I managed to lock all of the doors, just like every night. I traveled through the park on my way home. The padding of my footsteps made a rhythm, and carried my thoughts from where I was. Until I heard a new beat, mingling with mine, approaching. I kept walking, faster, and they kept with me, holding ground, until somebody approached from ahead. They stopped, and I stopped, knowing what was going on. From behind me, a voice demanded my wallet. I raised my arms to the sound of a crackling belch, far more rancid than even the King’s. Gingerly, I reached into my pocket for my wallet, grabbed it, and dropped it behind me. The thug grabbed it from the ground and gave me a solid whack on the thigh with some sort of club. I yelped briefly, but it could’ve been much worse. Hobbled, I couldn’t give chase. I heard him uncrumple the bills from my wallet, those that the King had given me, and mutter some disappointment. If he only knew, would he care.

So, I went on my way.