Xhazam had settled into a quiet, peaceful life in the city. Every morning, he could be found working diligently in his small, cozy barber shop. The hum of clippers and the occasional chatter with customers had become his rhythm. Life, it seemed, had found a semblance of normalcy for the young man who once carried the weight of a great burden.

Despite being a kind and hardworking person, Xhazam's gentle nature was what the people of the town came to know him for. He was a soft-hearted young man, always ready to lend a listening ear or a helping hand. The townspeople admired him for his warmth, and in return, he cherished the peaceful life that had embraced him.

Every Sunday, without fail, Xhazam called his family—his parents and his wife, Misuki. It was a ritual, a heartwarming moment where the distance between them disappeared. He would listen to his father's proud boasts about his imaginary role as an officer in the city, a title that Xhazam knew was far from the truth. Still, hearing his father speak with such confidence brought a smile to his face. His mother would offer gentle advice, while Misuki always ended the call with a loving reminder to take care of himself.

But life, as always, had a way of throwing unexpected challenges in his path.

One afternoon, Pedro walked into the barber shop, his presence as imposing as ever. Mithi, the old barber, was giving him his usual haircut. As the clippers buzzed, Pedro's phone rang. He answered the call, his voice low and steady as he spoke.

Xhazam, working a little farther away, couldn't help but overhear the conversation. His stomach tightened as he listened closely to Pedro's words.

"Another kidnapping case," the voice on the other end of the phone said. "Should we take action?"

Pedro, with a wicked grin, laughed. "No need to worry. Evil activities are necessary to maintain the balance of society and the law. Let it play out."

Xhazam's heart sank. When he heard those words. The corrupt, the cruel—people like this man believed that lawlessness was part of the natural order, a necessary evil. His fists clenched involuntarily, but he could do nothing.

It had been one year since he arrived in the city, and while he had hoped for change, this dark undercurrent still persisted. He wanted to act, to make a difference, but the world was more complicated than he'd imagined. He was only one man, after all.

At home, things were stirring as well. Misuki had been secretly planning to visit the city and surprise him. She missed him terribly, and despite her worries about his safety, she longed to see him. She had been preparing for the trip in secret, excited to reunite with her husband.

But just before they were set to leave, an unexpected event occurred. Xhazam's father fell ill. It wasn't anything serious—a slight fever, nothing too alarming—but it was enough to delay her plans. Misuki, determined not to waste any more time, decided to go alone. She would surprise Xhazam, bring him comfort, and show him how much she cared.

With the address Xhazam had provided her a year ago, Misuki set out for the city. The journey was long and tiresome, but her heart was full of anticipation. She imagined the joy on Xhazam's face when he saw her.

But when she arrived in the city, her excitement quickly turned to frustration. Her belongings were stolen—her bag, her money, everything. She was left with nothing but the clothes on her back, standing alone in the bustling city streets.

Her anger surged. How could this happen? She had trusted the city, and now it had betrayed her. With her hopes dashed and no way to contact Xhazam, she could only feel the sting of betrayal and helplessness.

As the sun set on the city, Misuki's frustration grew into something more. She was determined, not just to find Xhazam, but to make sure that whatever this city had to offer—good or bad—she would face it head-on.