Mystery Man

"Who the hell are you?" I mouth in fear, trying to pull myself backward away from him. After a quick jab, I let out a silent scream, groaning in agony. His large dress shoe heel digs into my shin to stop any unwanted movements. 

"I don't think you're in any position to be demanding such things from me, boy." With a swift kick of his pre-attacking foot, I'm kicked to the side. My body groans in pain, "It all makes sense now.~"

A kick is dropped to my side as I yelp in agony, recoiling. "You cause such a stir in my town and yet you haven't even met me." The clicks of his approach echo in the alley. With a sharp grunt, my chin is roughly yanked up to face him. "I'd seen you at the café yet I didn't raise a question… Now you meddle in my business? I can't turn a blind eye to that, now can I?" 

His grip tightens, making me grit my teeth with a flinch. "From the capos, to my second-hand man, and now this? I can't tell if it's pure coincidence or if you're purposefully sticking your nose in business that doesn't belong to you!" The man barks out, tearing his hand away from my face and kicking me in the face. 

A loud snap echoes through the air. As I'm finally able to let out a scream of pain, my jaw pops out of position. The kick sent me backward to land on my back. "Stay out of my fucking business, and if you see any of us again you better run. Next time I won't be so merciful with your punishment." 

The sound of the redhead walking out and away from the alley allows me to finally relax. Lying my head against the cold wet pavement my mind finally catches up with what happened. The adrenaline rush finally subsides as I take a shaky breath into my aching lungs. My whole jaw burns in pain as I reach up, slowly putting my hands in the correct position. With a sharp pop and a pained groan, my jaw clicks back into place. 

With shaking hands, I refrain from moving my body. Every single inch of my body burns and cries out in pain. I knew I had to get going, it was getting dark and I don’t know my way around town that well. Yet I continue to lie here, the only thought that made me get moving was, what if he came back? 

My heart sped up in fear as my hand worked to help me off the ground. The stench of garbage and the copper smell of blood filled my nose. Each one of my senses was assaulted as I was able to thrust myself up. The shin the man had stepped on aches, another pained grunt seeping from me. 

Leaning against the wall of a building within the alleyway I begin the slow limp home. In my misery not a single soul is on the streets, the only lights coming from the streetlights lining the roads. Approaching the fenced-in yard I grasp at the picketed fence in desperation. An elderly woman, presumably my neighbor, waters her flowers with a garden hose across the street. The only sign of life seen since the beating I had taken. She turns away from her flowers spotting my limping figure across the street. Meeting her gaze, she rushes over, dropping the hose.

“Young man are you alright?” She shouts in a panicked flurry, clasping her hand around my arm. “Come with me dear, I’ll fix you up some supper and bandage your wounds.” Her warm voice comforts me as I’m whisked away to her home. The elder leads me into her small warm kitchen. Helping me into an old rickety chair probably three times my age at least. 

The woman turns on the overhead light as I slowly feel my mind fog over. I hear the woman’s calls and the smell of a homecooked meal placed in front of me. Yet it all seems so far away, with shaky hands I begin eating the food. With each chew I wince even more, my jaw throbbing. After what felt like years the plate appears to be wiped clean. Although I can see it as my head lies on the table. 

I was finally safe, this woman couldn’t possibly do anything to me. At least anything worse than what I’ve already been through. Perhaps I can sleep now, it’s warm, safe, and all-around cozy. In a matter of seconds, the room goes black.

———————————————

“Son, hey Son… Are you awake?” A voice coos from above, reaching my hand up I swat it away like flies. Repositioning to lay on my side as the firm back of a couch greets me. Finally, my brain fully engages, my eyelids shooting open. Eyes darting everywhere landing on the older woman standing beside me.

After a moment of hesitation, it finally clicks, everything that happened yesterday comes pouring in like a flash flood. Pain rakes through my body like jolts of electricity. “Good morning dear, for a second there I was scared you wouldn’t wake up…” Her wrinkly face contorts into a frown. Her gray hair with strokes of white holds tied up in a messy bun. 

I rolled onto my back and gave the woman a long look. She wore an unbuttoned light pink cardigan with floral accents and a smooth white dress. Holding out her small dainty hands in front of herself I couldn't help but smile. Meeting her soft gaze her eyes crinkle with a soft smile. 

Forcing myself to slowly sit up I fish out my phone, notepad, and pen from my pockets. Looking at my phone I’m greeted with a shattered face and no sign of life when trying to turn it on. The small taps of the elder echo as she walks over to a chair and sits down. Opening the pad of paper I begin to write.

“I’m sorry I’ve caused you so much trouble, the only reason I’m saying anything now is that I’m mute. I got into some really bad trouble last night with a man. He had red-ish brown hair, light brown skin, a narrow face, and a nose with a prominent bridge. Besides that though, I’d just like to thank you for helping me and giving me something to eat. I’m sorry I never introduced myself as your neighbor, I’m a pretty shitty neighbor on that front. My name is Noah and thanks again for helping me…” I scratch the back of my neck nervously as the woman giggles. 

“You ramble a lot dear, I’m glad I could help. My name is Eveline and admittedly I do know that crude man. I hope for your sake you do not cross paths with him again…" She sighs out, dragging into a disappointed expression. 

I lie back down on the couch, my muscles burning with each little movement. "You've been the talk of the town, dear…" Eveline rambles off quietly. Picking up my notepad I jot down my share, showing it to her. "I'm not surprised, I'm watched like a hawk every time I leave my home." 

An exasperated sigh is let out from the older woman. "I understand why, with your unique scars and muteness. It's different.. We older people, similar to this small town, don't know how to feel." I take in her words, letting out a huff from my nose. “I just wish people would mind their own business but I understand the point you make."

I set the notepad down and cross my arms over my chest, trying to relax and ignore the absolute sheer pain. It was bad enough already but after what that damned fucker did to me? It hurts so much more. After a quick thought, I pick the pad of paper up again and ask, "If it's not too much trouble could I ask for some meals? I have no food at my house and it's near impossible to go anywhere— especially shopping." 

Eveline giggles, "Of course dear, would you like me to help you over to your house?" "Yes please."