"I owe you, man. Thank you for saving my sister.""Of course. What we do for each other." Psalms smiled as he patted Christian's shoulder, "I'll get going now."They were quick to rush Rose to the hospital, and thankfully, her issue wasn't a big deal. Her respiration and health were back to normal, and she was just lying on the bed, resting."Sure! We'll see later, man." Christian smiled back, "I'mma treat you back for the favor.""I'll be so glad if that treatment comes from you.""Of course…"A cough interrupted Christian. It was Rose.Psalms' smile faltered slightly at the cough. He glanced at Rose, concern flickering in his eyes."Hey, you alright, Rose?" Christian asked, his gaze turning to his sister.Rose shifted weakly on the bed, a tired smile gracing her lips. "Yeah, just a little tickle in my throat. Must be from all the water, right?""Yeah. Right.""You're awake, daughter." Mr. Gabriel, who was almost asleep, stood up, "Oh my lovely daughter." He sniffed and gave Rose a f

Austin's phone buzzed on the table, shattering the quiet of his tiny apartment. He glanced at the screen, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. It was an unknown number, but the call code matched his father's company. With a deep breath, he answered, "Hello?""Mr. Rufus?" A smooth, professional woman's voice filled his ear.Austin straightened slightly. "Yes, this is he." He couldn't help but wonder who this could be. No one from his father's company ever called him.He wondered what could be the reason they were calling."Mr. Rufus," the woman continued, "I apologize for the unexpected call. This is Sarah Jones, calling from Rufus Enterprises."Yes. He was right. It was really his father's company. And Austin wondered why the lady apologized for no reason at all.Austin's stomach lurched. Rufus Enterprises. His father's company."Hello, Ms. Jones," he managed, his voice tight. "How can I help you?""Mr. Rufus," she began and then paused for a beat too long. The silence stretched,

The sterile white walls of the hospital seemed to press down on Vincent as he shuffled behind Ramsey and Austin, their laughter bouncing off the polished floor. Outside, the late afternoon sun casts long shadows, promising the freedom Vincent craved."That's crazy, you know," Austin cackled, nudging Ramsey with his elbow. "Just leave him there. He'd probably start talking to pigeons again."Ramsey slapped Austin on the back, a booming laugh erupting from his chest. "Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised. Vincent, the pigeon whisperer."Vincent rolled his eyes, a familiar warmth blooming in his chest despite their teasing. "So, you're saying I've always been a couple of fries short of a happy meal? That I've always been crazy, yeah?"Ramsey grinned, a playful glint in his eyes. "Everyone knows that. Vinnie and Trouble, 5&6. You're our resident nutter."The playful banter felt foreign after weeks of IV drips and endless beeping monitors. Vincent winced as he remembered the metallic tang of bloo

A steaming mug of coffee cupped in her hands, Ariel scanned the bustling coffee shop.Her eyes snagged on a flash of familiar blonde hair – Crystal, pushing open the door with a flourish. Relief washed over Ariel, momentarily eclipsing the bitter aftertaste of her previous conversation with Andrew.Maybe Crystal's infectious energy would chase away the lingering tension. Crystal was so anxious to know about her plans and here they were, ready to spill out.Ariel slammed her mug down a little too hard, the clatter drawing Crystal's attention. A wide grin stretched across Crystal's face as she sashayed over, her hips swaying with practiced ease. Crystal saw her at one go and walked towards her with a big smile on her face."I beat you when it comes to time but it seems like you win the Speed Demon award again," Crystal announced as she slid into the seat opposite Ariel.Ariel laughed, the sound was genuine despite the knot of worry tightening in her stomach. "Always," she conceded. "Tho

A grin split Vincent's face as Austin finished explaining his plan. "That's a brilliant idea, man," he said, bumping fists with Austin in a friendly greeting. Ramsey, ever the strategist, chimed in with a thoughtful nod."And remember," Ramsey added, "we're always here to back you up if things get hairy.""Yeah, thanks a bunch, bro," Austin replied, his smile widening as he shook both their hands. It was a simple gesture, a silent language of trust and camaraderie that spoke volumes.Ramsey, however, wasn't quite finished. "Hold on, Austin," he interjected, turning towards Vincent. "Don't you think we should get some supplies? The manager needs to look the part, right?""Right on, man!" Vincent exclaimed, snapping his fingers in agreement. The rest of them echoed his sentiment, a wave of realization washing over the group.Laughter bubbled out of Austin. "See, Ramsey's got the brains of this operation," he teased, nudging his friend playfully.Ramsey snorted, a hint of amusement crink