A brother’s promise

In the heart of a city that never slept, where neon lights flickered and shadows danced in the alleys, 20-year-old Angel had become the reluctant guardian of his younger sister, Lily, who was just 12. After their parents had been taken away by circumstances beyond their control, the siblings were thrust into a cold, unforgiving world where survival was a daily battle.

Angel had always been protective of Lily, but now, the stakes were higher than ever. With no stable income and limited resources, he found himself drawn into a dark underbelly of the city, where desperation ruled and gang members reigned supreme. He had taken on odd jobs for local gangs, hoping to earn enough money to keep Lily fed and sheltered in the motel. Each time he stepped into that world, his heart raced, but he felt he had no other choice.

One fateful evening, as Angel returned from a job, he found Lily sitting at the makeshift dinner table at the motel a worried expression on her face. “Angel, you’ve been gone too long. I was scared,” she said, her voice trembling.

“I’m sorry, Lily. I just needed to get some money for us,” he replied, forcing a smile despite the weight of his decisions pressing heavily on his shoulders.

Lily looked down at her half-empty plate. “I made us some noodles, but I wish we could have something better. Maybe pizza like we used to?” Her voice trailed off, a hint of longing in her eyes.

“I know, Lil. One day, I promise. Just hang in there a little longer,” Angel said, ruffling her hair affectionately. “You’re the best little sister a guy could ask for.”

As night fell, the tension in the small motel thickened. Angel heard laughter outside, and his gut twisted. The gang members were gathered in the alley, their voices echoing like a sinister melody. “Lily, we’re staying in tonight, okay? Just us,” he said, trying to keep the worry from his voice.

“Are you in trouble, Angel?” she asked, her eyes wide with fear.

“Not tonight, but let’s just be safe. Can you help me with something?” he replied, grateful for her willingness to help.

“Sure! What do you need?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Help me barricade the door with these chairs, just in case,” he said, and together they pushed the furniture against the door, creating a makeshift barrier.

Hours later, a loud bang echoed outside. Angel’s heart raced as he grabbed a baseball bat from the corner of the room. “Stay close to me,” he whispered, trying to sound brave.

Lily nodded, her face pale but determined. “I’m not scared, Angel. I’ll help you!”

Suddenly, the door burst open, and a group of men stormed in, their faces masked but their intentions clear. “Where’s the money, kid?” one of them growled, advancing toward Angel.

“I don’t have it!” Angel shouted, gripping the bat tightly. “You need to leave. You’re not going to hurt her.”

“Angel, who are they?” Lily asked, her voice trembling but resolute.

“They’re just some guys who don’t understand how tough it is for us,” he replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “But we’re going to be okay.”

The gang members laughed, their eyes glinting with menace. “You think you can protect her? You’re in over your head.”

In that moment, something inside Angel ignited. He wasn’t just fighting for himself; he was fighting for Lily’s safety and their future. With a surge of adrenaline, he swung the bat, catching one of the men off guard. The impact sent him stumbling back, and the others hesitated.

“Get out! Now!” Angel shouted, his voice echoing with newfound strength. He could feel Lily’s presence behind him, her faith in him fueling his resolve.

“Angel, you can do it! I believe in you!” she yelled, her voice a beacon of hope.

The gang members exchanged uncertain glances, realizing that this wasn’t going to be as easy as they thought. One by one, they retreated, leaving the motel in chaos but the siblings unharmed.

Angel dropped the bat, panting heavily as he turned to Lily, who was trembling but wide-eyed with admiration. “You were amazing, Angel!” she exclaimed, rushing into his arms.

“I’m just glad you’re safe,” he whispered, holding her tightly. “You were so brave.”

Lily pulled back slightly, her eyes shining. “Can we order pizza now? You promised!”

Angel chuckled, ruffling her hair again. “Alright, let’s see what we can do. We’ll make it happen. But first, we need to clean up this mess.”

As they began tidying the room, Lily looked up at him with a serious expression. “Angel, what if they come back? What if they hurt you?”

“I won’t let that happen, Lily. I promise. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe,” he replied, his voice steady.

“Can we find a new place? Somewhere where they can’t find us?” she asked, her hope mingling with fear.

Angel sighed, looking around their small motel filled with memories. “Yes, we will. Together, we’ll find a way out of this life. I’ll start looking for real work, something that doesn’t involve them. I want us to have a better life.”

Lily smiled brightly, her spirit lifting. “Really? You mean it?”

“Absolutely. And I’ll even let you pick the pizza toppings,” he teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“Pepperoni and extra cheese!” she exclaimed, her excitement contagious.

As they shared a laugh, Angel felt a renewed sense of determination. They were more than just survivors; they were a team. With Lily by his side, he knew they could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Together, they would forge a path to safety and a brighter future, one step at a time. The city might be filled with danger, but their love for each other would guide them through the shadows.

The morning light spilled softly through the thin curtains of their motel room, casting a warm glow over the disheveled space. Angel lay on the small bed, waking up and noticing the time and that he needed to get up and go find work before its too late ,but then all of a sudden he felt the weight of the world pressing down on him. His little sister, Lily, was curled up on top of him, her soft breaths a reminder of the innocence they both clung to in such a harsh world.

“Cmon Lily, get off me “,Angel murmured, trying to shift his body without disturbing her too much. “I have to find some work. I need to get ready.”

“No!” she protested, snuggling in closer. “You’re just so comfy, and besides, I don’t want you to go!”

Angel chuckled softly despite himself. “Lily, I know I’m cozy, but I need you to get off ,And I have to , I gotta do this.. for us ,and you have to stay here ,while I go out It’s not safe .”

Lily’s face fell, her big brown eyes filling with disappointment. “But I want to be with you. What if something happens?”

“Trust me, I’ll be fine. But I need you to stay here, okay?” Angel said, trying to sound reassuring. “C’mon, Don’t you want a better life? And leave this nasty motel and have a nice place to stay.

“Yeah,” she admitted, her voice small. “But I just want to be with you.”

Angel sighed, feeling the weight of her words. “I know, and I want that too. But I really have to do this for us. I promise I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Just then, his phone buzzed on the nightstand, breaking the tension in the room. He reached over to grab it, glancing at the caller ID. It was the bank. His heart raced as he answered. “Hello?”

“Hi, Angel! I have great news for you,” the voice on the other end said. “Your loan application has been approved! The funds will be available shortly, and you can start looking for an apartment.”

Angel felt a surge of hope wash over him, a smile breaking through the weight of his worries. “Really? That’s… that’s incredible! Thank you so much!”

“Just make sure to budget wisely. This is a great opportunity for you and your sister,” the banker advised before ending the call.

He turned to Lily, who had propped herself up on her elbows, her face lighting up with curiosity. “What was that about?” she asked, her excitement palpable.

“I got approved for the loan! We can finally get an apartment!” Angel exclaimed, his heart swelling with relief.

“Yay! That’s amazing!” Lily clapped her hands, her worries momentarily forgotten.

“Yeah, it is,” he said, his mind racing with possibilities. “But I still need to work. I have to pay back the loans, and I want to make sure we’re secure.”

Lily’s face fell slightly again. “But Angel, I don’t want you to go out there alone. What if the bad guys come back?”

“I’ll be careful, I promise. And this time, I’ll be working towards something better for us. I can’t let fear hold us back,” Angel said, feeling a surge of determination. “You’ll see. Soon, we’ll be in a real home, and you can decorate your own room!”

“Can I have a room with stars on the ceiling?” Lily asked, her eyes sparkling with imagination.

“Of course!” Angel smiled, loving her spirit. “We’ll make it happen.”

“Okay, I’ll help you get ready!” Lily declared, finally rolling off him. She jumped to her feet and began gathering his worn-out clothes from the floor, trying to find the least crumpled shirt.

As Angel got up, he couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. “You’re the best, you know that?”

“I know,” she replied with a playful grin. “And you’re the best big brother ever.”

As he changed into his clothes, Angel felt a renewed sense of hope. The road ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face it. With the loan approved and Lily by his side, he could finally see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. They would rise from the shadows of their past and build a future filled with promise—together.

Angel kissed Lily gently on the cheek, feeling the warmth of her small frame against him. “I’ll be back soon. If you need anything, just call me, okay?”

Lily’s eyes lit up with excitement. “And can you bring back some snacks? Please?”

“Of course! Anything you want,” he replied, a smile breaking through his worried demeanor. “I love you, Lil.”

“I love you too, Angel!” she called as he stepped out of the motel room, closing the door softly behind him.

As Angel walked down the cracked pavement, he felt a mix of determination and anxiety. The weight of responsibility hung heavy on his shoulders, but he was fueled by the promise of a better life for him and Lily. However, as he turned a corner, his heart sank. In the dim light of the alley, he spotted the gang members he had tried to avoid. They were gathered in a huddle, their laughter echoing ominously.

Panic surged through him. He turned to run, but his instincts kicked in too late. The sound of heavy footsteps behind him grew louder, and before he knew it, they had caught up. One of the larger members grabbed him by the collar, yanking him back into the shadows.

“Where do you think you’re going, Angel?” the gang leader sneered, pressing a cold gun against his forehead. “You owe us money.”

“I told you, I don’t have it!” Angel gasped, fear coursing through him.

“Really? Then let’s go back to the motel and see what your adorable little sister has to say huh “,the leader said, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Maybe we can have a little fun with her.”

“No! Don’t you dare touch her!” Angel shouted, his heart racing as rage and fear collided within him. “I swear, if you touch her…”

“Then give me the money!” the gang member interrupted, his grip tightening on the gun.

“I told you, I don’t have it!” Angel pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice.

“Oh ok ,cmon Guys ,”the leader called to one of the other members. “Let’s go to the motel and get the girl.”

“No, wait!” Angel shouted, panic rising in his chest. “Here, take my chain. It’s real gold. It’s worth fifty grand. Just please don’t hurt my sister!” He fumbled with the chain around his neck, pulling it off and holding it out, trembling.

The gang members exchanged glances, considering the offer. “And your watch too,” the leader demanded, nodding toward Angel’s wrist.

“Take it! Just don’t touch her!” Angel gasped, frantically removing the watch and handing it over.

“Alright, we’ll take this,” the leader said, inspecting the chain and watch. “But you better not be lying to us, or we’ll be back.”

As they accepted the items, Angel felt a glimmer of hope that maybe he had bought enough time. But before he could breathe a sigh of relief, the gang members turned on him, fists flying. They beat him mercilessly, each blow driving the air from his lungs and leaving him gasping for breath.

“Hey! I thought we had a deal!” he managed to croak out as he crumpled to the ground, pain radiating through his body.

“Shut up! Just be happy we didn’t hurt your precious little sister,” the leader spat, kicking him one last time before signaling for the others to leave. “C’mon, guys, let’s go.”

As they walked away, leaving Angel on the cold ground, he felt a mixture of humiliation and anger wash over him. He lay there, struggling to catch his breath, his heart heavy with fear for Lily. He couldn’t fail her. He had to find a way to protect her and provide for her.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally managed to push himself up, wincing from the pain. He stumbled back toward the motel, each step fueled by the determination to shield his sister from the darkness that loomed over them.

When he finally reached the door, he hesitated for a moment, wiping the blood from his lip. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

“Angel!” Lily exclaimed, her face lighting up at the sight of him, but then her expression shifted to concern. “What happened? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” he lied, forcing a smile despite the bruises forming on his skin. “Just had a little run-in with some… old friends.”

Lily’s eyes narrowed, unconvinced. “You don’t look fine. You look hurt. Did they do something to you?”

“It’s nothing I can’t handle,” he replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. “Did you eat anything while I was gone?”

“I saved some noodles for you,” she said, her voice softening. “But I wanted snacks! I’m hungry!”

Angel chuckled, grateful for her spirit. “Alright, I’ll get you some snacks. Just let me clean up a bit first.”

Lily watched him with worried eyes as he moved to the small bathroom. “Angel, please be careful. I don’t like when you go out there. What if they come back?”

“They won’t,” he said, splashing cold water on his face to wash away the evidence of their encounter. “I’ll make sure of it. We’re going to be okay, I promise.”

As he emerged from the bathroom, Lily had already set the table, her small hands working diligently to create a comforting scene. “I want to help. I can do more, you know!” she insisted, her determination shining through.

“I know you can, and you do help me every day just by being you,” he replied, feeling a swell of pride for her resilience. “But I need you to stay safe. That’s the most important thing.”

“Do you think we’ll really get a nice place?” she asked, her voice hopeful.

“We will,” Angel affirmed, his heart aching for his sister’s dreams. “Once I get a little more money from the loan, we can find a real apartment. You’ll have your own room, and maybe even a garden.”

“I want to grow flowers!” Lily exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. “And we can have a picnic in the backyard!”

“Absolutely,” he said, his smile genuine now. “Flowers, picnics, and everything else you can imagine. Just promise me you’ll keep being brave, okay?”

“I promise!” she said, her eyes bright with determination.

Angel pulled her into a hug, holding her close for a moment. “You keep me strong, Lily. I’ll do everything I can to make our dreams come true.”

As they settled down to share the meager meal, Angel’s thoughts turned to the gang and the dangers lurking outside. He knew he had to be smarter, to protect Lily at all costs. But more than that, he realized that through it all, they had each other—and that was a strength he would never take for granted. Together, they would find their way through this darkness and into the light.

After Angel cleaned himself up and shared a simple meal with Lily, he felt a flicker of hope amidst the chaos of their lives. “Okay, I’ll be back soon,” he said, standing by the door. “I’m going to go get us some snacks and look for us a nice apartment, alright?”

Lily’s face fell, her brow furrowing with worry. “Can I come with you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “I didn’t like seeing you hurt. I just want to make sure you’re okay. I love you.”

“Lily, stop. Don’t make that face,” Angel replied, trying to keep his tone gentle but firm. “I’ll be fine. You know it’s not safe out there.”

But instead of accepting his words, tears welled up in her eyes. “I just don’t want anything bad to happen to you!” she cried, her small frame trembling with emotion.

Angel sighed deeply, feeling the weight of her fears. “Fine,” he relented, running a hand through his hair. “Come on, let’s go.”

“Yay!” Lily exclaimed, jumping up with excitement and quickly slipping on her shoes. Her joy was infectious, and despite his reservations, Angel felt a smile creeping onto his face.

As they stepped outside, the fresh air hit them, and for a brief moment, the worries of their world faded. The sun was shining, and Lily skipped alongside him, her spirit brightening the otherwise grim day.

“I have to go to the bank first,” Angel said, leading her down the street.

“Why?” she asked, bouncing slightly on her feet.

“I’m picking up the loan I applied for,” he explained. “It’s a good start for us.”

When they arrived at the bank, the marble floors and sterile environment felt intimidating to Angel. He took a deep breath, trying to shake off the remnants of his earlier encounter. “Just wait here for a second, okay? I’ll be right back,” he said, giving Lily a reassuring smile.

“Okay,” she replied, but her eyes were glued to him, filled with a mix of admiration and concern.

Inside, the bank teller greeted him with a polite smile. “How can I help you today?”

“I’m here to pick up my loan,” Angel said, his heart racing slightly. He felt the weight of the moment, knowing this money was supposed to change everything.

“Of course, just a moment,” she said, typing on her computer. After a few moments, she handed him a check for $12,000, and Angel felt a mixture of relief and anxiety wash over him.

Lily’s eyes widened as he stepped back outside, holding the check. “Woah! That’s a lot of money!” she exclaimed, bouncing on her toes.

“Not really,” Angel replied, his tone sober. “This money will go fast. We’ll need to use it for rent, food, and other things. I still have to find work, but it’s a good start for us.”

Lily’s excitement dimmed slightly, her brow furrowing in thought. “But it’s enough for us to get a nice place, right? With a garden?”

“Yes, it is,” Angel said, softening at her hopeful expression. “But we have to be smart about it. I don’t want us to end up back where we started.”

“Okay,” she replied, her voice small but determined. “I trust you, Angel.”

“Thanks, Lil. Let’s go see what we can find,” he said, feeling a surge of determination as they walked away from the bank.

As they strolled through the neighborhood, Angel pointed out different buildings, discussing possibilities. “What do you think about that one?” he asked, nodding toward a modest but well-kept apartment complex.

Lily squinted at it, her eyes lighting up. “It looks nice! Can we check it out?”

“Sure, let’s see if they have any vacancies,” Angel replied, feeling a sense of hope rising within him.

They approached the building, and Angel asked the receptionist about available units. After a brief conversation, he learned there was a two-bedroom apartment open for rent.

“Can we see it?” Lily asked, her excitement bubbling over.

“Yeah,” Angel said, feeling a flicker of optimism. As they followed the receptionist to the apartment, he glanced at Lily, who was practically bouncing with anticipation.

When they entered the unit, Angel was surprised by how spacious it felt. The walls were freshly painted, and the sunlight streamed in through the windows, illuminating the empty space.

“Angel, it’s perfect!” Lily exclaimed, twirling in the open living room. “Can I have the room with a window?”

“Of course,” he said, his heart swelling at her enthusiasm. “And we can put some flowers on the windowsill.”

“I want pink ones!” she said, her imagination running wild.

Angel chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in days. “Alright, pink flowers it is. Let’s see if we can make this happen.”

As they left the apartment, Angel felt a renewed sense of purpose. With the loan in hand and a possible place to call home, he knew they were on the right path. He just had to keep Lily safe and find a way to make it all work. Together, they would build a life filled with hope and love, one step at a time.