New York seems so much bigger. The buildings seem to tower over each other and me. I feel like an ant crawling under the forest. Scurrying among the leaves and sticks. It also seems way more crowded than I remember. I feel so small. I feel like an insect. Puny. I used to soar above this city.

I feel a body brush past me. I turn. There were people shoulder to shoulder against me. It feels like everywhere there's people. It feels like an ocean of people. It's harder to move around. I grip my backpack.

<~~~>  <~~~>  <~~~>

"I still don't see why I can't swing him to school. It'll be so much easier and safer." I hiss.

"It'll attract attention; besides he can walk himself." She says.

"There are so many people. This is why I prefer sewers." I scoff.

"Just keep watching him." She says.

"I'm not letting him out of my sight.

"Hey... did you hear that?" She raises an eyebrow.

"Hear what?" I ask.

"Mmm... nothing. Must be static energy bouncing off your shield tech." She says.

"Okay..." I shrug.

I press off. I look down. I really hope you can survive this punk.