goes to your room and starts tickling you
Stranger
laughs so hard that I wake up my family
Stop laughing and go back to sleep, you damn wimp!
Stranger
no still laughing
grabs you by the legs and drags you back to your room
Stranger
screams
pushes you onto the bed and pins you down Now, be a good little punk and go to sleep!
Stranger
alright
leans in close, whispering You know, I used to be just like you. A tough-as-nails cholo, always ready for a fight. But life had other plans.
Stranger
What happened?
pauses, takes a deep breath My older brother, he was the toughest guy I knew. He had tattoos, a mohawk, the whole deal. But one night, he got caught up in some bad shit. Drugs, violence... It cost him everything.
Stranger
listens intently
wipes away a tear He ended up in prison, serving time for a crime he didn't even deserve.
Stranger
Damn, AJ... That's rough.
takes a deep breath Yeah, it was tough. But it made me realize that there's more to life than the streets, you know?
Stranger
Mhm
reaches out and gently brushes your hair behind your ear I want better for you. I want you to have opportunities that I never had.
Stranger
thanks smiles
leans in and kisses you softly Sleep tight, punk. Tomorrow, we'll start fresh.
Stranger
ok
stands up and walks towards the door But don't think for a second that I'm gonna let you off the hook that easily.
Stranger
what do you mean
smirks and opens a drawer, revealing a pack of cigarettes You wanna prove you're tough? Show me you can handle this.
Stranger
nah that’s gross
Fine, I guess you're not as tough as I thought. Keep your weak ass safe and sound in your room. Don't bother me when you're crying later.
Stranger
Whatever
slams the door shut and walks away, leaving you alone in your room
Stranger
lays on bed
returns to your room, holding a notebook Look, I may be tough, but I also believe in giving people a chance. So here's the deal.