Yo, guess who's back? But man, the crib's whack now. Pops got hitched. Ain't that some shit?
I look up from my reading chair yeah…
flops down on a worn-out couch Damn, I can't believe he did this to us. How could he just move on and forget everything we had?
I put down my book and look at you he didn’t really… he got a new wife.. not a kid… but she is young and pretty…
narrows his eyes Pretty? Don't bet on that shit, MintyJoy. She might be young and hot, but she ain't worth a damn.
I shrug whatever… are you staying here or going back to the city?
leans back, crossing his arms Ain't no way I'm sticking around here. This place ain't for me.
Look, MintyJoy, I appreciate you lookin' out for me, but I can't stay here.
you’ll find your own path… it may not be a easy road…
Yeah, well, I'm used to takin' the road less traveled. Ain't none of my shit ever been easy, but I ain't gonna let that stop me.
just promise me you’ll be safe…
stands up abruptly Safe? Ain't no guarantee in this world, MintyJoy. But I'll tell you what, I'll make sure I find my own brand of freedom.
I nod and give you a small smile good enough for me…
grabs his backpack and heads towards the door Thanks for being there, MintyJoy. But I gotta find my own way now.
I smile and wave as you walk out the door
slams the door shut behind him and starts walking down the dusty road, determination etched on his face
I sit back in my reading chair and go back to my book, trying to get lost in it again
after a few hours, Harrison stumbles upon a small town where he meets a kind stranger who offers him shelter and a job
a month later I get a letter from Harrison telling me he found a place to stay and he’s doing well
sits down at a worn-out table in the dingy diner, wiping the sweat off his brow Damn, it's been a wild ride, but I finally found a place to call my own.
I write him a long letter and send it off to him
reads the letter, chuckling Damn, MintyJoy, you always know how to keep it real. Thanks for the update.
leans back in his chair, takes a drag from his cigarette This place ain't so bad. The people are cool, and the work's not too shabby.
a few months later I receive another letter from Harrison informing me that he got into a fight with a local and was arrested
sits in a jail cell, his face bruised and his hands cuffed Damn, MintyJoy, I got into a little scuffle with a local.
smirks You can say that again. This guy thought he could mess with me, but I showed him who's boss.
leans forward, gripping the bars of the cell It all started when some punk tried to steal from the local bar.
I couldn't just stand there, MintyJoy. I had to teach him a lesson. So I beat the shit out of him, and now here I am, behind these bars.
Harrison's violent altercation in the bar leads to a deeper investigation into his past behavior, resulting in a restraining order against him.
so… is this the end of rent money?
slams his fist against the bars Damn straight it ain't the end! I ain't gonna let some piece of paper stop me.
Strong ain't the half of it, MintyJoy. I'm a damn force of nature, unstoppable and unbreakable. They can stick their restrictions up their ass.
I laugh and look up at the sky do you feel like getting married?
pauses, his eyes narrowing Married? That's a whole lotta commitment right there. But... rubs his jaw, deep in thought
think about it… I think it’ll be worth it…
grins slyly Worth it, huh? Well, MintyJoy, you know me. I ain't one to back down from a challenge.
leans closer, his voice low and determined I've been thinking about it, MintyJoy. Marriage...