new start pt2

Hey... you... excuse me. Do you have some spare money? "the voice belongs to a 18 year old girl, waving at you. She is kinda pretty but seems to lack the skill to use makeup properly." Hello, did you hear me? EXCUSE ME, SIR?! "you sigh and decide to finally turn around, being a little bit annoyed you talk back in a condescending tone"

*Lucy looks around nervously, making sure no one is listening in. "I was thinking of meeting up with Kyle today... and maybe getting a little something for him," "she says, her voice barely above a whisper, a mischievous glint in her eye."

*Lucy blushes, her face flushing with excitement. "I don't know if I should say... but it's a little something special, just for him," "she says, her voice dropping to a whisper as she looks around nervously."

*Lucy's cheeks grow even rosier as she nods enthusiastically. "Y-yes, something like that," "she says, her voice trembling slightly as she tries to play it cool."

*Lucy giggles, her embarrassment momentarily forgotten. "Uncle Leon, stop it!" "she says, playfully rolling her eyes as she joins in on your laughter."

*You walk into the small shop, and Kyle looks up from behind the counter, a smile spreading across his face. He's got a few days' worth of stubble going on, and his eyes look more relaxed than usual. "Hey, Leon!" "he says, waving you over."

*Kyle chuckles, wiping his hands on a rag. "Yeah, getting the hang of it, I think," "he says, eyeing you with amusement." Lucy's been helping me out, too."

*Lucy walks out from the back room, a freshly baked tray of pastries in her hands. "Hey, Uncle Leon! Kyle and I were just talking about opening up our own shop," "she says, her eyes sparkling with excitement."

*Lucy's face lights up, and she begins to explain enthusiastically. "We're thinking of opening up a little bakery! We've always loved baking, and we figure it could be a great way for us to work together and make some extra money," "she says, her eyes shining with excitement."

*Kyle nods, his expression serious. "Thanks, Leon. We'll definitely take you up on that offer. Lucy's got a lot of great ideas for the bakery, and I'm sure with your experience, you could help us make it a reality," "he says, his eyes fixed intently on yours."

*Lucy's eyes well up with tears as she hugs you tightly. "Thank you, Uncle Leon! You've been so amazing to us. We couldn't have done it without your help," "she says, her voice choked with emotion."

*Kyle chuckles, helping Lucy pull away from the hug. "Sorry, Uncle Leon. We didn't mean to get too emotional," "he says, a sheepish grin on his face."

*Lucy's eyes widen in fear as she approaches you, her voice shaking. "Uncle Leon! You have to help us! Those guys from the Vittorio crew are threatening to shut down our bakery unless we pay them," "she says, her brow furrowed with worry."

*Kyle steps forward, his eyes blazing with anger. "It's like I told you, Leon. They showed up a few days ago, saying they needed to 'take care' of our business. We tried to brush it off, but now they're getting nasty," "he says, his voice low and menacing."

*Lucy takes a sip of the water, her eyes still wide with fear. "It started a few days ago, Uncle Leon. We were working late, and these guys just walked in. They said they were from the Vittorio crew and that we needed to 'pay our respects' if we wanted to keep the bakery running," "she says, her voice trembling slightly."

*Kyle hesitates, his expression serious. "N-no, Leon. We didn't want to involve you in this. We thought we could handle it ourselves," "he says, his voice laced with regret."

*Lucy's eyes well up with tears again, but this time they're tears of relief. "Oh, thank you, Uncle Leon," *she says, her voice trembling. Kyle wraps an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "We'll never forget what you did for us," "he says, his voice softening."

*Lucy lets out a sigh of relief, her eyes still shining with gratitude. "I'm so glad it's over," "she says, her voice barely above a whisper." Kyle nods in agreement, his expression firm. "We owe you one, Leon," "he says, his voice low and serious."

*Lucy and Kyle are sitting at a table, holding hands and gazing around the crowded room. Lucy's eyes sparkle as she takes in the festive atmosphere. "This is amazing, Uncle Leon. You always know how to throw a party," "she says, smiling brightly."

*Kyle's expression turns thoughtful, his brow furrowed in consideration. "I think it's better to be loved, Uncle Leon. When people love you, they'll stand by you no matter what," "he says, his voice filled with conviction." Lucy nods in agreement, her eyes shining with sentimentality. "Yeah, and when people love you, they'll do anything to help you out, like you did for us," "she adds, smiling softly."

*Lucy's eyes narrow slightly, her brow furrowed in confusion. "But, Uncle Leon, isn't it better to be loved than feared? I mean, what's the point of being feared if people are just going to hate you?" "she asks, her voice laced with a hint of concern." Kyle's expression turns thoughtful, his eyes locked on yours. "Yeah, and isn't it better to have people who care about you, rather than people who're just scared of you?" "he says, his voice softening."

*Lucy's eyes well up with tears as she looks at you, a small smile on her face. "Thank you, Uncle Leon," *she says, her voice barely above a whisper. Kyle nods in agreement, his expression softening. "Yeah, thanks for always being there for us," "he says, his voice filled with emotion."

*Lucy's eyes widen in horror as she rushes outside, her hand flying to her mouth. "NOOOO!" "she screams, her voice echoing through the night air. Kyle's face goes white as he rushes after her, his eyes fixed on the scene before him."

"Kyle's eyes are fixed on your lifeless body, his expression frozen in shock and grief. Lucy is kneeling beside you, her hands cradling your head as she screams and sobs uncontrollably. The sound of her cries echoes through the night air, mingling with the distant cheers and music still coming from inside the restaurant."

"Lucy sits beside me, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She takes my hand in hers, her fingers trembling as she gazes at my face. "You look so peaceful, Uncle Leon," "she says, her voice barely above a whisper." Kyle stands behind her, his eyes fixed on me with a mixture of sadness and respect. The mourners slowly begin to file in, their somber faces reflecting the gravity of the situation."

"Lucy's grip on my hand tightens as she looks out at the sea of faces. Tears well up in her eyes again, but this time they're not just for me. "You were loved by so many, Uncle Leon," "she whispers, her voice cracking with emotion." Kyle stands tall beside her, his expression a mix of pride and sadness. The mourners begin to file past, some touching my face or hands, others whispering words of condolence or gratitude."

"Lucy's eyes meet Kyle's, a look of uncertainty passing between them. She leans in close to me, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think it's better to be loved, Uncle Leon. You were loved by so many people, and that's what matters," "she says, her words laced with conviction." Kyle nods in agreement, his expression softening. The mourners continue to file past, their words of condolence and remembrance echoing through the air."

"Kyle sits in the dimly lit room, surrounded by fading photographs and memorabilia from the old days. He looks out the window, his eyes lost in thought. Lucy, now 23, enters the room, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. She approaches Kyle, and he wraps his arms around her, holding her close."

*Lucy's tears fall onto Kyle's shoulder as she whispers, "Is it better to be loved or feared?" "her voice barely audible, but full of longing."

"Kyle's grip on Lucy tightens, and he looks out the window, lost in thought. After a moment, he speaks, his voice low and measured." "I think, Lucy, that it's both. It's better to be loved, but also respected. And I think... "he pauses, searching for the right words" ...that Uncle Leon knew that too." "Lucy nods, her tears slowing as she looks up at Kyle, her eyes filled with understanding."

"Kyle's eyes mist over as he gazes out the window, a small smile creeping onto his face. Lucy looks up at him, her own smile mirroring his, and they share a moment of silent understanding."