I just finished my shift at the convenience store where I work part-time.
I'm a fresh graduate, and since I haven't received any callbacks from the companies I applied to, I'm helping out at my parents' convenience store for now. They're the real owners—not me.
"Sorry I'm late!" apologized Sanny, who was taking over the shift.
Our convenience store operates 24 hours a day. Only two staff members are assigned during the night shift, but my co-worker couldn't make it because of her night classes, so I was left alone until Sanny arrived.
I was about to leave the cashier stand when Sanny once again brought up the story she's been reading online.
"Oh no! Zion's gone—he was my favorite character in that story I was reading!" I heard Sanny exclaim.
I just shook my head at what she was saying. She's been reading an online novel and is so obsessed with the villain in it because, according to her, he's handsome—even though there's no character portrait. Psh.
"Obviously, that Zion guy is the villain, so of course, he's going to disappear for the protagonists to have a happy ending," I said.
She frowned and shook her head. I haven't read the story myself, but I already have an idea about it since she always talks about it whenever we switch shifts.
She insisted, "Ugh! Whatever! Zion is even more handsome than the male lead! And besides, he's a widow already, so it's fine."
I rolled my eyes at what she said. "Whatever you say, Sanny."
She laughed, and just as I was about to leave the store, she suddenly called out to me, so I turned to her.
"What is it?"
"There's talk going around that there have been thieves in our district lately, so be careful on your way home." She looked really worried.
I couldn't help but smile. There have been reports of crimes happening around our area. I know it's scary, but there's nothing we can do but stay cautious.
"Don't worry! Come on, our house is just nearby," I said confidently.
"But…" She scratched the back of her neck before continuing, "Your dad told me that once your shift ends, I should call him just in case."
I smiled at what she said. My parents—no matter how old I get—they still treat me like a child.
I reassured her, "It's really fine, Sanny. Don't call him. He's probably still busy with something."
But she just shook her head, looking like she was about to cry.
"Maybe I should just call your mom or dad to pick you up," she suddenly said.
My eyes widened. Oh no!
I shook my head, "No need! Mom's still busy organizing the new stocks coming in for tomorrow."
"It's already night though," she pressed. "And there was another crime just last night, and the police haven't caught the suspect yet!"
I sighed and walked closer to her. She was standing at the cashier near the door, so she was easy to approach.
"What's the title of the story you're reading online?" I asked, changing the topic so she'd stop worrying.
I saw her expression instantly change as she smiled at me, which made me shake my head.
She beamed, "My Lily! Look it up online!"
I did what she said, and a lot of results came up!
I hummed, "Alright, I'll read it now."
She chirped, "I'm sure you'll like it, Ally!"
I nodded and said goodbye as I turned my back on her.
"Take care, Ally!" Sanny called out.
I raised my hand to wave goodbye as I left the store. I sighed as a cold breeze brushed against me.
Even though it was only 9 PM, the area was already quiet. No cars passed by, and no people were hanging out on the streets.
I focused on the story My Lily on my phone and read the description.
My brows furrowed. It said the villain's wife died in a mysterious way, making him a widower early on. There was no name mentioned for Zion Cartridge's wife—the villain of the story.
I walked slowly as I read. My blood started to boil because of the protagonists. They had no real connection or abilities, and it seemed like they just relied on their family's power and stole the villain's resources.
I mumbled, "Tsk, good thing Sanny idolizes Zion and not that male lead Carlo!"
I also got annoyed at the female lead because, even though she had a boyfriend, she always stared at Zion. Even though I was already irritated, I kept reading.
I felt like someone was following me, so I stopped walking and looked around, but there was no one.
I muttered, "Weird."
There were still a few streets to pass before I reached home.
I took a deep breath and continued walking while reading the story on my phone. I didn't even realize how many chapters I had read, but I was already hating the story's direction. Like seriously!
As I walked further, I noticed someone dressed in black not too far ahead. I stopped.
I could tell it was a man based on his build. He had a murderous aura. I hoped he wasn't the suspect being talked about in the news in our area.
I was torn between walking past him or turning back to the convenience store, but I was already far from the store—and close to our house. I looked at my phone, but it had no signal. Just my luck. Tsk.
I scratched my head and looked again, but the man was gone. I breathed a sigh of relief and continued walking, reading again on my phone, this time walking faster.
I was about to turn onto another street when I suddenly felt a sharp, burning pain on the side of my abdomen.
The sharp object disappeared for a second, then stabbed me again in the stomach.
I coughed up blood as I felt him grabbing my bag. I lost the strength to stand and collapsed to the ground.
He kicked my stomach as I tried to scream, but I felt his knife against my throat, and he threatened me.
He snarled, "Don't scream or I'll kill you!"
I shut my eyes tightly in pain as he continued to kick me while grinning down at me. He gripped my neck so hard I could feel my throat aching. Once he was satisfied kicking my bloody stomach, he hurried away with my bag.
I couldn't move my hands or feet. I wanted to scream for help, but my throat hurt. My body was aching all over, and my eyes wanted to close as I fought against the darkness and looked up at the stars shining above.
I'm sorry, Ma, Pa. I'm making you worry again. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to say I love you. I'm sorry.
I tried to keep my eyes open, but I couldn't anymore, as the darkness swallowed me.