Beneath the Shadows

*CHRIS*

Mira’s been gone for a while now, and honestly, this break was exactly what I needed to finally get myself together. I didn’t need the drama or the constant reminders of my mistakes. I’d forgotten what it felt like to be alone, and surprisingly, I was actually enjoying it.

Sure, I missed having Mira around for company and companionship, but the tension in our relationship was unbearable, and I didn’t miss it. I wanted to talk to her, but I knew that wasn’t a good idea. So, I decided to focus on myself, and if she ever came around, it would be on her terms, not mine forcing her again.

I’ve still been smoking and occasionally drinking, but not as heavily. I think I’m starting to come to terms with the loss of my brother and my unborn child. Man, that baby would have been close to one by now. Everything happens for a reason, I guess.

With little to no distractions, I threw myself into work more and was able to finally get those cars out of the shop that we’ve been sitting on for months. The ones that have been there for months and the owners never came back for. We turned those into our loner cars for people who either didn’t want to or couldn’t afford to get a rental car.

The parts that were ordered had been sitting on the shelves for what felt like an eternity, and thank goodness I went back to sort it out. Finally, I was able to get to Theodore’s car and start working on it. Since he’s a longtime customer and has been waiting a while for his car, I decided to stay a little later today to work on it some more.

The sooner he’s out of my hair, the better. I let the boys know that I’d be staying later to work more on his car. Reggie wanted to help, but I sent him home. Besides, I needed the time alone to reflect and think about everything. My life, my priorities, and the company. I’d somehow veered off course and needed to get back on track.

I hated that my dad wasn’t here to help, but he’s just a call away, and if I really needed him, I’d do that.

It was around 10 p.m. when I decided to leave the shop. I had completed most of the work, but the remaining tasks required daylight or the purchase of parts. I left a note on my desk to resume where I left off tomorrow.

I closed up the shop meticulously. I ensured that all doors and windows were locked, the register was securely closed, and the counters, tables, and bathroom were thoroughly cleaned and organized. Before heading to my car, I set the alarm.

I parked my car in the back. So that meant leaving through the back entrance, primarily used by employees. The area was dimly lit by a streetlight that flickered intermittently.

As I approached my car, I felt a searing pain in the back of my head, as if my eyes were splitting from behind. The clinking of metal echoed through my ears, causing them to ring. I turned around to see who was behind me, but I collapsed to the ground instead, rapidly blinking to regain my vision. I heard footsteps approaching and attempted to swing my fists in that direction, but I was too slow. A blow to my jaw followed, causing immense pain.

I began to taste metal in my mouth, realizing it was blood. By the time my vision returned, I was being stomped on by what felt like steel-toed boots. The impact was heavy on my ribs and chest, and I curled up to protect what remained of my body.

I started choking as more blood poured into my mouth. I rolled over slightly to direct the blood onto the pavement. When the attack ended, I lay there, trembling as I tried to scream for help.

It was late, of course, and no one came. Everything was excruciatingly painful, as if glass was cutting through me with every movement and breath I tried to take. Each inch stung. I lay there in agony until my vision faded. I thought, “This is it, this is how I die.”

After a while, I saw a blinding white light and heard beeping noises. I looked around and saw my mom and Mira at my side. Although I couldn’t feel anything, I was filled with gratitude for being alive, even if it meant being in a hospital bed hooked up to machines and a breathing tube.

I was surprised to see Mira after what had happened, but that moment was short-lived. Soon after I opened my eyes, she left without a word.