Lola

I eagerly treated myself to a bowl of (font:"chalkduster")[[cereal]] as the drone of the (font:"chalkduster")[[fan]] next to me sent a soft buzzing sound throughout the room, blowing hair into my face. Some unfortunate strands of hair drooped into my milk as I dove down to eat as quickly as I could. I had woken up late for school again and was having another discheveled morning. I could hear my (font:"chalkduster")[[mom]]'s voice distantly in the background. I could always tell when she was frustrated by the creaks the floorboards made whenever she would pace back and forth. I couldn't exactly hear what she was saying and wondered who she might've been talking to. I should probably go see what she's up to. Go to the (font:"chalkduster")[[living room]]. I need to finish getting ready. Head to the (font:"chalkduster")[[hallway]]. I'm already late, I should (font:"chalkduster")[[leave now]].

Usually I loved watching tv, but my mom always insisted on keeping the news on while we got ready which in turn made my mornings pretty boring. The reporter was talking about the current heat wave going on in Chicago and the different ways to stay cool during the day. They mentioned some items the local food bank needed, some blocked off roads surrounded by cop cars, and the supermarkets' new hours of operation before I zoned out. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->living room]]]

My brother looked at my mom's clip with fascination trying to unfasten it from her hair. He looked a lot more like my dad with full lips and loose curls. Before my dad left to Utah a year ago he gave him a talk about how he had to take his place and protect my mom and I while he was away. I don't think my dad was being serious considering he isn't even four yet, but my brother took his job very seriously. It was really cute to see. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->living room]]]

The fan shook dangerously, working overtime to send a cold breeze through the suffocating humidity taking up the kitchen. It was missing a blade and had been with us since I was born. I remember showing my brother how to speak into the fan to sound like a robot and his amazement by it all. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->beginning]]]

I had been eating Alpha Bits cereal every morning ever since I found out that the words spelled out in my bowl could read my fortune. Or moreso once I decided it did that. The only downside is that It didn't taste as good as Lucky Charms and I really missed having marshmallows... I peered into my bowl and tried to make out a word. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img class="img-style "src="https://i.ibb.co/DtL73XG/IMG-5940.jpg" width="350px" height="300px">] A - I - M? Huh? Well that was kinda disappointing. One time it had spelled out CAT and I found the cutest tabby perched on our balcony. I had begged my mom to keep him, but she told me that it was never smart to go after stray animals. I had named him Milo and I know I'll still find him one day. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[ [[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->beginning]]]

My mom had long dark hair which was always pinned up by a clip. She never really wore makeup besides the concealer she caked on to hide her eyebags and some mascara to make her already big eyes look even bigger! She always said that I got my eyes from her which made them my favorite feature. She worked as a waitress at a local diner a few blocks away from our apartment. The food there was amazing with the best milkshakes ever and fried everything! I even got to try fried pickles which I unexpectedly liked a lot. Sometimes I would go over after school and help her take orders or watch her as I did my homework from one of the booths. She looked really similar now to how she looked while working. The same pacing, hurried talking, and flushed face. I began to wonder when was the last time she had a second to relax. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->beginning]]]

The curtains were still drawn, making the room dark and stuffy. A few glimpses of light made way through the cracks of the blinds and showed my mom who, just as expected, was there pacing back and forth. She was holding my little (font:"chalkduster")[[brother]] on her hip while talking on the phone with her other hand. Her voice was hushed, but laced with frustration as she argued with the person on the other side of the call. She looked at me come in and shot me a half-strained smile and mouthed //"Good morning mami"// before my brother yanked at her hair and she winced in pain as she continued her conversation. The (font:"chalkduster")[[television]] played behind her and I noticed old tools spread out across our table and on the floor near the window. My mom ended the call, but continued to look down at the phone with a slight frown. (font:"chalkduster")[[Talk to her]]

I should probably leave now, I'm already so late. I hurriedly ran through the living room yelling goodbye to my mom and brother before grabbing my bag from the couch and (font:"chalkduster")[[heading out the door->walk]].

I put my bowl in the sink and walked down the hallway. Pictures of my family and I adorned the walls. The photos captured us during holidays, birthdays, and family reunions. It had been a while since our last family photo. Our most recent one was from my brother's second birthday back when my dad was still working instate. Anyway, I should stop reminiscing and finish getting ready. The last door down the hall led to my bedroom while the first one on the right took me to the bathroom. Go into the (font:"chalkduster")[[bathroom]]. Go into the (font:"chalkduster")[[bedroom]].

I opened the door to my bedroom and entered inside. The walls were a light purple and I had added a fluffy, rainbow carpet to the middle of the floor which was pretty much invisible at this point with all the piles of clothes covering it. I stepped over the clothes and looked around my room. My (font:"chalkduster")[[desk]] was pushed to the wall opposite of the door, sitting right in front of an open window. I had the best view from our apartment and could clearly see the park that was a few blocks away. My (font:"chalkduster")[[bed]] was pushed up against the left wall and had my own and brother's pillows sat up against the headboard. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->hallway]]

One of the bulbs in our ceiling light had fused out leaving the room dim. We had extras to replace it, but for some reason we've never gotten to it. I'll try reminding my mom when we get back home today. I started getting ready and used the bathroom, showered, and brushed my teeth. I looked at myself in the mirror and straightened out my ponytail then leaned in and shot myself a smile. My birthday was in exactly a month and my mom promised me that since I was turning 13 she would finally start letting me wear makeup. As for now, I don't think she'd notice if I just wore a little blush... (font:"chalkduster")[[Head out->leave]]

Although my brother had his own room, he never spent much time sleeping in it. Our nights usually followed the same pattern. I'd stay up doing homework at my desk until the sky outside became pitch black and I'd hear a soft knock on the door and see my brother peeking in with his blanket. I always took this as my cue to go to bed and I'd scoop him up and lay him next to me as we drifted off to sleep. Last night was a bit different as we stayed up until nearly 2am watching our favorite show. Thinking about it made me realize just how tired I was. Maybe it wouldn't hurt just to lay down and (font:"chalkduster")[[rest]] my eyes for a bit... (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->bedroom]]

The pages of the open textbook on the desk fluttered around from the soft breeze coming in. Unlike the rest of my room, my desk was neat and organized. I had a pile of all of my graded worksheets, a cup full of different pencils and pens, and books stacked in the space between my window and desk. In the drawer were different drawings I had been working on. I wasn't the best, but I had been practicing for months to surprise my dad when he came back. Whenever that was. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->bedroom]]

My voice seemed to shake her out of her thoughts and she quickly turned her frown back into a smile. //"What was that about?"// She set my brother back on the floor, fixed her hair clip, and brushed down her work uniform. //"Oh nothing, I've just been trying to find a way to fix this thing."// I looked over at the window and surely enough there was our AC unit halfway cracked open. That explains why there were tools on our coffee table and why it was so hot in here. My mom seemed to notice my concerned look and assured me that she'd get it fixed and that there was nothing to worry about. //"I have to drop your brother off at daycare first, but I can take you to school so you don't have to walk in this heat. If you'd like?"// (font:"chalkduster")[[Accept her offer. ->accept]] (font:"chalkduster")[[Turn down her offer. ->turn down]]

(enchant:?page,(bg:black))I closed my eyes and immediately drifted to sleep. (text-style:"blink")[Zzzzzz....] (set: $sec to 0) (live:1s)[ (set: $sec to it + 1) (if: $sec > 3)[3 hours have passed. Wake up!] (if: $sec > 5)[(go-to:"wake up")] ]

Oh god I overslept again. My mom's gonna kill me. There was no point in going to school at this point. If I showed up late my teacher would call my mom. If they hadn't already... I checked my phone. No missed calls, thank god. I should probably head outside and go somewhere else so my mom doesn't find out I skipped class today. I could just go and (font:"chalkduster")[[walk around->leave]] or head over to the (font:"chalkduster")[[park]].

I walked up to the park and let my shoes drag through the mulch. I kicked into the air which sent pieces flying down into my hair. I shook my head to get rid of the mulch and climbed up the side of the playground's tower. I laid down at its base and waited for time to pass as I observed the structure's blue roofing. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img class="img-style "src="https://i.ibb.co/ZVYgf8H/IMG-5964.jpg" width="400px" height="350px">] I closed my eyes and started to play music on my phone until I heard voices coming from somewhere nearby. I took out my headphones and peered through the slits in the tower to see who else was at the park. For the most part it was still empty, but there were now a group of (font:"chalkduster")[[boys]] hanging by the swings. I decided to not blow my cover and (font:"chalkduster")[[stayed put]].

(enchant:?page,(bg:#A1B7DA)) (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[= #(font:"chalkduster")+(color:"white")[LOLA] [[Start->beginning]] <img class="img-style "src="https://i.ibb.co/cCzWJV6/IMG-5930.jpg" width="300px" height="450px">

School passed by quicker than expected and before I knew it the bell had rung and classes were released. I said bye to my friends and took a deep breath as I prepared myself to walk through the scorching sun again. As I walked out and turned around the corner a (font:"chalkduster")[[honk]] made me jump and look up.

My mom and I walked around the mall entering any and every shop that could've suggested having something my dad would like. Although my mom insisted that my dad would be happy enough with just seeing my brother and I again, I knew I had to get him something and that it had to be perfect. We continued shopping for what felt like ages until we found the perfect gift. It was a sleek leather wallet well out of our usual price range, but my mom said she'd get it for our special occassion. We were able to engrave the front of it and add our initials so he could take us anywhere he went. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img class="img-style "src="https://i.ibb.co/kJv4y4x/IMG-5962.jpg" width="400px" height="350px">] My mom even treated us to new outfits and a nice button up shirt for my brother for our big day. I (font:"chalkduster")[[couldn't wait]] for the weekend to come.

//"Yeah sure! Thank you."// She smiled at me again before grabbing her purse and my brother by the hand and heading out the door. I grabbed my bag and promptly (font:"chalkduster")[[followed->car ride]].

"Oh! No it's okay. I don't want to get to school late again and it's not that hot." Her frown returned, but she just said okay and kissed me goodbye before we went out the door. She got in the car and watched me (font:"chalkduster")[[walk away->walk]], almost as if something was on her mind.

I took out my phone and looked at the time. 7:47. Wow this has been the first time I've ever been early to school in weeks. Well, technically I was still "late" since my teacher always liked us in our seats 15 minutes before, but I'm giving myself this one. I walked over to a bench and sat down listening to a few more songs on my phone before I went inside. I looked around until my eyes fell on the (font:"chalkduster")[[alley]] across the street. I thought I saw something... or was it someone? shuffling around. Whatever it was I could feel it watching me and I was almost sure it saw me watching it. A few minutes passed before the warning bell rung. I quickly packed my stuff away and went to (font:"chalkduster")[[class->pick up]].

I squinted and did my best to make out what was in the alley. The sun made it difficult to see, but my heart dropped when my vision focused and I saw a man staring right at me in the shadows of the alley. He seemed almost surprised that I had spotted him, but after his intial shock he picked up a bag laying on the floor and ran deeper into the alley away from the school. What was he doing just standing there? (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->school gate]]]

I walked out the door and immediately winced, shielding my eyes from the sun. Most of our neighbors had already left to work or school while the rest sat outside in lawn chairs splashing themselves with a hose. I put my headphones in my ears and began to walk down the block pulling my hoodie above my head despite the heat to avoid my neighbors spotting me. About 10 minutes into my walk I saw something that made me stop in my tracks. Was that... no... it (font:"chalkduster")[[can't be->follow milo]].

MILO! (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img class="img-style "src="https://i.ibb.co/SmMs1Pr/IMG-5948.jpg" width="450px" height="350px">] I always knew I'd find him again, but I hadn't seen him in so long that I was beginning to worry. I reached out to pet him and he purred under my palm before stretching and running off across the street. I called after him and followed, steering myself off track. Milo ran down the street easily jumping over different obstacles which made it hard for uncoordinated me to follow him. Finally he arrived at a dead end and sat still looking at me as I caught up to him breathing heavy from the heat and marathon he had just sent me through. I crouched down to his level and tried reaching out to grab him, but he jumped away and escaped through a hole in the fence. It probably wasn't the smartest idea to force myself through a fence, especially one that was covered with yellow caution tape, but I had already come all this way. So, I got on my stomach and crawled (font:"chalkduster")[[under]].

She buckled my brother in his car seat and let me sit up in the front with her. We had the radio on full blast, singing along as we drove down the block. My hair became more undone as the wind swept it into a mess. I loved car rides like these. I would always pretend we were going on a great adventure. This time we were escaping an alien invasion! People were getting zapped into different animals and a huge UFO covered the sky as an alien chased us down. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img class="img-style "src="https://i.ibb.co/BrgfVf7/IMG-5957.jpg" width="450px" height="350px">] Before I knew it we had arrived at my school. Just in time before the alien caught up to us too. I kissed my mom goodbye and went (font:"chalkduster")[[inside]].

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img class="img-style "src="https://i.ibb.co/RP7DdtL/IMG-5951.jpg" width="450px" height="350px"> Laying in eternal rest. June 11, 2009 - May 11, 2022 (font:"chalkduster")[[Resources]] (font:"chalkduster")[[Home ->Lola]] ]

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (set: $sec to 0) (live:1s)[ (set: $sec to it + 1) (if: $sec > 1)[(text-style:"blurrier","fidget")[I felt a shock ripple through my chest and knock me onto the ground.]] (if: $sec > 5)[(text-style: "blurrier")[and then nothing at all.]] (if: $sec > 9)[(go-to:"funeral")] ]

(align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[= (enchant:?page,(bg:#A1B7DA)) (text-style:"buoy")[''Without regulation there is an inevitability of falling victim to gun violence.''] --- "Each day 12 children die from gun violence in America. Another 32 are shot and injured." (<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp2200169">New England Journal of Medicine</a>) "Children living in poverty – urban and rural – are more likely to die due to gun violence than their more affluent peers." (<a href="https://www.contemporarypediatrics.com/view/a-sobering-look-at-children-and-gun-violence-in-the-united-states">Contemporary Pediatrics</a>) "44% of all homicides globally involve gun violence." (<a href="https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/arms-control/gun-violence/">New Amnesty International</a>) (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->funeral]]]

I walked into my classroom with my late slip wincing when the class stopped to stare at me. //"Late again Layla?// She never got my name right. I muttered an apology as I handed her my slip and rushed to sit down. As I sat down I began to take out my supplies as I looked around the classroom. My teacher was writing new objectives on the board while the rest of the class talked amongst themselves. I opened my (font:"chalkduster")[[notebook]] and looked out of the (font:"chalkduster")[[window]] before our teacher gave us our next assignment. //"Okay everyone. Let's open those textbooks to page 67."// There was a collective groan before class (font:"chalkduster")[[continued]].

The pages of my notebook were covered in scribbles and illegible writing. Ripped pages from the times I'd make small paper airplanes and throw them over to my friends made half of my notebook unusable for classwork. I flipped to the last page and added another heart to my collection. I had been marking down the days since my dad moved away to Utah and it always hurt to see the number grow over time. I felt a pit begin to grow in my stomach and tears well up in my eyes. 427. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[<img class="img-style "src="https://i.ibb.co/3RkYVxy/IMG-5959.jpg" width="450px" height="350px">] (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->inside]]]

I looked out the window and saw no one which was strange. Usually there'd be people walking their dogs or walking around during this time in the day. I guess with the heat wave no one wanted to be outside. Not that I blame them. Across the street was an alley that led to the back where the dumpsters were. I thought I saw something move, but saw nothing there. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->inside]]]

Only 15 minutes had passed before I began to regret not getting ready at home before leaving. I placed my head on the cool surface of the desk as I did my best to ignore the urge to use the bathroom. It didn't help that today's lesson covered the Hoover Dam. I didn't know how my luck could get any worse. Then my classmates convinced our teacher to put on a documentary covering the lesson instead. Great. Now I can learn about the 34 trillion liters of water it holds through visuals and sound. I could only hold it for a few more minutes before my hand shot up begging to take the bathroom pass. //"You just got here and you're already trying to leave? Hold it Layla."// //"Please! It'll be fast. I promise!"// //"I will not let you disrupt the class again."// I looked around at the class, half asleep half on their phones and looked up at her again with pleading eyes. She gave me an exasperated sigh and handed me the pass. //"Be quick."// I smiled at her and ran to the (font:"chalkduster")[[bathroom->school bathroom]].

I slammed the bathroom door open scaring two girls that were washing their hands and chatting. I blushed and sheepishly apologized as they scurried out before heading over to one of the stalls. As I finished, I thanked any and every higher power that I didn't become the first 7th grader to wet herself in class. I flushed the toilet and had my hand ready to unlock the stall door when I heard a loud (font:"chalkduster")[[bang]].

Immediately I winced and shielded my eyes from the sun. Most of our neighbors had already left to work or school while the rest sat outside in lawn chairs splashing themselves with a hose. Maybe I could ask my mom if we could go to the pool after school today. I know she was probably stressed about our AC not working and the pool would be a fun way to cool down. I walked down the block with my headphones in and greeted my neighbors as I passed by. After 20 or so minutes I arrived to the (font:"chalkduster")[[school gate]] panting and drenched in sweat. I really should've taken my mom up on her offer to drive me. At least I got to school early.

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blur")[= Suddenly everything went dark and I couldn't see anything. The silence was deafening and I was too scared to move. I heard another loud bang followed by a scream cut short by another bang. My heart sunk to my stomach as I realized what was going on and I, for what felt like hours, stood still until the panic began to really set in. My mom had taught me from a young age what to do in the case of a shooting. It had only happened near our apartment once before. We had stayed in my mom's room huddled in her closet as she covered our ears with pillows not wanting to hear anything. But I heard everything. As the blood rushed to my head, I struggled to think of what to do. The sounds outside of the bathroom became louder as I heard my classmates scream for help. My breath hitched as I heard (font:"chalkduster")[[footsteps]] outside of the door.

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blurrier","shudder")[= My heart was beating so fast I was sure someone could hear it. I pressed my eyes shut and covered my mouth with my hand shaking profusely as I continued to listen for what would happen next. Silence. And then... the creak of the bathroom door. They're here. I realized that they would be able to see my feet under the stall and tried my best to step onto the toilet seat. But it was (font:"chalkduster")[[too late->death]]. Tears streamed down my face as I saw a single eye peer through the crack of the stall before they stepped back and shot the lock off the door.

I cheered as I successfully made it through and dusted myself off. I took a step forward and grimaced as I felt a burning pain form on my leg. Turns out I had scraped my knee pretty bad trying to crawl through and I hadn't even noticed. I pressed my lips together and furrowed my brows in pain as I tried to pick off the dirt and little rocks out of the wound. Once I cleaned up my knee I looked around at my surroundings. I panicked a little when I realized that I had absolutely no clue where I was. I heard sirens up ahead and somewhere along the way as I followed the turns Milo took throughout the city I had gotten lost. I reached for my phone in my pocket and was instead met by air and a few pieces of lint. To top it all off Milo was nowhere to be seen. This had quickly turned from bad to worse. I knew that at this point I should've just turned back, but my knee hurt too much to crawl through that small gap again and I promised myself that I wouldn't lose Milo a second time. So I (font:"chalkduster")[[trekked forward]].

I called for Milo as I walked around. It looked as if I had entered a completely new town. A maze of brick buildings surrounded me and I found myself losing the fence I had initially crawled through. 30 minutes passed and there was still no sight of him. I was sweating profusely under the blare of the sun, the pain in my knee had gotten worse, and I just wanted to go home. I stopped and leaned against a wall wiping my face with the sleeve of my jacket as I tried to regain some energy. Then as if we were playing a game Milo reappeared at the corner of one of the buildings. //"This is the last time I'm going after you Milo."// I made my way over to him and he finally let me pick him up. I went to turn away when I saw a (font:"chalkduster")[[man up ahead]] with his back turned to me with what looked like a gun.

My mom was parked at the side of the school looking happier than she had looked in a long time. I ran over and got in sighing in relief as the car's AC was at its max and immediately cooled me down. I leaned over to kiss my mom on the cheek and she excitedly nudged my shoulder. //"Wanna hear some good news?"// My ears perked up and I looked at her with a puzzled expression wondering what her news was. Had she fixed the AC? She looked a bit too excited for that though. But who knows. She continued. //"Your dad was able to get his contract to end earlier and he's coming back home. This weekend!"// Once she said that I felt tears well up in my eyes and I began hugging her. It had been nearly two years since he left and I hadn't realized just how much I missed him until now. //"We have to get him a present! Please. I'll use the money I've saved up. We can buy him something nice like a new tie or a watch!"// She looked at me with adoration and grabbed my hand. //"Of course we can get him something. You don't have to use your money. Let's go to the (font:"chalkduster")[[mall]] before we pick your brother up."//

(text-style:"blur")[= My mom finished paying for our stuff and I helped her with our bags as we walked out of the store and towards the exit. Along our way we had stopped for a soft pretzel when we suddenly heard yelling. We stopped eating and looked around as the crowd around us tried to find where the yelling was coming from. Then all at once, they started running. I frantically looked at my mom confused as to what was going on, but she just grabbed our stuff, my hand and pulled me towards the exit as we began to run with the stampede. Shoulders and elbows bumped into me repeatedly sending dull aches to my body, but my mom continued to hold onto me tight as she dragged us through the mall. I continued to look around trying to receive some indication as to what was going on when I heard it. Amongst all of the screams there was a sharp repetitive bang coming from behind us. Panic began to set in as the exit was now in sight, but the masses of people trying to get through at once was creating a (font:"chalkduster")[[blockage]].

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blur")[= My mom pulled me towards her as she tried to find us a way through the crowd and out of the mall. My heart was pounding so hard that my chest hurt and my hands were sweating to the point where my grip on my mom and our bags began to loosen. We had finally found a space to go through when someone barged into us making me stumble and drop the bags. My mom yelled out my name as she reached her arm out, but was pushed away by the crowd. I started crying and looked around trying to find my bag, but saw nothing but people. I don't know what was going through my head, but all I could think about is that I couldn't lose my dad's present. My mom depended on me to hold it and she spent so much money helping me get him a gift. My dad deserved to have a gift for when he came home. All of these thoughts and my emotions overwhelmed me as tears streamed down my face. Then I walked back in search of the (font:"chalkduster")[[gift]].

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blurrier")[= I struggled to break against the flow of the crowd as I searched the floor looking for my dad's wallet. My fingers were repeatedly stomped on causing them to bleed, but the only thing I could focus on was finding the gift. Finally, I spotted the crushed black bag on the floor and opened it to find the wallet. Albeit a bit scuffed up it still looked just how we bought it and it was still perfect. I wrapped my bloody fingers around it holding it [[close]] to my chest.

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blurrier","shudder")[= I got back up and turned towards the exit to find myself at the very back of the crowd. I felt the color drain from my face as the realization of the situation we were in hit me all at once. It was as if I regained all of my senses and I could now truly feel my fear. The sound of the gun shots were now clear and close enough that I could feel the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I slowly turned around, still clutching the wallet to my heart. Somewhere in the distance, I heard my mom scream my name. But there was no way to avoid what came [[next->death]].

There were about 5-6 of them and they seemed relatively young. Maybe in their late teens, early 20's. Two of them sat on the swings and spoke to the two other guys who were pacing back and forth rubbing the backs of their necks. The last one didn't even look at them as he stayed with his back pressed against the metal pole of the swing set and smoked while analyzing the surrounding street of the park. It seemed as if they were waiting for someone. (align:"=><=")+(box:"X")[[<img src='https://icon-library.com/images/white-back-icon/white-back-icon-7.jpg' width="30px" height="40px">->park]]

I laid back down and popped in one of my headphones as I continued listening to music while simultaneously tuning in to any of the conversation that was happening below me. Over an hour passed and the heat was starting to make me sleepy. My phone was also beginning to overheat and I had to stop the music before I wasted anymore battery. I was ready to take my nap when I noticed that I couldn't hear the boys anymore. Once again, I got up and peered through the slits only to find them still there. This time, however, they were all up looking onto the street, but none of them were speaking. They were definitely waiting for someone, but it was hard to tell who. Suddenly a car pulled up a few feet away from the park and out of the car came four huge guys with the scariest looks on their faces. I felt my heart begin to beat and I knew that whatever was going to happen next would not be good for me. Just (font:"chalkduster")[[stay still]].

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blur")[= I held my breath as I stayed crouched down in the tower watching from the same slits as before. The big guys walked up to the boys who looked intimidated, but stood their ground near the swing set. It didn't take long for them to start yelling every profanity known to man at each other. I began to wonder if it was a good idea for me to stay up here. It (font:"chalkduster")[[wouldn't be safe]] to get caught up in this. I continued to watch them below, not knowing what I should do or how I could leave.

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blur")[= I turned away from the scene and crouched down with my eyes pressed shut and my hands covering my head. I felt sick and I could feel the blood pumping in my ears which still didn't do much to tone out the loud gunshots that were now being exchanged between the two groups. I stayed in this position for 15 minutes praying that they would stop or move somewhere else so that I could leave. Then I felt a vibration in the base of the playground's tower. One of the boys ran up the steps of the playground and was hiding behind its walls, trying to hide from one of the men aiming at him from below. He seemed to have lost his gun and was bleeding badly from his shoulder and was (font:"chalkduster")[[making his way over]] to where I was crouched down.

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blur")[= The yelling had died down, but then the boy that was smoking from before marched right up to who seemed like the leader of the men. He stayed silent and threw his cigarette down at his feet and proceeded to spit in his face. For a moment everything went quiet and the men looked as stunned as I was. However, that shock quickly turned into anger as the leader reached from under his shirt and pulled out a gun and shot him in the foot. The cigarette boy screamed out in pain and the rest of them pulled out guns too and started to (font:"chalkduster")[[shoot]] at each other.

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blurrier")[= I began to panic and looked up in fear at him as he passed me by. He looked at me with wide eyes and yelled (text-style:"shudder")[//"STOP! THERE'S A KID HERE."// ] I backed up from him and staggered as he stepped forward. The boy was stunned into place making him visible and an easy target for the man below us who shot up at the tower as soon as I got up. I heard more yelling and before I realized what had happened it was already (font:"chalkduster")[[too late->death]].

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blur")[= I gasped and covered my mouth unable to look away as he pointed the gun down at the man kneeling before him. The man was in tears and seemed to be older in age with deep wrinkles covering a face contorted in pure anguish and fear. The man continued to point his gun at him and sneered at the old man's pleas as he pulled the trigger. I couldn't help but scream when I saw the old man fall to the side and the pool that began to spread around his limp body. Immediately I regretted my decision as the man quickly turned around with a dark expression on his face. I felt my heart drop to the pits of my stomach and tears began to stream out as I tried hiding back behind the column of the building. I held Milo close to my chest and (font:"chalkduster")[[kept my eyes shut]].

(enchant:?page,(bg:black)) (text-style:"blurrier", "shudder")[= In some way, I felt if I couldn't see him then he couldn't see me. But that was far from the truth. He had already seen me and I saw what he had done. And he was (font:"chalkduster")[[coming my way->death]].