Chapter 7: A Hero in the City
Alex walked out of his college gates, the events of the day playing on a loop in his mind. He still couldn't believe the transformation he had undergone, and how it had turned him into the center of attention. Despite the overwhelming day, he felt a sense of satisfaction and eagerness for what was to come.
As he neared the zebra crossing on his route home, he waited for the signal to change. The city bustled around him, cars honking and pedestrians chatting, creating a symphony of urban life. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a little girl chasing her small, fluffy dog across the road. She was oblivious to the traffic, her focus entirely on her runaway pet.
Time seemed to slow as Alex saw a speeding car hurtling toward the girl. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline surging through his veins. Without a second thought, he activated his super speed power. In an instant, he was by the girl's side, scooping her and her dog into his arms.
The car screeched to a halt just as Alex deposited the girl safely on the sidewalk near a shop, the driver's eyes wide with shock. Alex gave the girl a reassuring smile, but before anyone could recognize him or ask questions, he darted away, blending into the crowd and disappearing from sight.
Breathing heavily, he slowed down once he was a few blocks away. His thoughts were racing, replaying the close call and the look of pure gratitude on the girl's face. He couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. Saving someone had felt incredible.
He reached home at 6:36 PM, the familiar sight of his family's cozy living room greeting him. Athena and Jorge were sitting on the sofa, their eyes glued to the news on TV. The moment Alex walked in, they turned to him, their faces lighting up with warm smiles.
"Hey, Alex!" his mother called, patting the space beside her. "How was your day?"
"It was... different," Alex replied, plopping down beside them. "You wouldn't believe what happened at college today."
He recounted the events of his day, from the stunned reactions of his classmates and professors to the unexpected invitations and attention he received. Athena listened with wide eyes, occasionally shaking her head in disbelief, while Jorge nodded thoughtfully, clearly proud of his son's newfound confidence.
"And that's not even the craziest part," Alex continued, his voice lowering slightly. "On my way home, I saved a little girl and her dog from getting hit by a car."
Jorge sat up straighter, concern mixing with admiration in his gaze. "What happened?"
Alex explained the incident at the zebra crossing, detailing how he had used his super speed to whisk the girl to safety just in time. His parents listened intently, their expressions shifting from worry to relief and then to pride.
"Alex, that's incredible," Athena said, her voice tinged with awe. "You're really becoming something special."
"It's amazing what you're able to do," Jorge added, his hand resting on Alex's shoulder. "Just remember to stay careful. With great power comes great responsibility."
"I know, Dad," Alex replied, feeling the weight of his father's words. "I just... I couldn't stand by and do nothing."
After dinner, Alex retreated to his room, reflecting on the day's events. His life had changed so dramatically, and it seemed like every day brought new challenges and surprises. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind buzzing with thoughts of both worlds he now straddled.
As he closed his eyes, preparing for another night of adventure in the other world, he whispered, "Goodnight, CV."
"Goodnight, Alex," CV's voice responded in his mind, warm and reassuring. "Ready for the next challenge?"
With a nod, Alex drifted off to sleep, his dreams filled with visions of the hero he was becoming and the endless possibilities that lay ahead. The adventures and challenges of another world awaited, but for now, he was content with the changes in his life, confident and ready to face whatever came next.