"Please don't leave me, mom!" He beckoned with his innocent eyes looking up at her.He was clinging to her like his life depended on her cloak and he wasn't ready to let go of her.She smiled with tears in her eyes and knelt. She immersed him in a hug and whispered into his left ear."I need you to trust me, Ken."She pulled away from the hug and looked him straight in the face after a sniffle.Little Ken could barely see her face. It was dark. He could hear his father's voice from the living room. His father was speaking with some men while his mother was dragging him toward the basement.Even though he was seven years old then, Ken could tell that they were in danger that night. His father had always told him that the basement will be used as a hiding spot whenever the need arises.His mom flashed a quick smile shielding her fears and stood up. She held onto his left hand and motioned to him to come with her."You'll be safe my boy. Come with me."The frightened little boy took step

Charlie traced his way down the basement. He pulled out his secret key from his pants pocket and unlocked the door to the basement. With a smile, he stepped into the dark room and guided his hand to the light switch on the wall. He turned on the lights and marched toward the board.The basement was empty and it smelt of rust and dust. Charlie cleans his apartment consistently but he never went down to the basement with a broom. It had no windows and the tight air seemed not to bother him.He marched to the flat board and tucked his hands into his pockets. On the whiteboard were photos of Ken, crossed with the letter X in red.With an impish grin, Charlie grabbed a red marker from the table and began to draw imaginary lines on the board while mumbling incoherent words.He dropped the marker to the floor and turned around with a wide grin, a mischievous one."I'm coming for you Ken and I swear to God, you won't see me coming." He declared with bloodshot eyes, bearing vengeance.Charlie

Ken turned to Jane. He was ready to talk. As far as he was concerned, he was tired of the way they'd been ignoring each other when they should have sorted their differences a long time ago.Jane exhaled and took off her seatbelt. She turned to Ken and before his lips could part, she spoke."Look Ken if you want to ask me questions about my personal life then I'll advise you don't do so." She pointed a finger at him and looked him straight in the face. "Remember, you made a promise never to do so."Ken began to shake his head. "I'm ready to break that promise, Jane. It's been three fucking years and I can't say a few things about my girlfriend. I don't even know the people around her or where she comes from. I feel like a fool Jane." He screamed at her face, his voice was ringing with anger and frustration.Jane quickly turned away. She needed no one to inform her that she hasn't been fair to Ken."I don't know about your personal life either." She replied with her face averted from hi

"He's coming!" One of the men in black gave the signal and instantly, the murmurs died.He took mighty steps into the room with fierce eyes. He then turned around and waved at his loyal subjects. They all gave a slight bow.Don Castello was clothed in a black men's overall that covered the sole of his feet. Lately, he had been working on regaining the spotlight. He wanted to command the gang like he always did.He settled on the only seat in the room, an armchair, and placed both his hands on his thighs. "Sit!" He commanded.There were about fifteen men in the room, dressed in black trousers and shirts. They settled on the red carpet and all eyes were fixed on Don Castello.It was exactly 10 pm, the time scheduled for his meeting with some members of the gang.Don Castello cleared his throat loudly and began rubbing his palms against each other vigorously. "The King said he was going to restore my honor in two years and now, I'm counting to the fourth year."He clenched his jaw with h

"Thank you so much ma'am for your cooperation." Ken appreciated her and turned around to leave the office.The director watched him with astonishing eyes. A while ago, he was keen on seeing Charlie's record and seemed like he will do anything to get it, and now, he was leaving.She stretched her hand and before she could mumble "Excuse me, Dr. Ken," he walked out with a bright smile.She sighed and propelled a file toward her.The hopeful Ken walked past the receptionist at her counter with a smile. He traced his way to the gate. Outside the rehab center, his car was parked. He drove himself to the center that afternoon.He mounted the driver's seat and pulled out his phone. It was time to bring Miranda on board."Fuck!" He cussed and clenched his jaw.It dawned on Ken that he deleted Miranda's contact a long time ago and hasn't been in touch with her in ages.He decided to check one of the Whatsapp groups that were created so the classmates could catch up on old times. He scrolled do