Jack's anger boiled over, and he lunged toward me, ready to strike again. But I wasn't about to let history repeat itself.
As he raised his hand, I reacted swiftly, kicking him solidly and knocking him flat on the ground.
He lay there, too winded to even curse.
I wasn't about to let him off the hook so easily.
He strangled my dog when I was seven. At the age of ten, he had buried me in a sandbox, leaving me missing overnight.
At fifteen, his kick sent me sprawling into shattered glass, scarring my hand with a long, painful mark.
Jack, it's time to settle these old and new scores.
I hit the streets with cash in hand, hunting for a barbershop.
But even after scouring the town for hours, every shop was closed.
The more I looked, the more ticked off I got—what used to be a superstition about remembering your uncle turned into a curse about killing him!
Finally, luck was on my side, and I stumbled upon a barbershop that was still open.
The owner looked at me like I was a ghost.
They were right in the middle of their holiday feast, and the whole family gathered around.
"Hey, kid, you here for a trim?"
Watching their cozy family scene, a twinge of jealousy hit me, and I softened my voice.
"Yeah, buzz it all off, please."
The barber hesitated, but eventually, he got to work and shaved my head.
Walking out, I rubbed my bald scalp.
It was chillingly cold...
Just like that, I called up some pals who were free to hang out.
Going home was out of the question—if my uncle caught wind, it'd spark another battle royale.
We caught a comedy flick, something to lighten the mood.
Coming out of the cinema, trouble found us.
A car was swerving down the road, nearly clipping us.
My eyes aren't the best at night, but that car looked awfully familiar.
It resembled the one my aunt Susan bought for Jack.
Seconds later, it was gone.
I let it go, booked a motel room, and picked up some barbecue.
That's how I spent the night chilling with friends.
I slept like a rock, only to wake up to explosive news.
Jack had died in a car accident.
I got a panicked call from Mom first thing in the morning. "Son! Your uncle was drunk driving last night and got into a fatal crash! His wife is already here shaking us down for cash! You better come home quick!"
I rushed my farewells and sped back home.
Seeing my buzz cut, my parents' worry deepened.
"Oh, why on earth did you have to shave your head now?"