Just after school, Ralphie retrieved his bike from the school lot. The chill in the air reminded Ralphie that there may only be a few more days of bike-worthy weather this year.

Just as Ralphie mounted his bike, a large hand grasped his shoulder tightly enough to hurt.

“Hello, Chum.” Ralphie turned around and saw a large brooding man who looked more like an overgrown child.

“Who are you?” Ralphie’s voice shook.

“I’m here to collect on your brother's debt.”

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Who are you?” Ralphie cried again.

“I’m Jake, and I plan to take my $150 out of your hide, Little Man.”

Before Ralphie could say anything else, he felt a punch in the small of his back. Ralphie noticed the kid who bumped into him last week during class. Jake pulled him off the bike and kicked it out of the way.

“Ahh! Stop!”

“Not until your brother coughs up a level-seventy character and my $150,” Jake screamed. “Shut him up, Donnie!”

Donnie put his hand over Ralphie's mouth. Jake punched Ralphie in the stomach until he grew limp. Donnie's hand was wet with tears.

“Leave that boy alone!” called a man whose voice Jake recognized. It was Mr. Robinson.

“Time to go.” Donnie and Jake ran until they were out of Mr. Robinson’s reach.

“Emergency at the bike rack on the elementary side. Code red,” is the last thing that Ralphie heard before passing out.