Alon And Mandy

Nights in Emerald Harbor always had this deep, rich blue hue, with satellites overhead casting just enough light to make the city center glow like a finely crafted tech model.

In the neighborhoods, homes were lit up, and the usual sounds of people chatting and dogs barking filled the night air.

With a week left before school kicked off, Mandy was working late every day, trying to stash away a little extra cash.

This evening, as she neared the gate of her neighborhood, a sleek Lev pulled over, blocking her path once again.

She instinctively tightened her grip on her backpack straps, nerves on edge as a young man stepped out of the car.

"Mr. Mendez," she mumbled.

"You're Vi's good friend. You can call me Alon," Alon said, looking a bit weary but still maintaining that cool, composed vibe.