The mysterious young man left Clarity in bewilderment and headed toward a clock shop near Clarity's house. Entering the store, he removed his mask and approached what appeared to be his friend and the shop’s owner, shouting, "Saaan... I'm so bored!"
San turned, furrowing his brows. "Why the shouting? As if I was the one who sent you to watch them!"
The young man slammed his hands onto the table, answering, "I am Aaron Konar, son of the President and grandson of the esteemed Governor. I spend the entirety of my precious time watching a group of scum, hoping to gather evidence that might bring down their leader, yet I still find nothing that could be used as proof of their crimes."
"And if you do find evidence, do you truly believe your father would care? Aaron, please, be realistic."
"They are just seizing each other's homes; that is what I have discovered lately."
"Those are their limits, indeed. After the commercial building incident and what followed, they wouldn't dare think of expanding."
Aaron sat on a chair beside San, continuing, "I don't think so. I hate the idea that they can possess whatever they want in the capital."
"Then tell your father to act. He doesn't even want to confront the gang. Didn't you see how he handled your fiancée’s incident? Stop thinking about matters that aren't your responsibility."
"I can't. I truly hate their leader and I want to destroy his existence. He is someone who deserves to die. I won't rest until I avenge Ari’s death."
"And how will you do that?"
"I will think until I find a way... Heh, you know... the boy whose house they seized, the one called Clarity—he was there that night. He is the very same one who helped me escape previously."
"I thought you said he left them recently."
"He did, but I still can’t stand the sight of him."
San replied, a faint smile appearing on his features: "In the end, he got what he deserved, so don't think about him."
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
Meanwhile, Clarity was still sitting on the curb, his mind completely blank. He looked at the massive clock tower facing him. It pointed to 12:00 AM.
He tried to move his hand with difficulty; his limbs had frozen. Silence had engulfed the place, with only the sound of dogs audible... wait, the sound of dogs!
Clarity's eyes widened as he whispered, "No... dy."
He sprang up, heading toward his house. The alley was completely empty—a solitude that meant everything. Despite those thugs seizing his house, none of the residents had stirred.
Clarity whispered as he clenched his fist: "Those cowardly neighbors." Then he added, "Heh, Clarity, and who would disturb their peace or risk their life for your sake? You were one of the worst neighbors to them."
He approached his house quietly; the lights were still on.
"When will those thugs go to sleep?"
As he drew closer, the house door opened, and Clarity quickly hid. Sounds of laughter filled the neighborhood. One of the men exited, threw a black bag in front of the house gate, then went back inside. Clarity approached the bag cautiously. A faint, low whimper reached his ears. He moved closer to tear open the bag, his heart pounding faster and faster.
His eyes widened in shock as he whispered, "No... dy." He grabbed his little dog, who was soaked in his own blood while taking his final breaths, and hugged him, moving away from the house.
His sobs were audible. He rushed toward the nearby animal clinic, but it was already closed. Clarity sat on the ground, his entire body trembling. The dog in his arms was dead, but he didn't want to believe it. Nody was no longer whimpering in pain; he was at peace now.
"That is because of me."
Then he screamed: "That happened because of me too!"
Clarity's tears began to fall in agony while his clothes were covered in blood, and the falling snow told another story.
The cold, stormy night passed... and the sun rose shyly, refusing to show its rays from between the clouds. With its rising, the storm that had turned the city into a white mass ceased. In that narrow corner, Clarity lay after his strength had failed him due to the fierce storm, with his dead dog in his arms.
People passed by him, ignoring his presence; perhaps he was just one of those annoying beggars. Except for that young lady who was stopped by the sight. She approached quietly, lifting her long pink dress so it wouldn't get dirty from the scattered trash. She knelt cautiously to touch Clarity’s cheek with her hands.
"Young man, are you okay?" She turned her gaze toward the dead dog. The scene was truly painful. She straightened up and raised her mobile phone to dial several numbers, connecting to her brother: "Brother, I need your help... I am in Alley 14. Don't worry, I am fine... I will wait for you."
Aaron approached that young lady—he was her brother—and spoke with concern: "What is the matter, Eve? Are you okay?"
Eve held Aaron's hand: "I am fine, but..." (She stepped aside to reveal Clarity to Aaron’s view) "...he is not. I found this poor boy in this state. I want you to help me..." Aaron was focused on Clarity, approaching him further... Eve continued: "Do you even hear me?"
(Aaron whispered): "Did they kill him?"