Chapter 10: The Protest

Chapter 10: The Protest

Liam had never been to a protest before. He wasn't sure what to expect—he had pictured angry mobs, people shouting over each other, chaos. But as he and Maya stepped into the crowd, he realized it was something entirely different.

There was energy, yes, but it wasn't the kind that made him anxious. It was the kind that pulsed through the streets like music. People of all ages held up signs, their faces filled with determination and hope. The rhythmic chants and beats of a nearby drum circle created a steady backdrop to the speeches being made on a small stage at the front of the crowd.

Maya turned to him, her eyes shining. "Isn't this amazing?"

Liam nodded, still taking it all in. "Yeah. It really is."

She adjusted her sign, gripping it with both hands. "Come on, let's get closer."

He followed her, weaving through clusters of people, until they found a good spot near the center of the march. As the crowd began moving, chanting phrases about saving the planet, Maya joined in enthusiastically. Liam hesitated for a moment before quietly echoing the words under his breath.

Maya noticed and nudged him playfully. "You can be a little louder, you know. No one here is going to judge you."

He felt a flush creep up his neck but took a deep breath and spoke the words just a bit louder. It wasn't much, but it was something.

As they walked side by side, Maya turned to him suddenly. "I'm really glad you came."

Liam met her gaze, the sincerity in her eyes making his heart do that weird skipping thing again. "Me too."

They continued marching, and for the first time in a long time, Liam felt like he was part of something bigger than himself.

When the protest ended and they made their way back to the train station, Maya turned to him with a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, what did you think? Ready to become a full-time activist?"

Liam smirked. "I think I'll start small. Maybe not littering."

She laughed, bumping her shoulder against his. "I'll take it."

As the train doors closed behind them and they took their seats, Liam realized something else—he wasn't just glad he had come.

He was glad he had come with her.