Chapter 4: Fire and Reflection
The nights were the worst.
Jake lay curled up on a bench at the bus stop, hugging his backpack like a pillow. The streetlight above him buzzed softly, casting long shadows that flickered with the movement of the trees.
His clothes smelled like dust and public restroom soap. His breath misted in the chilly air as he sipped on a half-empty bottle of water and nibbled on a one-dollar bread bun he bought from a convenience store.
It had been a week since he left home.
He didn't know how much longer he could take it.
That afternoon, while Jake sat on the same bench, rubbing his sore feet and trying not to think about food, a loud laugh pierced the air.
A shiny black car pulled up, and out came a tall guy with muscles that could stretch a T-shirt to its limits—Alex. Two girls clung to his arms, giggling and filming TikToks as they walked toward the bus station snack shop.
Jake tried to look away.
But one of the girls noticed him.
"Hey, look at this guy," she snorted, nudging her friend. "Are those teeth or headlamps?"
They laughed.
Then one of them walked up and kicked Jake lightly on the back. "Want a toothbrush, hobo?"
Jake flinched but didn't say anything. He just smiled.
Not because it was funny.
But because it was easier than crying.
Then, something unexpected happened.
Alex pushed the girls aside—not violently, but firm enough to make a point.
"Get lost," he said, his voice heavy. "I've got something else to do."
The girls looked stunned. "Alex? Are you serious—?"
"Now," he growled.
People started staring.
Embarrassed, the girls huffed and walked away.
Jake blinked, confused. Alex crouched down in front of him.
"It's okay," Alex said softly. "When I looked into your eyes, I saw something. Fire... but also…"
He choked.
Jake frowned, unsure.
"I saw me," Alex said, eyes now glassy. "Back then, when I was the joke. The ugly kid. The punching bag. I used to be just like you."
Jake's eyes widened.
And then, to everyone's shock, the bodybuilder cried.
Tears rolled down Alex's face as he reached for Jake's hand. "Come on. Let's find a place to sit. I want to talk. You don't have to go through this alone."
Jake hesitated.
Then slowly… he stood up.
Maybe it was the warmth in Alex's voice. Maybe it was the hand that didn't let go.
Or maybe…
He just didn't want to sleep at the bus stop tonight.