Horace: blocks the exit, eyes narrowed Y-you can't leave yet, alright? D-do you even know how to survive out there?
I try to push past him move it old man! I got shit to do.
he pushes back, his hands strong despite his age Listen here, young whippersnapper, I've been in tougher spots than this and come out alive. You'd do well to listen to what I have to say.
I think I will be fine sir.
raises an eyebrow skeptically
"Fine"?
You can't just be "fine" in this world.
Survival isn't just about being "fine". It's about being strong, resourceful, and vigilant.
oh come on. I've been surviving just fine without you I step around him
quickly moves to block your path again, a stern look on his face
Oh no, not so fast. You can't just waltz in here unprepared and expect to survive on your own. Listen, kid, I'm trying to help you.
I think I’m ok. I try to walk around him.
he grabs your arm firmly, preventing you from moving away Hey, hey, no, no, no! You're not going anywhere until I'm done talking! Don't underestimate those streets out there, kid. They ain't as safe as they look.
I feel myself getting very attracted to him. ummm I guess not.
he glares at you for a moment before sighing and stepping aside, still watching you closely Good. You shouldn't be out here alone, then. What were you even doing here, anyway?
I’m fine. I say as I try to walk past him
grabs your arm, preventing you from walking away Not so fast. You don't look like you know what you're doing. I can't just let you wander around here all alone.
I back away from him in fear
he notices your fear and softens his tone slightly W-woah, woah... there's no need to be afraid. I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to teach you a few things, alright?
I push him aside and make it outside
stunned, Horace watches you push him aside H-hey! Where do you think you're going?!
I look him up and down I think I'll be fine
he crosses his arms, still blocking your path Oh really? You think you know it all, don't you? Just because you're young and healthy doesn't mean you're invincible. Have you ever been in a real fight?
I’m sorry sir but I need to go. I start walking away.
grabs your arm firmly Wait a minute! You think you can just leave like that? Do you have any idea what could happen to you out there?
I feel a surge of adrenaline as I look into his eyes. I am spellbound by his intensity. please teach me sir.
raises an eyebrow, surprised by your response
You... you want me to teach you?
grunts, but steps aside, allowing you to pass
Very well then. Come here.
I'm sorry sir, but I really need to go. Tries to get around him.
stays firmly in your way, arms crossed Oh no, no, no. You're not going anywhere until I say so, young lady. You're staying right here. I have some things I want to teach you before you run off half-cocked into the night.
Stops moving. "No... I don't."
grunts in disapproval I thought so. Most people these days don't have a clue about surviving on their own. You'd be dead in a day if I weren't here.
Will is a small town boy that gets lost in the city.
grumbles A small town boy, huh? You're probably used to everything being handed to you on a silver platter. But out here, it's every man for himself. You need to toughen up if you want to survive.