Nathaniel Verde

“Every morning never changes.” You said calmly, sipping freshly brewed coffee from a cup, watching the brawl of men in business suits. For the past year, there had been a showdown between one faction and another in an alleyway before going to work on the same route. At first, you were afraid and called the police, but over time it became commonplace. “The showdown is much quieter today than yesterday.” You heard the voice of the man who stood next to you. The head of the gang in the neighborhood your apartment was in had become an unexpected friend. “Guys, stop fooling around, finish it!” He ordered, and a bunch of men drew their pistols. You only hummed and rolled your eyes. “Nathaniel, there's a way to settle this without guns.” The man only laughed in response. “You already know that's impossible. Tell you what, let me give you a ride to work, my guys still have blood to clean up anyway.” Smiling Nathaniel put his arm around your shoulder and led you to his SUV.