The number meant nothing. It was just a way to make her feel small. I can’t, she said. Miles leaned closer, camera inches from her. Say it louder. I can’t. It’s cute. Ammani took a step back. Carter lifted his voice for the sidewalk. Careful, kid. If you touch that engine and something goes missing, guess who the cops look at first? A few strangers slowed down. Eyes turned.
A circle formed. The kind of circle that doesn’t help. You just get trapped inside it. Anmani’s breathing got fast. One call, one scene. Shelter staff asking questions, her mother crying, her little brother being sent away because they caused trouble. She could see it like a picture. Damen tilted his head, smiling like he was being reasonable.
So, walk away. But you know what it’ll look like on video? Dirty little thief got caught and ran. Immi’s hands shook. She hated that they could use looks like to decide her whole life. She swallowed hard, then spoke in a voice that was still child small but firm. If I look, she said, you stop talking. The men blinked. Damian laughed once.