# Kaira

I slipped out of the house like a shadow, my heart pounding with each step. The travel box felt heavier than I expected, my arms aching as I struggled to drag it to the roadside. When a cab finally pulled, I practically threw myself into the backseat.

The ride felt endless. My palms were sweaty as I gripped the door handle, constantly glancing behind us to make sure no one was following.

When we arrived, relief flooded through me. The neighborhood was nothing like ours. It's quiet, orderly, lined with trimmed hedges and clean sidewalks.

No one peeked through curtains or whispered on front porches. People here minded their own business.

I pulled out my phone with trembling fingers. "Hello? I'm here."

As I slipped the phone back into my pocket, someone grabbed my wrist. Hard.

"What...?" I gasped. My phone nearly slipped from my grip, but I held on tighter, my knuckles white.

The man in front of me looked like he'd been living on the streets for weeks. His hair hung in greasy tangles around his face. His skin was pale and dirty, and his clothes reeked of sweat and something worse. His bare feet were black with grime, and his torn jeans barely held together.

We both pulled at the phone, our hands slipping and fumbling in desperation. My heart hammered against my ribs. If I lost this phone, it would take months to save for another one. All my plans would fall apart.

"Let it go now," he growled, his grip tightening. His eyes burned with desperation.

I couldn't speak. All my energy went into holding on, my breath coming in sharp gasps.

"You people have everything but can't spare something small for someone like us," he spat.

"Who says I'm rich?" I panted, finding my voice.

"I struggle for every penny. Nothing just falls into my lap." My chest heaved as I spoke.

"You should work hard like everyone else instead of blaming the world... I won't let you take what's mine."

His face twisted with rage. "What?! Are you calling me lazy? How dare you! I hate that word, and anyone who uses it will regret it!"

He raised his hand, and I saw the slap coming. I squeezed my eyes shut.

"Hey! Someone call the police!"

The man's head whipped around. Footsteps were running toward us.

"Shit! This isn't over, girl." He stepped back, his finger jabbing at my face.

"I’ve marked your face. I’ll find you again. You’ll regret calling me that."

He ran.

Disappeared around a corner, like smoke vanishing in the wind.

My knees buckled. I barely stayed upright.

"At least... You didn’t take my phone," I whispered, clutching it like a lifeline.

"Kaira!"

Camille’s voice hit first, she rushed towards me, and her arms were around me. Jason followed closely, his usually playful expression replaced by something heavier.

"I’m so sorry I wasn’t here sooner...."

"It’s okay," I murmured, my voice catching.

"You came just in time."

"Oh, our dear Kaira! I've really missed you!" Jason wrapped us both in a crushing hug from behind, sandwiching me between them.

I laughed despite everything, but my voice came out hoarse. "Let me breathe, please."

Camille pulled away immediately. "Don't mind him." She glared at Jason and smacked his chest.

"You missed her but want to suffocate her the moment you see her."

"What do you mean by suffocate? I was just as excited to see her as you were," he protested.

"Are you arguing with me again? Do you want to die?" Camille's voice rose, her hands on her hips like a mother scolding a child.

I sighed, watching their familiar show. "Don't you two ever get tired of arguing?"

"Sorry, sorry, ma'am. I don't want to die. I won't do it again." Jason bowed dramatically, but his smirk gave away his sarcasm.

Camille raised her fist. "I ought to..." She stopped herself and made a disgusted sound. "Tch!"

Jason rolled his eyes.

"I'm serious! I will punch you!" she shouted.

"Apologize sincerely, or else..."

"Sorry, ma'am!" Jason bowed even deeper this time, his voice booming.

Camille smiled, satisfied. "You're lucky."

Jason's expression softened into a genuine smile, which Camille returned.

Despite my fear and exhaustion, warmth spread through my chest as I watched them.

"You two never fail to cheer me up, even when I'm not in the mood."

Camille's attention snapped back to me, her eyes scanning for injuries. "Are you hurt? Did he hit you? Tell me..."

"I'm fine," I said, spinning around and showing my hands. "See? No injuries or bruises."

"I came too late," Camille said, her shoulders sagging with guilt.

"No, it was perfect timing. Thank you." I gave her a soft smile.

"But why weren't you coming from the house?" I asked, suddenly noticing.

Camille sighed and pointed at Jason. "Because of him."

Jason shrugged, his lip curving in that casual way he did when he knew he'd caused trouble.

Camille and Jason had been my friends since freshman year. They'd known each other since elementary school, where Camille had apparently saved Jason from bullies. She never let him forget it, demanding he call her "ma'am" even though she was only a month older. Jason pretended to be annoyed, but I could see he loved their bond as much as she did.

Camille had saved me from bullies too, more than once. She and Jason were the only people I could truly call friends.

"I told him you were coming, and he insisted on tagging along. Said he didn't want to miss you." Camille's voice held fond exasperation.

"He rushed here without even his wallet and made me pay for his cab fare."

"You'll pay me back my money," she told Jason.

"I will."

"Double."

"Times four," he shot back.

Even at twenty-one, they still acted like children. Though I was younger, I often felt like the adult between us.

"Guys, seriously... this isn't the time for this, not now..." I muttered.

Jason's expression grew serious. "But what's this about? Camille said you left home?"

Both of them stared at me, waiting. I swallowed hard and glanced at my travel box.

"Remember that rundown apartment near school I used to talk about?"

I'd mentioned it to Camille before... my dream of living there to cut down the commute. But I'd never dared to actually do it.

"Yes. What about it?" Camille leaned forward, her eyes bright with curiosity.

"I need you to do me a favor."

"Anything," they said in unison, without hesitation.

My hands trembled as I pulled out my phone.

"Talk to the landlord for me. I think his number is still saved..."

I scrolled through my contacts, my heart racing. "Here." I handed the phone to Camille. "Tell him I sent you and get the apartment key. Help me take my box there when he gives it to you."

"What?! Are you finally moving in?!" they both screamed, their voices echoing in the quiet street.

* * *