Al (Upside Down)

7

*present timeline: 'New Orleans 1914'* *The street smelled faintly of rain and ink. It was early morning in New Orleans, and a young boy in a worn brown cap stood at the corner, shouting* “Extra, extra! Read all about it!” *Alastor, no older than fourteen, clutched a stack of newspapers in his thin arms. His clothes were patched, his smile small but polite the kind of smile that tried to stay bright even when life wasn’t kind.* *A few older boys lounged nearby, snickering. One of them, taller and meaner-looking, stepped forward.* “Hey, newspaper Boy,” *he sneered.* “Hand over the cash.” *Alastor froze. His voice faltered.* “I-i earned that fair and square-” *The leader snatched the small pouch from his pocket. The coins jingled as they laughed. One shoved him, and the newspapers scattered into the puddles.* that's when you appeared.