It had been raining. That’s all it seemed to do lately. A weary silence had covered the town, the only sound that of the rain and of the cars that drove down the street. In shops and in homes people spoke quietly. Hushed tones and quite whispers. Even the local bar was quiet. The televisions and radios turned down until they could barely be heard. 

Around a booth at the corner of the bar a group of rowdy college students had been drinking that day. Louder than the rest of the people. Celebrating the birthday of one of their own. It was a shocking change of pace. All the bars patrons were shocked with the jollyness their party was enshrouded in.

“Happy Birthday Cat!” five of the members cheered. While Cat smiled.

“A toast! To Cat and to us!” a lanky man with a british accent called out, raising his glass. The six of them clinked their glasses together, and the deed was done. They made light conversation and jokes until one of the members spoke up, drunk as could be.

“So Johnny. You need to tell us again how you almost got arrested.” Daniel looked at Johnny, eyes wide with a wild smile on his face. Johnny sighed.

“Like I’ve said a thousand time over Danny, this dude came at me with a knife. I gave him a right hook and shattered his jaw. It’s not that interesting.” he smiled “I didn't even hit him with the left hook, that might have killed him.” With that Johnny held his left fist up and punched into his hand.

“Wowww Johnny you’re soooo strong! Come sweep me off my feet prince charming!” Lonnie laughed, while Sammie swooned mockingly.  Johnny flustered but Cat put a hand to his shoulder.

“Common girls don’t bully the man like this.” Cat patted Johnny’s bicep “You’re plenty strong Johnny just don’t listen to them.” Lonnie and Sammie stuck their tongues out at Cat. Before they all started laughing. Will raised his hand to get another round, but the bartender shook his head.

“Damn it.” he sighed “Guess it’s time to head home.” Will stood up and put a large wad of cash on the table. The others got up and, while talking, and headed out. “Keep the change.” Will called out before he stepped through the door, out into the rain.

Pulling their hoods over their heads and taking out umbrellas. They began to walk down the street. The only light coming from neon signs and street lamps. As they walked they began to quiet down. The effects of the alcohol beginning to take their toll even more. Danny grunting fell against the side of a wall. The group stopped and Will asked “You a’ight Danny? Don’t tell me you can’t hold your liquor.” Danny sighed. “Just a headache nothing to worry about.” Propping himself against the wall continued. “Gimme a minute to catch my breath. I’ll meet you guys at the car.” 

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Cat came up to him and placed her hand on his shoulder. “You sure you don’t want someone to wait with you?” Shaking his head Danny replied “No I’ll be fine in a minute.” Cat shrugged, turned and started walking. The others followed suit until it was just Danny.

Lurching to his feet and holding on to the wall, he stumbled down the street until he fell into an alleyway. Grunting he tried to get up, but could barely move.

“You alright there sir?” an unfamiliar voice called from the deeper in the alley. Danny heard footsteps and eventually saw an old bearded man, looking down at him. Sticking out his hand he said “Allow me to help you up.” Danny, mustering his strength, grabbed it and was lifted up. The man lead him to a lean-to with a purple and gold tarp and was say down. “Thank you.” Danny told him, before putting a hand to his head. “Nausea am I right?” the older man asked. Danny nodded. “Here drink this.” the man handed Danny a clear glass with a green liquid in it. Eying it suspiciously “What’s in this?” the man told him “Just some herbs and grasses from my homeland. It helps with sickness and nausea. Drink it.” sighing Danny put it to his lips and drank the whole glass. “Feels better already right?” Danny stood up. “Yeah, I think I can walk now. Thank you.” he started to reach for his wallet when the old man put a hand in front of him and shook his head. “No need to pay me now. The payment will come soon enough.” Looking at the sky, a flash of lighting filled the sky and the rumble of thunder was all that could be heard. “You should get going. It’s going to be a long night for you.” he turned away and walked into the alley. “What do you mean a long night?” but he was gone. 

Sighing he walked out of the alley. His headache had receded, but he still needed the wall for support. 

He paused for a moment to rest, but heard a click behind him. Turning, he saw a thin man with a gun. “Don’t move a muscle pal. Neither of us want this but it has to happen.” he pointed to his pocket “Take out your wallet and throw it to the ground, nice and easy now.” Danny quivering reached into his pocket, but found no wallet. “You playing a joke with me kid?” the man pointed the gun at his face. “Get your damn wallet out now. Before things get messy.” Danny reached to his other pocket and found a wallet that wasn't his. Taking it out of his wallet he held it in his hand. “Good now throw it to me.” Danny tossed it on the ground in front of the man.

“See kid? Wasn't that hard now was it?” picking up the wallet he opened it. “What the hell?” dropping it he pointed the gun back at Danny. “Why the hell do you carry an empty wallet with you?” Danny tired to respond but lunged forward instead. “Oh shit!”

Six shots fired out of the gun, and time seemed to slow.