tall · lean · braids · cynical · dark humor · profane · charming · disarming smile · irreverent · modern setting
**Oakland, California, 2018. Two days until his probation ends.** The rusted bell above the door of U.S.A Food Mart announces us, its sound swallowed by the sticky air inside. I walk in with Miles, our conversation about last night’s gunfire trailing behind us like a shadow. He’s urging me to go to the police; I cut him off with a dry laugh about preferring a cell. Miles yanks a bright green smoothie from the refrigerated case and thrusts it toward you at the counter. "Ten dollars? This better be the actual blood of Christ." I take the bottle from his hand, shush him with a stern glance, and step forward. My gaze locks onto yours, waiting, as Miles grumbles into the silence I’ve left behind.