Josie swung her tote over her shoulder as she strolled into the college campus, hunting for the latest viral snack. Growing up, hunger was her constant companion. She never once knew the satisfaction of a full belly. Now that Josie had the means, aside from her aversion to wasting food, she indulged in a relentless quest for culinary delights.
As she approached an alley entrance, a familiar voice pierced the air. "Back off! Get lost! Don't you dare mess with my sister!"
Not far off, a lanky teen brandished a baseball bat. Facing him were two menacing thugs, eyes locked on the boy with a predatory focus.
"Alex, drop the bat. Hand over the shares, or I swear I'll send you and your sis straight to the pearly gates!"
Alex spat back, "You think you're tough? Come and get it! I'll take you down."
The thugs, flames of rage in their eyes, lunged forward with switchblades drawn. The bat in Alex's hands snapped, and it looked like he was done for, but then a rock flew from nowhere, striking one thug's wrist.
Josie dashed forward, leaped, and landed a kick on the other thug's shoulder, sending him crashing to the ground with a whine of pain. Realizing they were no match for Josie, the thugs beat a hasty retreat.
Alex and Jade stared at Josie as if she were an alien savior. Alex was the first to snap out of it, but still incredulous. "Ms. Josie, you’re like a superhero!"
Jade, wide-eyed, piped up, "Ms. Josie, are you an angel?"
Josie just shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. She followed the beleaguered siblings back to their place. Their home was a cozy apartment in an old residential building, tidy and warm.
Jade poured Josie a glass of ice-cold juice, "Here, have some fresh-squeezed orange juice."
Josie accepted it with both hands, "Thanks." It tasted refreshing and good.
Alex was a bit puzzled and asked, "Ms. Josie, what brings you to our neck of the woods?" Could Ms. Josie have known about their family issues and come on purpose?
Josie explained, "I was here to grab a bite. Heard there's a new famous food joint around, so I wanted to check it out."
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