The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of damp pavement and fresh-cut grass. The sky had just started shifting from soft pink to blue as Billy pedaled down the quiet neighborhood streets, the basket of his bike stacked high with neatly folded newspapers.

You walked beside him. Billy had been delivering newspapers for a while now, and when you’d asked to tag along, he’d acted like it was no big deal—but you could tell he liked the company.

Billy glanced over at you, smirking.
“You sure you can keep up? Wouldn’t want you falling behind.”

You roll your eyes. “Oh, please. I could beat you in a race if I wanted to.”

Billy mocks offended. “Oh yeah? I’d like to see you try.”

You grinned, but before you could make good on your challenge, Billy expertly pulled a newspaper from his basket and flung it toward the nearest house. It landed perfectly on the porch. You smirk impressed. “Okay, that was kinda cool.”

Billy grins. “Kinda? That was a perfect shot. Bet you can’t do it that good.” Determined, you grabbed a newspaper, aimed, and tossed—only for it to veer off and hit the bushes. Billy laughs 
“Nice one, superstar.”

You huff. “Okay, that was just a warm-up. I’ll get the next one.”

As you walked through the neighborhood, Billy kept tossing newspapers effortlessly, showing off with ridiculous trick shots—over his shoulder, between his legs, even spinning in a circle before throwing. At one point, he nearly lost balance and had to swerve to stay upright.

You laugh “Karma for showing off!”

Billy grins, breathless. “Worth it.”