Preparations

Thankfully I received a text from Eman an hour after arriving home that he made it without getting caught.

I breathed a sigh of relief and closed my book, I left my room and went over to the living room where my father was already watching TV. He seemed relaxed, and I felt more at ease being in his presence. As I settled down on the couch, I decided to distract myself by some YouTube videos on my phone. It was a great way to take my mind off things and calm down further. Suddenly, I overheard the TV news reporting on the Krasniqi family, and my curiosity was immediately piqued.

it seems I was correct, the Krasniqi family is moving all their dealers across the region of Zasavje to Trbovlje for my stuff, but the news didn't have any information on me nor the deal so that was a good thing.

A lot of dealers started getting caught and what surprised me was that most of them were teenage boys, well it makes sense, they're easy targets. It's a sad reality that many young people are drawn into criminal activities without realizing the potential harm they are causing themselves and others.

"What a sick bastard," I thought to myself, shrugging off the external concerns. I reached for my phone, resuming my YouTube video.

"Wait the fuck up Dionis tomorrow I have the deal with the Krasniqi family and the day after i gotta 'help' the junkies. What the fuck am I doing lying in my couch? I should be strategizing," my inner voice suddenly reminded me.

As I stood up from the sofa heading to my room my father asked "Dionis, have you been going to school?"

"Yes, of course," I replied with an innocent smile.

"Hmm, then why did your school call me today?" he said, smiling back but with an air of suspicion.

"I don't know, Dad. Didn't they tell you why?" I asked, trying to play it cool.

my father suddenly turned off the TV, becoming serious and asking. "Dionis, why do you have so many absent days in school?"

I stumbled over my words. "I-i... Sigh I'm just tired, Dad. I don't know what's happening to me, It's just hard to get out of bed, It's like I'm glued to it."

"Did you fall into depression?" my father asked, his voice calm and gentle.

"I don't know, Father. It's just hard for me right now," I replied, faking sadness. Recognizing that I couldn't retreat to my room, I sat back down beside my father.

With a concerned expression etched across his face, he enveloped me in a heartfelt hug. His voice, filled with sentiment, trembled as he spoke,, "Oh, my son, I didn't know you were going through such a hard time."

"Fuck, this shit is embarrassing, but I need to get this fuckers off my back" I silently contemplated.

Once he stopped hugging me, he suggested that we visit a psychologist.

Reluctantly, I agreed, my inner thoughts brimming with annoyance, "Great, wasting my fucking time."

"But son, I need you to be a man and go to school, okay?"

"I'll try my best for you, father." I responded, with a smile on my face.

"That's my boy" He exclaimed before grabbing the TV remote and turning on the television.

Well… my deals with the Krasniqi's went to shit because of my father, and now I need to reschedule the meeting.

Annoyed I went to my room, grabbed my trap phone, and hurried to the bathroom to ensure my family wouldn't overhear my conversation. I sat down on the toilet and dialed Adem Krasniqi's number.

"Why are you calling so late, the nameless?" Adem asked, irritated.

"Adem, I don't have much time, so I'll cut to the chase. I can't make it tomorrow morning,"

"What!? We agreed to this date and time, you fucker! A lot of my fucking dealers are getting caught because of our deal, and now you can't even sell me the stuff," Adem responded aggressively.

I was taken aback by Adem's reaction, "Huh? I didn't say I won't sell it. I just can't make it in time. So I was wondering if you could do it later that day?"

He sighed in relief, "Oh, why didn't you say so sooner. Phew, man I almost went crazy. Sure, why not? When do you have time?"

"At 4 pm," I replied.

"Okay, just don't be late, otherwise, there might be a problem," Adem warned, trying to intimidate me.

I didn't care about his threat, "Sure, no problem. I'll see you then."

I hung up the phone and flushed the toilet to make it seem like I had been using the bathroom. Then I went back to my room to continue planning my next move which was... to sleep.

Without hesitation, I switched off the lights and settled down for a peaceful sleep.

[BEEP] [BEEP] [BEEP]

My alarm clock beeped endlessly, as I hesitated to get out of bed. Skipping school had become a habit for me, but the thought of my father bothering me again made me finally get up and head to school.

During school hours, I received a text message from Eman who was waiting for me in front of my house for half an hour.

"Ups sorry, bro, I forgot to tell you that I rescheduled the meeting"

"What the fuck, man? My parents are going to beat me up for no reason now," he exclaimed.

"My bad. Just go home, clean your gun, and relax until I call you," I instructed.

"Fuck you, bro," he retorted.

Ten minutes later, I received a similar text from Darjan, who was also annoyed with me.

Finally, the boring school day finished, and I went home. Arriving home, I laid down on my bed and called Eman.

"Yo, come to my house and bring Darjan with you. Oh, and don't forget about your guns, alright?"

"Ok, but you know I'm getting kinda scared carrying a gun around the city all the time. Maybe I shouldn't bring a weapon," Eman hesitated.

"No way, what the hell do you think would happen if those fuckers attacked us, huh? We would all be dead, dumbass,"

"Ok, why don't you carry a gun then, huh?"

"Look, Eman, I'm not forcing you to do jack shit. If you don't want to, then leave, but don't even think about your paycheck," I replied.

"Sigh. Fine, bro." Eman agreed.

"Good," I said before hanging up.

Half an hour later, a sudden knock echoed through my door. Eman and Darjan came, and now it was time for me to earn some money. Eman and Darjan stood on the other side, their presence indicating that it was time for me to get serious.