Kairo was on his way to the library to visit his father. He knew he was probably going to get a scolding for leaving the house without mentioning it to his cousin who watched him when Father was at work, but he needed to tell his father something urgently. Plus, he was 13, now! He had a job, too. He could handle himself! Kairo's steps were fast, and he was taking long strides, dodging people around him yet still keeping a polite demeanor.
He was doing fine so far, halfway there! He could the library in the distance. He was thankful they lived only about 4 miles away- only a 30 minute run for him. He was also thankful he was both a messenger and on his school's track team. It strengthened his legs, and taught him how to breathe calmly even when out of stamina. After a few more minutes, he slowed down slightly to a hurried walk to catch his breath, looking down at the ground to make sure he didn't step in any pigeon dung, or trip on litter.
After a few moments, he suddenly bumped into a towering man wearing a formal business attire. Kairo's breath hitched as he looked up to the man to apologize, but froze before his eyes even met the taller person's own eyes. He knew this man. It was Boss. Was he supposed to go to the library today? Yes. It was Sunday, of course he was supposed to go. He went every Sunday. Boss looked down at the child with disdain, his voice low and gravelly as he spoke, his Italian accent heavy in his words. There was a faint smell of cigar in his breath.
"Watch where you're going kid."
Kairo nodded, and slowly stepped away from Boss, his small form trembling as he stepped around Boss before breaking into a sprint, the library getting closer as each step rang out. All Kairo could hear was his accelerating heartbeat, his labored breaths, and his heavy footsteps. Hos vision was blurry— was he crying? That didn't matter right now. All that did matter was him getting in his father's arms.
***
Kieran was standing in front of the mirror in the bathroom, now, fixing up his hair and straightening up his suit. He was still shaken up from the random bell sound, but he felt a little better after splashing his face with cold water. He let out a sigh, and adjusted his reader's glasses back on his face before walking out, returning back to behind the register station
After a few moments, he heard the bell ring again, and he tensed slightly before registering the muffled sobbing and trembling voice calling out 'father' multiple times. He quickly recognized it as Kairo, and he ran towards him, eyes wide with worry as the youth crashed into him, his arms wrapping around his waist, clutching to him tightly.
"Hey, kid.. what's wrong?"
"He-he's coming! I-I—
Kieran gently shushed Kairo, speaking soothingly to him as he held him close to his chest. Sure, Kairo was 13, but he was still pretty emotional. Why? Unsure. But Kieran would be there to protect his son, and support him in all ways. But even he knew who was coming. Boss. He really hoped that Boss would give him leisure, but he knew it was just a false fantasy.
"Breathe, Kairo, breathe.. it's okay, you're okay. Just.. act professional, okay? Please.."
Kieran's voice was soothing, and it calmed Kairo down pretty quickly, but Kieran knew that he was still probably halfway to breaking down into another meltdown. Kairo had a lot of meltdowns, even at school or at his favorite place. Kieran didn't understand why, and it honestly frustrated him. Sometimes, he'd go out to drink just because Kairo wouldn't stop screaming. He usually drank his problems away.. other times he'd lash out and attack whoever was closest— usually Kairo or Lyla, Kairo's older cousin and guardian. He knew it wasn't safe, and that Lyla probably hated him.
Kairo was still trembling a little bit, but he had stopped crying mostly. Kieran sighed in relief. That was one problem averted. Now time to deal with Boss. He leaned down to be at eye level with Kairo. He spoke softly, but sternly, trying not to make the younger boy cry again.
"Alright, Kairo, You're calm now. Just.. stay calm. Please. I can't have you crying when Boss is here, okay? Okay. Go clean yourself up in the restroom, and be professional. Boss will most likely be here by the time you're out."
Kairo nodded in response, letting go of his father and heading out to the restroom. Kieran scowled slightly at the wrinkles in his suit and straightened them out. There were still tear stains on it, but they would dry eventually. He just had to look.. exceptional at the very least.
That was when Boss came in. He seemed more annoyed than usual, and it made Kieran gulp in slight fear. The tall man glared at Kieran, his gruff voice booming in the cold silence of the room.
"Your child is a nuisance. He's gotten in my way far too many times now. Get him under control or you're in deep shit. Understood?"
"Yes, sir.."
"Good.."
After a few moments of tense silence, a scream sliced through the air.