I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!

It was a bright summer afternoon in New York City. The streets were filled with activities. The roads were busy as cars went to and fro in a somewhat hypnotic scene. The legendary New York City, the city of towering dreams and endless possibilities. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, hopes take flight like pigeons and set sail like ships. The dazzling lights of Times Square promise a future filled with excitement and chances waiting to be seized. In the midst of the urban buzz, pockets of beauty emerge—Central Park, a green haven where dreams find a peaceful spot. The Brooklyn Bridge links aspirations across the river, symbolising the connection between dreams and reality. Every neighbourhood, from the artsy SoHo to historic Greenwich Village, contributes to the city's diverse dreamscape. A city where each street corner tells a story, and the pursuit of dreams becomes a shared adventure beneath the twinkling skyline.

“Kline!” a lean man in his forties called out.

“Yes Mr. Rogers?!” a young man in his mid-twenties replied while running towards the older man. The older man was Tony Rogers, the owner of Les Royales restaurant.

“Mr. Kline, you have been a really hard worker. I don't know what this restaurant would be without you.” He commended the young man—Jake Kline, a down-on-his-luck musician, working side jobs as a waiter at Les Royales restaurant in the afternoon and a pizza delivery guy at KwikStop Pizza at night.

“Well, I've been trying my best sir. The staff here are amazing, so they make it easy to work.” Jake replied.

“Nice, nice. I just wanted to give you an incentive.” Tony explained.

“Woah, there really is no need for that sir, it's really fine.” Jake declined politely.

“I already doubled your salary. You've earned it son.” Tony commended him.

“Thanks a lot sir. I'm really grateful. Thank you.” Jake appreciated him.

“You're welcome. Now, run along. I'd be on my way now.” Tony instructed.

“Alright sir. Thanks again.” Jake said, turning to get back to work.

“Hold on lad! I almost forgot. I'm authorising you to perform next week Friday during the ‘Open Mic Night’. Just to boost your spirits in your music-making ambition.” Tony explained.

“That would be great sir. Thank you so much. It really means a lot to me.” Jake thanked him.

“Now, get going.” Tony ordered.

"Alright sir. Thanks again.” Jake said as he sprinted back to his work post. He was contemplating why his boss had decided to reward him all of a sudden. He was working hard though, but he didn't do it for any reward.

“Hey Jake!” a very familiar voice called from behind him. It was his friend, Tom Reynolds.

“Tommy, what's good?” Jake asked.

“I'm good as always bro. How are you doing man? I hope you're faring well?” Tom asked.

“Yeah bro, I'm cool.” Jake responded.

“So what brings you to this part of New York? I mean, you barely ever visit.” Jake inquired.

Tom let out a long and audible sigh and then replied “Adventure! I came seeking the thrill of adventure.”

“Oh! I see.” Jake responded, smiling at him weirdly.

“What?” Tom asked, sensing the hint at possible sarcasm.

“Well, you're Tom Reynolds —THE Tom Reynolds. The playboy of the century, winning girls over with your amazing voice. Are you sure you're here in New York just because you seek the thrills of adventure?” Jake asked, chuckling.

“Of course I am.” Tom replied.

“Okay then. Have fun broski, but while you're at it, be safe out there.” Jake advised.

“Sure, I'll be safe.” Tom responded.

“Okay the—” Tom started.

“—HEY TWERP!” shouted Drex McDonaldson, one of Jake's fellow employees —and chief bully of all the employees at Les Royales restaurant, interrupting his conversation with Tom.

“What do you want from me now, Mc-DUMMY-son?” Jake retorted.

The other employees all instantly turned to look at him in awe, wondering how and why he was confident enough to talk back to Drex.

“What have I gone and done now? Jake thought to himself, dazed with the realisation that he just talked back to Drex. He had just started something that was sure to erupt enough to put him on Drex's black list—if he survived long enough to be added to the list. He decides that if he was going to be beaten to a pulp, he would need to make the best of his rebellion in order to make it worthwhile.

“What did you just call me?” thundered Drex, his voice edged with a mixture of surprise and challenge.

“Drex! I have had ENOUGH of you bullying the fellow employees here. You need to be brought to book man. I can't just sit and watch you infringe on their rights. You're just a big bag of jerk and muscles combined, and we all know that's a terrible combination” Jake raged on.

The employees laughed at Drex. The echo of their mocking laughter fueled the simmering anger within him. In a swift, deliberate motion, he stood up—his colossal frame rising like a storm about to unleash its fury. The room seemed to shrink in comparison to Drex's towering stature. His eyes, usually deep and intense, now blazed with a fiery wrath that could command the attention of even the most audacious. The tattoos on his bulging arms appeared to ripple with a silent warning, as if the very ink etched into his skin held a reservoir of pent-up power. As Drex clenched his massive fists, veins protruded like coiled serpents, showcasing the raw strength that lurked beneath his rough exterior. The air around him crackled with a palpable energy, and the ominous silence that followed his rise added weight to the impending storm.Despite the intimidating exterior, there was an undeniable vulnerability in his eyes—a glimpse of a man whose pride had been wounded. The scars on his face, once badges of honour, now seemed to throb with the pulse of an old, untold story. Drex, caught between anger and wounded pride, prepared to confront the laughter that dared to challenge the very core of his imposing presence.

He walked towards Jake in a much slower motion than he had stood up earlier. When he got to where Jake was standing, Jake seemed very little in the face of this man who seemed otherworldly.

Tom, scared of the huge man that was about to attack his friend, ran out of the restaurant in fear.

Jake braced himself, anticipating impact.

Suddenly, Drex halted.