Cecil
"What are you doing?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady. I back off from them, slowly getting closer to the edge of the roof with each step I take.
The man in the front says, looking straight at me, "Your father is nowhere to be found."
My mind reeled. My father, the man who'd left me with a mountain of debt and a sinking feeling in my chest. I thought I'd escaped, started to rebuild. But this...
"How is that any of my business?" I stare at him, trying to keep my fear in check.
The man's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "He signed a contract, Cecil. In case of his disappearance or death, the debts transfer to his closest relative."
He looks at me, and I feel a chill run down my spine. "You."
What? No! I'm already struggling enough. It's not fair that I have to go through this, and he can just disappear, leaving me behind in this mess! It's his fault, and he should be the one to bear the consequences.
"We can use anything to get the money back, and if you can't or refuse to pay, we are allowed to take your life."
"H-How much does he owe you?" I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.
The man's smile widens. "Six million dollars."
My heart sank. I feel like I've been punched in the gut. Six million dollars. It was an impossible sum, a weight that would crush me. I'll never be able to pay it off, even if I worked three jobs till the rest of my life.
The man's voice cuts through my thoughts. "Tell us, boy. Are you able to pay it off, or do we need to move to plan B?"
Some of the men burst out laughing, and others pull out their weapons, not even waiting for my answer.
I shake my head, a silent "no" escaping my lips.
The man's smile turns cruel. "I guess the answer is obvious then."
He looks at the rest of his gang. "Oh boys, you are not supposed to scare him. We can always use other methods to let him die in peace."
"Like?" they ask in unison, and the man chuckles.
"How about we throw him off the roof?" He turns to look at me, noticing the shocked expression on my face. "Or do you want to jump yourself?"
I don't even think about it as I turn around and jump.
Please, I thought, my voice a silent prayer. If there are any gods... save me.