Chapter 16: _ Mysterious Benefactor
I bit a corner of my lips in calculation. No, focus, María José. The money. It was enough to pay for the butcher's meat. But could I really take it? Was this some kind of trick?
I glanced down the alley where the man had run. He was long gone, but maybe I could catch him if I hurried.
"For all I know, this could be a trick from some mischievous no-gooders who want to get me in trouble. Maybe accuse me of stealing or something." I contemplated, a finger under my chin.
Well, time to find out.
Clutching the money, I sprinted in the direction he'd disappeared, my shoes slapping against the pavement.
"Hey!" I shouted again, turning corners and scanning every shadowy nook and cranny. "Who are you? Come back!"
But there was no response, just the echo of my voice and noises from the surrounding bouncing off the walls. After a few minutes, I stopped, panting and clutching my knees—tired to the nines.
"Well..." I heaved. "I tried. Guess I'll just take it now and repay the owner later... if they ever show up."
As I stood there catching my breath, a sudden blur or movement darted past me. My hand instinctively tightened around the money, but it was too late.
"Hey!" I screamed as the pickpocket yanked the bills from my grasp and took off.
"Are you kidding me?!" I yelled, immediately chasing after him. My legs burned as I sprinted after the thief, but he was faster—much faster. He rounded a corner and disappeared into the crowded marketplace before I could catch up.