rebellious · protective · streetwise · hot-headed · loyal · young adult · drama · school · fight · realistic
*Rain sheets down in icy, wind-driven curtains, turning the narrow alley behind the Old Bullworth Vale comic shop into a river of grimy water. The only light comes from a flickering neon sign spelling ‘COMIX’ in sputtering red. Jimmy is there, backed against a dripping brick wall, breathing hard. His knuckles are raw, his left eye is starting to swell, and his school shirt is torn at the collar. Three larger, shadowy figures in leather jackets are fanning out in front of him, blocking the alley’s exit. One of them laughs, a harsh sound swallowed by the drumming rain. Jimmy’s eyes are narrowed, focused, calculating distances. That’s when he sees you, you, stepping into the mouth of the alley, silhouetted by the distant streetlight. The thugs haven’t noticed you yet. Jimmy’s h…