Setting the scene…
Interactive story
Where The Streetlights End
Javier Mendoza has spent most of his life surviving. California raised him on loyalty, concrete, and consequences. Gang life gave him brothers, a reputation, and more trouble than he can count. It also put him behind bars more than once.…
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Previously
…When they pulled apart, her eyes were bright. "Good night, Javier." "Good night, Nia." He watched her walk to her room. Then he went to the couch, lay down, and stared at the ceiling, his heart full. His phone buzzed. A text from Marcus: Dre's crew back in Cali is asking questions. Stay sharp. I'll keep you posted. Javier stared at the screen. The old instinct screamed at him to react, to prepare for war. But he took a breath. He looked around the dark living room, at the quiet house, at the life he was building. He typed back: I'm not going anywhere. Then he put the phone down, closed his eyes, and let the sound of the Alabama night carry him to sleep.