Riot!
A Story Every Day in 2024 August 7th 220/366
"You coming today?" Darren looked at Billy, menacingly.
Billy felt his heart lurch. He was 16 and scared of Darren, his brother, who was the most violent person he knew. Billy was careful, with what he did and what he said.
If he didn't go, there would be repercussions for Billy. He didn't think he could face them. He remembered the bloodied face of the man from the pub who'd mocked Darren's beloved football team. He might be able to see out of his eyes by now. Maybe.
Billy assumed the persona. "Fuck yeah!" he said and Darren smiled.
"Nice one! Let's go smash some Pakis!" Darren said and punched the air. "Don't forget your balaclava!"
*
It was madness. Swearing masses, faces contorted in spite and rage. Shielded police officers, scared humans but uniformed, shouting "Get back!" while dogs yipped and yelped in excitement. The sound of glass smashing and the shrieks and roars of those targeted or wounded.
Billy was scared but felt alive, adrenaline coursing through him as he followed Darren and others through the streets, looking for anyone with a darker skin.
Until they reached Raaj's.
It was on the corner, next road along and they bought stuff there when they'd run out, their local shop.
Billy'd known Raaj all his life, since his mum sent him for cigarettes. He liked Raaj. He was kind and the smell of his shop transported him, the exotic smells of Indian spice from the kitchen at the back different to the microwaved junk he'd grown up on.
This hatred against immigrants wasn't directed at people like Raaj though in Billy's mind. He was part of the fabric of Billy's life.
"Billy, grab that dustbin!"
Raaj didn't have a steel shutter. He prided himself on that.
Darren glared as Billy hesitated.
"You got a problem, bruv?" Darren's muffled voice challenged him.
Billy could see Raaj behind his counter. Billy was taut with fear and excitement.
"Do it!" Darren hissed.
*
Later that night, in his bed, Billy woke to the vision that had been imprinted on his brain earlier: the wide-eyed horror of his friend as a thrown metal dustbin caved and shattered his shop window.
Silently, he cried.
***
366 words
Inspired by the riots that are currently taking place here in Britain. I find it terribly worrying when people refuse to see the human in front of them and forget all empathy for their fellow man's situation because of fear mongering and a need to protect what's theirs.
Thanks for stopping by! If you do read this, please do leave a comment as I love to interact with my readers.
220/366
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Comments (33)
Fear is a terrible thing although sometimes it is something that will save your life. My son was trying to do a good thing, a kind thing, something that would help people, and he was murdered on the streets of Delaware USA.
amazing piece
Excellent work!
Really powerful. Thank you.
It is absolutely awful that some people do these sorts of things. Brilliant story. It illustrated the complexity of humanity. You are also a master of brevity.
Sad. I agree. Why can’t people be seen as human? Why should our skin color or place of origin even matter? Unfortunately, racism may never be erased because of how people are raised. Great read and great work
Yippee! Well deserved win on the Leader Board!
Back to say congrats on Most Discussed Story of the week, Rachel!! 🎉
Well written written
Will the cycle ever be broken? Unfortunately, not for the foreseeable future. The reality behind stories like yours make me want to raise my voice anyway I can. Although landing on deaf ears, it will make me feel better about wanting to make a difference. This was a tragic story of peer pressure and hatred that was told very well. Thank you.
Back to say congratulations on your Top Story! 🎉💖🎊🎉💖🎊
Such an impactful, powerful piece for so many all around the world and what is transpiring due to a multitude of irrational, pathetic excuses and judgements. So unfortunate.....so wrong.....and so sad. This was well written - congratulations on the Top Story.
Nothing changes, hate lives as long as people see themselves as superior. A vicious circle that takes the innocent and make them bitter. There are Darrens everywhere who corrupt the Billys. Kudos on TS.
Back to say congrats on Top Story!! 🎉
I’m so glad this got a Top Story, so well-deserved!
Oh my. Such heartbreaking horror. Congrats on the TS.
Horrible. Glad you gave this a humanistic component even if he did the wrong thing. So without bringing it up, when taking to my dad today he started talking about the riots and the backstory behind it. Very distressing. The news nestles in my brain as it does for many so I choose not to watch most times of late. An effective and apt micro Rachel!
Absolutely tremendous, Rachel! Such a powerful and timely piece, written so beautifully. Thank you for sharing it!
This was both terrifying and heartbreaking.... beautifully orchestrated with your signature * also!! Great work, Rachel!!
This is so tragically realistic… excellent story ✅… I wish Billy was brave enough to stand against his brother… maybe next time.
I agree with Mike, this is Top Story material for sure. Your portrayal of the demonization of ‘They’ alongside the pressure for Billy to conform to the hatred expressed by his community is both compelling and tragic. Great writing about a painful and distressing topic, Rachel!
This is beautifully done Rachel, layered a complex, like the issues.
Just recommended this for a Top Story on Raise Your Voice here https://shopping-feedback.today/resources/raise-your-voice-thread-08-08-2024%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">
My mum and dad live in Southport. It’s been a complete mess and nothing to do with those poor kids that died. This story is so good and completely relevant right now.
What people are ignoring is the person who committed the heinous knifings was born in England. It was a fake report on the net that touched this mess off. I'm glad you decided to write about it.