Chapter 4 : This world is my hell.

MC POV

As I walked down the stairs, it seemed everyone had already gone home, wherever that might be: under a bridge, in an alleyway, or in one of the so-called apartments in this building. I could hear the faint sounds of screaming and moaning leaking through the thin walls. It always sounds to me like the building is crying in pain.

I reached the downstairs hallway, and I could still see Marcus talking to one of his clients, whispering as quietly as they could. There's no sign of hope anywhere; that's never a good sign. It means Marcus kicked her away. He usually does that when one of his ''special request'' clients shows up.

They turned around when they heard my footsteps, and both shot me some looks that made the hairs on my neck shiver, but not in a good way. Even as I stepped out the door, their gazes kept following me.

As I stepped on the street, a cold frisson hit me. I pulled my coat tighter around me and went on my way. I need to be done with this as fast as possible. I have school early in the morning, and I need to rest or else my teachers will start asking questions again.

The 24/7 market was a couple of blocks down, in a somewhat less terrible but still nonetheless shitty neighborhood. You literally can't miss it, as it's the only shop that's open this late. The bright neon sign helps too. It offered me some comfort walking down this dark street.

Most of the lamp posts on this street were broken either by some thugs for fun or by the gangs to make it harder to spot them doing their jobs; the few that were left were being monopolized by the hookers and their pimps. Those working girls are surrounding that lamp post as if the light from the bulb will heat up their scantily covered bodies. The moment the client rolls up and makes his choice, they also use those dark corners to do their business.

As I look at them, I can't help but wonder if any of those clients might be my father. I always had my doubts. My actual father has his brain practically pickled in alcohol to even entertain the possibility. In the end, it doesn't matter who my father is; finding out who he truly was won't really make my situation any better.

As I got closer to the shop, I kept hearing some light footsteps behind me, but every time I turned, I couldn't distinguish any figure in the dark. I couldn't help but feel like something was looking at me through that darkness. My heart started beating fast, and I started shaking a bit, be it from the cold or from fear.

Damn those lamp posts. I turned around and made my way as fast as I could to the shop. I went in, closed the doors, and stared outside through the glass doors, trying to see the figure that my brain was currently imagining—something from a Lovecraftian horror show. Even if a part of my mind is telling me it couldn't be that, that's my overactive imagination for you and my fear of the dark for you.

"Hey! What do you want? Buy something or go out!"

I jumped and turned around. I literally forgot where I was for a second. I was so preoccupied with what was happening outside. I smiled awkwardly as I headed to the beer aisle, picked up a pack of beer, then returned to the counter and passed the cashier the beers.

"And a pack of cigarettes, please."

The cashier stared at me through the bulletproof window of the counter, shrugged his shoulders, turned around, picked up the cigarettes, and then scanned my items.

" 20 dollars, kid." said the cashier.

" what? That's over double the price!" I exclaimed.

" You don't like it? You can go somewhere else then " he said with a smirk.

I knew I didn't have a choice. I couldn't go anywhere else; it was already too late, and there was no guarantee that any other shop would sell anything like this to a kid. I can't be late, or else I'll get another beating. This time, he is so drunk that he might not care about hiding the bruises.

I begrudgingly gave the shopkeeper the money, picked up my stuff, and headed to the door. I stood by the door and intensely looked left and right, trying to distinguish the figure that gave me the chills a while ago, but the darkness was too obscure. My gut is telling me that it is not safe outside, but I feel like I have no choice in the matter. I just need to get back home as fast as I possibly can. If I don't make it before the game is over, I might definitely get killed, but if I leave the shop, I might get killed, or it could all just be in my head and I'll make it home safe and sound.

" Yo! twerp! This is not a kindergarten! You got your stuff; now leave! " screamed the shopkeeper behind the bulletproof glass.

It's easy for you to say, Asshole, safe behind your counter.

" can't i just stay for a little while, please, sir?" i responded. ' I might get lucky, and one of the hookers might come by for a pack of cigarettes or condoms, and I can just walk back with her' I thought to myself.

" I SAID LEAVE! "

I sighed as I reluctently pushed the door and stepped out into the cold, dark, and unwelcoming night.