chapter 9

By the time I left the gym, the evening had already arrived. 

I made a quick stop at a store to grab some groceries. 

There, I picked up some meat, vegetables, eggs, bread, and milk – the usual essentials – and headed to the counter.

"How much?" I inquired, addressing the older gentleman behind it. He seemed like the store owner.

He looked up at me first, then got up from his chair and began scanning my items.

"You new in the neighborhood?" he asked, with his head still down.

"Ah, yes. I just moved into the building down the road," I replied.

"If you ever need anything, just come by. It's open every day. You'll find everything you need here," he offered, sounding like he was sharing valuable advice.

"Yeah, sure, I will," I responded with a smile as he finished scanning.

"It'll be $48.25," he informed me while transferring my purchases into a bag.

I handed him the money and, after a simple "Thanks," left the store with a bag in hand, heading back to my apartment.

As I walked back to my place, a sudden unease started to creep over me as if someone was following. 

Initially, I dismissed it as my paranoia acting up again and continued on my way. However, as the feeling persisted and refused to dissipate, I began to take random turns to confirm my suspicions.

After some time, I became certain that someone was following me.

I deliberately headed towards a quiet alley. Upon reaching the secluded spot, I turned around and waited, for whatever or whoever might emerge.

And then, someone did turn up.

He was well-built, wearing all black. I half-expected him to be surprised or run after realizing it was a trap, but the way he stood still made it look more like I was the one who was trapped, and it confused me instead.

He just stood there with confidence, and after a while, I lost my patience, so I put down my bag and started to approach him slowly. I got close to him, but he showed no reaction, and this just started to irritate me.

"Listen man, whatever it is that you're after, it's not worth the trouble," I warned, but before the words fully left my lips, his fist connected with my jaw, the guy sucker-punched me, sending me reeling. My world started to spin, and I stumbled a few steps back.

I spat out some blood and shook my head to clear my mind while trying to keep my balance. I looked up just in time to evade another incoming punch. Yet, a swift kick followed, catching me off guard, and making me stumble again backward until I fell on my ass.

As I lay there, he yanked me up by the collar and tossed me. 

The impact left me gasping on the ground.

This guy wasn't your average street thug. This guy was stronger, dangerous, and far more skilled than I. If not for my durable body, I would not have even survived the first punch. 

I had to get serious.

I got up again and put my hands up. 

As he closed in on me, he threw a jab, but this time I was prepared. I moved to the side to dodge and threw a punch in his ribs, but it did nothing. 

Seeing my punch prove ineffective, I quickly adjusted myself and threw a kick, but again, nothing – no reaction at all. 

He threw another left hook, and I managed to dodge it again. 

He was stronger, but it looked like I was faster.

For my third attempt, I targeted his face and landed a hook. 

This time, he reacted, he was forced to move a step back.

He spat out a tooth.

He paused for a moment and then looked back at me, angry.

"Shit," I couldn't help but mutter under my breath.

He charged toward me and threw a kick. Reacting on instinct, I blocked, but the force sent me stumbling backward, making me fall on my back again.

"Ooo," I groaned, wincing in pain, something was definitely broken.

As I looked up, I saw him closing in for another grab. 

I rolled aside, evading his grasp. Seizing the opportunity, still on the ground, I kicked his legs from the side. It made him drop to his knees, struggling to rise.

I wasted no time. As he looked up, attempting to get up, I was already on my feet, ready for the opening. 

With both fists interlocked for extra power, I landed a decisive hit right on his chin, knocking the daylights out of him. 

He crumpled to the ground, unconscious.

"How's that, huh? You like that!" I celebrated, out of breath and hurt, but victorious. 

I was actually getting good at fighting. I smiled happy with myself but it quickly disappeared as I winced from the pain.

After catching my breath, I flipped the guy over onto his back and took a moment to get a good look at his face.

"Wow, you could pass for Superman with those looks," I joked as I observed his unconscious face. 

He was a handsome guy, with black hair and piercing blue eyes. It was an unsettling coincidence, but before I could dwell on it, my train of thought was abruptly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps.

I turned to look back and felt a sense of despair settling in. 

"Why does it seem like this bloody universe hates me?" I muttered under my breath.