The head bounced against the pavement, and then rolled off the kerb. The body unnaturally contorted as it lurched into the rain-soaked gutter.

Malic, smoking pistol in one hand, lit a cigarette with their free hand. They pocketed the lighter and placed the pistol into their waistband, and then took a long drag before calmly walking away; they walked a few rain-soaked blocks through old industrial neighbourhoods, abandoned by industry like an obscene brutalist graveyard.

Arriving at a set of lights Malic noted they only flashed amber, a caution signal to late-night drivers, and wondered how often they were practical. Without thought to check, Malic stepped into the road to the screech of tyres as an old beater came shuddering to a halt barely a meter away. Malic stopped, checked themselves, and then looked at the windshield, unable to clearly make out the driver behind the glare of headlights.

The door lurched open, and the car rolled to one side as a large figure emerged into the night and yelled in a scratchy, dry tone “Ya idiot! Don’tcha know what them lights are for?! I coulda put you in the ground!”.

Malic calmly began to walk around the car, to better assess the bulky silhouette; they were taller, and ungainly with a pear-shaped physique. “Look buddy, I didn’ mean nothin’ by it, but you gotta be careful this time o’ the night”. Malic barely paid attention to the words, reaching under their blazer and retrieving the suppressed ruger before finally discerning the facial features of the figure stood in front of them.

Short curly hair surrounded a pockmarked, blemished face; their expression had become nervous in demeaner. “I really don’ want no trouble, ya hear. I’ll just get in my car… Malic?”

Hearing their name they stopped, stunned, and subtly tucked the gun back. “Vic? It’s been a long time”; Vic’s expression brightened “It must’a been 15 years, last year of high school. What’re ya doin’ out here at this time o’ the night?”, “Work, you know how it is” Malic replied. Vic laughed as they began to climb back into the drivers seat “Heck ya’, didn’t know anywhere round here was still going; I’m heading to the hospital, the wifes water just broke. I’ll look you up soon though, let’s get a beer sometime”.

Malic nodded, pushed the door closed and leaned down to wave as Vic pulled away. Malic thought to themselves Vic really should’ve paid attention to the caution lights, as they drew their pistol, lined up the shot, and watched Vic’s car squeal, lurch and then barrel into a wall; after waiting a moment, they flicked their cigarette into the rain and carried on walking. They reflected on how much they’d changed since high school, and decided that person was no longer who they were.