Veins of Vengeance

As far back as 1607 — long before the dust of World War II had fully settled — In the cold, unforgiving streets of the Bronx, life carried on in raw, unapologetic fashion. It was a place where anything could happen, and when the worst did, the locals — known as Bronxites — barely flinched. Jesse came to understand this strange numbness. After all, these people had grown up surrounded by chaos — witnessing it, hearing about it, living through it. Violence and tragedy were woven into the fabric of their everyday lives. The police and security forces did what they could when evil struck. Sometimes, they managed to intervene. But more often than not, by the time they arrived, the damage had already been done. Growing up in the heart of a bustling city, Jesse often felt like he was being watched. Each time he walked down the street, eyes would follow him — strangers whispering, glancing his way, then quickly looking off. “What are they always saying about me?” he’d wonder. But no answer ever came. Strangely, life seemed to hand him favors he never asked for. In certain places, he was met with unearned generosity — cash gifts, free services, even praise from people old enough to be his father. Men three times his size would speak his name with respect, sometimes even awe. None more surprising than Mr. Bone — the notoriously feared store owner whose fiery temper was legendary. His grocery store was the only one in the neighborhood that had never been robbed, thanks to rumors that he practiced dark voodoo that could turn thieves into his janitors. Yet, with Jesse, Mr. Bone was a different man entirely. Every time Jesse walked into the store, the old man’s face would light up like a child seeing an old friend. “Get the boy what he wants!” he’d call out cheerfully, waving at the staff. And just before Jesse left, he’d always hand him a lollipop, smile wide and warm, and say: “See you next time, kid.” It became the talk of the neighborhood — the boy with the mysterious pull. Jesse enjoyed the attention, no doubt. But beneath the surface, a quiet storm of questions brewed. Why me? What did I do to deserve this? Was it because he was an only child? Or was there something else? Either way, life moved on — but the curiosity never left him. Jesse grew up with both his parents, but spent most of his time with his mum. She was a devoted stay-at-home mother and wife, who found joy in the simple rhythms of home. Cooking was her love language, and in the quiet moments she had to herself, she’d curl up with how-to books or lose herself in the art of crocheting. More often than not, she’d surprise her son with a handmade cardigan—soft, warm, and stitched with care—for him to wear on chilly nights before bed. . Whenever he asked her where his dad was, she’d smile softly and say, ‘Remember, your father is an international pilot—he’s away on a business trip.’ She said it often, almost like a rehearsed lullaby, especially during the weeks he disappeared—sometimes four or five times a month. But he never truly believed it. There was something about the way the dad spoke on the phone—always coded, clipped, and cautious. He handled things no pilot should: ammunition, tactical gear, documents that disappeared as quickly as they came. He moved with a tight, intimidating entourage and rolled in a fleet of sleek, black cars that seemed more fit for a diplomat or a soldier of fortune than a man in uniformed aviation, and kept white substances in powder form in the vault which was weird because Jesse’s high school teacher taught him that only expensive jewelries, important documents and files are kept in vaults. So the story never quite added up—and deep down, he thinks she knew he knew. Whenever his dad is around, they become the ultimate duo—best buddies, inseparable. They hit the NHL hockey games, munch on popcorn, sip on drinks, and dive deep into game analysis like seasoned commentators. After that, it’s off to play pool and bowl a few frames, before ending the day in the buzzing glow of the downtown casino. Jesse can’t help but be both impressed and a little curious about how everyone at the casino seems to know and respect his dad. When it’s Jesse's dad's turn to place a bet and roll the dice, he trusts what he calls his ‘instinctive decision’—a mix of gut feeling and good luck charm. It never fails. The dice fall in his favor, the crowd cheers, strangers pat his shoulder, and hands reach out to shake his. But the best part? His dad pulls him into a proud hug and says, ‘Son, we did it!’—a moment that always makes Jesse feel seen, valued, and part of the win. His dad would always tell him, ‘Son, the casino has taught me three things: stay laser-focused, be meticulous, and above all—never be greedy. Most men come here thinking they’ll beat the house. But they leave with empty pockets and broken pride because they let greed blind them. After summer, Jesse burst through the door, practically bouncing off the walls with joy. His voice rang out as he beamed at his parents, ‘I got in! I’ve been admitted to college—I can finally chase my dream of becoming an astronaut!’ His dad gave a curt nod, wished him good luck, and without much emotion, added, ‘Text me the list of what you’ll need for school,’ before dashing out like it was any other day. But it was his mum’s reaction that struck Jesse the most. She didn’t respond at first—just sat there, distant, her thoughts far away. ‘Mum? Mum!’ he called, eventually tapping her gently on the shoulder. She blinked back to reality, quickly forcing a smile, trying to mask the sadness in her eyes. Jesse saw it anyway. He understood. While he’d be chasing stars, she’d be home—alone more than ever. Still, she pulled him into a warm hug and said, ‘Go, live your dream—and make me proud.’ And just like that, her love gave him wings. Settling into college wasn’t as smooth as he’d imagined. The shift from high school to college life hit harder than expected—the freedom felt isolating, the routines unfamiliar, and the absence of his parents left a quiet echo in his days. But even all that was nothing compared to the news that was about to arrive—news that would shatter his sense of normal and force him into a reality he never saw coming.