioning me to follow him. “Come along little man, you shouldn’t let your curiosity get you into places like this. Alleyways and backstreets are dangerous for young men like you. Where you headed? Let me show you out at least, as an apology for startlin ya.”
If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Realising I didn’t know exactly where I was I didn’t have much choice. So I reluctantly stood and nodded to this stranger, wiping off my clothes as casually as I should before muttering “Thanks … Whats your name?” The man looked taken aback by my sudden question, placing a hand behind his head and looking awkwardly away for a second “My names Ja’mith. And yours?” “Taigen. I was headed to the grocery store. Thank you for showing me the way Jamiss.”
After roughly 10 minutes of walking, I couldn’t keep silent anymore. “Excuse my curiosity Jamiss, but were those other guys friends of yours?” I watched as his eyes focused on me before he nodded “Yeah, that was Clacker, Rustle, and Shadow. I was following em to make sure they didn’t mess up. Considerin’ya were able to follow them for so long, I think they need another round of trainin.” I nodded at this and smiled “I see, thanks for answering. How much farther till we get to the grocery store?” “you got ‘bout 3 more minutes of walking then you can go from there. I have to go back and check on those three fools. I will say though, you run fast and can be pretty sneaky, If you are interested in some work someday, I know a few things you can do for me. You would need to talk to Marcy though, she can be tough to crack. Just let her know I sent you and she will find something for you to do.” As he finished his sentence, I saw the grocery store up ahead. “I’ll think about it Jamiss. But normally Sister needs my help around the house, I won’t always be able to come into town.”