View Writing Assignment A Man Called Al flipbook.
Lydia Munro A Man Called Al 12/15/2025 The neon glow of the old tavern sign reflected off the cobblestone street, the rain pouring down as thunder rumbled in the distance, the sound piercing through the night. Although the noise would be deafening to most ears, the teenager standing in front of the building barely noticed it. His dark, brown hair fell just above his eyes, his hand shoved into the pockets of his green jacket. The puddles from the rain sunk into his sneakers, the chill of the freezing water causing the teen to shiver slightly. His green eyes were glued to the sign above him, torn between entering or staying outside. He felt a tug in his chest, an urge to go inside, but something inside him was fighting that feeling, forcing his feet to stay planted to the cold cement of the sidewalk. Then suddenly the wind felt colder as darkness fell onto the old street. It wasn’t the night that caused the darkness, but a presence that filled the street, causing the young man’s stomach to churn. The darkness spun itself carefully into a figure, and stood itself beside the young man, its eyes glowing a piercing yellow. But to the younger man, he only saw the appearance of a man dressed in a suit and tie, with a large smile spreading across the man’s face. “Good evening, Brian.” The younger man’s eyes went wide. “How do you know my name?” “I know everyone that comes here.” The man slid his hand in his coat pocket, that eerie smile still plastered onto his face. “They all come here searching for the same thing.” “What are they searching for?” Brian asked, furrowing his brow. The other man’s grin grew wider. “Me.” 1
“Who are you?” Brian asked, his voice low and suspicious. The man stepped closer to Brian, extending his hand. “My name is Al.” Brian stared at Al’s boney hand, then slowly reached out and gave it a firm shake. “Al what?” Al’s smile returned as he released Brian’s hand. “Just Al is fine.” Brian felt that uneasy drop in his stomach again, but before he could do anything, Al wrapped his arm around Brian’s shoulders. “So, rough night with the old man again, huh?” Brian froze, his eyes locked onto Al’s face. “How do you know about-” “I told you. I know everyone that comes here.” Al removed his arm from around Brian, folding his hands behind his back. “So, what was the fight about this time?” Brian shoved his hands back into his jacket pockets, glaring at the ground like it owed him money. “He just... I don’t know. He’s always on me about every little thing. He won’t let me go out with my friends, won’t let me go anywhere fun, and is always grounding me. He’s so unfair.” Silence fell in the street as Brain finished speaking. “You’re absolutely right.” Brian glanced up at Al, who still had his gaze fixed onto the old, flickering sign, in surprise. “W-What?” Al turned his head, meeting Brian’s eyes. “You’re right. That is unfair.” 2
Al shook his head and glanced back up at the sign. “He’s just an old fool that doesn’t know what you need. You deserve what you desire.” Brian’s eyes grew wide in surprise, Al’s words making Brian speechless. Usually, adults would give advice on listening to parents, not validating anything he said or felt. “All you want is to be seen. Be heard.” Al nodded his head slowly. “I understand that feeling more than anybody. That is why I desire to help souls such as yourself. The ones who were wronged unjustly.” “How would you help me?” Brian asked, intrigued. Al smiled again, but this time, it was warm and inviting. “I can give you what you desire. Comfort, stability, happiness. All of it.” Brian stared at Al in disbelief. “All of that. For free?” Al chuckled slightly. “Well, not exactly for free. But don’t worry, I don’t ask for much.” “What do you ask for?” Brian asked, furrowing his brow. Al nodded his head towards the entrance of the tavern. “To come inside.” “That’s it?” “That’s it.” Brian stared at the wide, oak door that stood in the frame a few feet away from where they stood, the streetlight illuminating the walkway with soft yellows that attracted Brian to it. 3
Brian took one step, then the other, and soon found himself in front of the door. Al appeared beside Brian, nodding at the door once more. “Go on.” Brian took a deep breath, and gripped the cold steel of the doorknob. He turned it slowly, then began to pull the door open. White light filled the doorway, which temporarily blinded him for a moment, until everything suddenly turned to black once more. Only again, this darkness was not merely an absence of light, but a presence of something far worse. As Brian’s eyes adjusted to the sudden darkness, he heard the sound of metal clanking together, and panic sprung in him as chains wrapped around his wrists, locking him into place. Brian struggled desperately at the chains, unable to move. “Al? Al?! Where are you?! Something happened– I can’t move!” The sound of footsteps echoed in the room as a small light flickered on above Brian. He squinted into the darkness as he heard someone approach. Al stepped into the light, the warmth in his smile gone, replaced with that same cold grin that sent shivers down Brian’s spine. “Thank you for coming in,” Al said, his tone ice cold, “it’s been a while since I was able to acquire another human.” Brian’s eyes widened. “Another human? What the heck are you?” Al tilted his head to the side as he spoke, “A collector.” Darkness spun itself around Brian like a whirlwind, the black tendrils spinning around Brian, making him dizzy. When the tornado of black finally stilled, Brian found himself trapped in a 4
large, glass liquor bottle. Brian felt the weight of something in his hand, and he opened his palm, staring at the flask of alcohol chained to his hand. “What is this?” He asked, his voice shaky and barely above a whisper. “Everything I promised. Comfort, stability, and happiness.” Al folded his hands neatly in front of his body. “It will help you forget all about your troubles. You’ll never have to worry again.” Brian began to frantically pull at the restraints, causing Al to click his tongue. “I’m sorry, Brian. You cannot leave. You must stay there.” “I don’t want to stay in here! You tricked me!” Brian shouted, his voice shaking with anger, “You said I will get what I desire. You said I deserve it!” Al shook his head. “I did. You do. This is what you deserve.” Al turned on his heel, walking towards a door Brian had never seen before, supposedly the exit. As Al’s footsteps retreated, Brian’s eyesight became more in tune with the darkness that surrounded him, and to his horror, there all around him were more glass bottles, each holding an individual inside. Brian turned back, slamming his chained hands on the glass as he called to Al, who continued his stride towards the door. “Hey! Wait! You can’t just leave me in here!” “You are not ready to walk freely just yet.” Al stopped as he reached the door, turning slowly back towards Brian. Al’s cruel gaze made Brian freeze as he watched Al’s eyes, which were hazel brown just a few moments ago, harden into a malevolent yellow. “You will be removed from the cage when you are ready.” 5
Al turned back to the large, steel door, opening it with a loud creaking noise, the sounds of vintage music and glasses clinking filling the air as Al stepped through the doorway. The noises became muffled as Al shut the door with a final slam, leaving Brian alone in the darkness. ⧪ Al smoothed the front of his red suit jacket, his eyes melting back into the soft hazel like before. He stepped into the small crowd in the tavern, greeting every passerby with a large smile. The sound of the old piano filled the air as it played its catchy tune on its own, the glasses in the hand of each person were filled to the top with all sorts of beverages, all with the same theme and style. The scent of strong liquor, musty walls and furniture polish was like a swirling cloud around each person sitting at the booths and tables. Every person in this side of the tavern happily nursed their drinks, some drinking more heavily than others, but all giddy and lighthearted nonetheless. At least, most of them were. “UGH. It’s you again.” Al slowed to a stop at the retort, exhaling softly as he turned to the booth where a teenager sat alone on the sticky leather of the bench, her blue eyes sharp enough to melt steel. Al kept a tight smile on his face. “Good evening, Maddie.” “Don’t you ‘Good evening, Maddie’ me, Al!” Maddie crossed her arms dramatically, her red ponytail flung angrily over her shoulder. “You tricked all of us into staying in this awful place. There’s nothing good about any of the evenings we spend here!” 6
Al’s eye twitched in annoyance, but he forced himself to keep his composure. “You were the one that entered that door.” “And you’re the one keeping us from exiting that door!” Al scoffed; his voice tight with irritation. “You wish to leave? Then leave.” Maddie blinked, taken aback by Al’s reply. “Just like that?” Al gestured vaguely to the long glass door that sat by the counter. “Just like that.” Maddie’s face scrunched with resolve. “Well, alright then. I’m leaving.” She jumped onto her feet, her peeled leather combat boots thudding onto the polished wooden floors. Maddie marched towards the door, swinging it open with a flourish. “Good bye, miserable stinky place! I’m leaving! See you never!” The door slammed behind her, the piano playing screeching to a halt as the rest of the crowd stared after her. As fast as the tavern had frozen, everything went right back to their merry making, with the piano plinking its own keys to the familiar tunes that they all had grown so accustomed to. The night dragged on as the crowd grew more wild, most of the people were either passed out at the counter or were laying in a booth, while most were still awake, groggily but somehow sitting upright. Al was leaning against the stained wall near the counter, the peeling paint flaking off the wooden walls and floating around the tavern. Al held a cigarette between his fingers, the smoke billowing around him as he blew it out of his lungs, the glow of the small ember at the tip of the tobacco smoldering red and yellow. The glass door beside him opened slowly, the sound of 7
combat booths echoing off the hardwood floor with each slow step. Al smirked, but kept his eyes forward. “‘See you never’, huh?” Maddie gave Al a sharp side eye, her eyes burning with fury. “Shut up.” Al flicked the cigarette into an ash tray, finally glancing at Maddie, who was soaked from the outside rain. “So, how did it go? They accept you with warm and welcoming arms?” Maddie gave no reply, her blood boiling at Al’s smugness. “Ah, so it went exactly as I said it would.” Al tilted his head, that grin that Maddie grew to hate spreading on his face. “You went to the steps. Saw the light in the windows. Felt the nostalgia pull at you. Then you remembered what you are.” Al leaned forward, smirk gone, as he slightly lowered himself to Maddie’s height, his voice low and taunting. “A rebellious, good for nothing drunk that can’t stay sober enough to go back home, no matter how desperate you are to return.” Maddie’s eyes brimmed with tears as her fists tightened at her sides. “I said shut up.” Al studied Maddie’s face, his grin slowly returning. “Whatever you say, Maddie.” Al straightened, adjusted the cuff of his sleeve, and strolled towards the other end of the bar, leaving Maddie motionless in front of the door, her anger nearly eating her alive. Stupid Al. Stupid bar. She thought she might combust from the rage inside her. 8
She stomped over to the back of the tavern, where her usual booth sat waiting for her. She plopped down into the seat, her jeans sticking to the bench. A swirl of darkness whirled towards her, spinning itself in front of her, making a glass appear on the table that was filled to the brim with something strong. Maddie stared at the cup, then slowly raised her gaze to where Al stood, whose grin was all the wider. Of course he was the one who gave it to her. Maddie angrily gripped the glass, then flung it with all of her might Al. The cup flew through the air, hitting the wall with a sharp clatter, the glass shattering from the impact. Al glanced at the mess on the floor, then back at Maddie, who was still seething in her booth. “That was..rude.” “You deserve way worse than that Al!” Maddie yelled, slouching further into her seat. “So you say.” Al chuckled, his smug demeanor neve r faltering. The conversation ended, the only noise being the clanging of the piano and the bartender making more drinks. Then the glass door opened, and in stepped a man Maddie had never seen around before. The man had short locks of golden hair combed neatly into a part, with a simple white shirt and khakis, and piercing blue eyes, just like Maddie. His face was smooth, and not a thing was out of place, and his clothes weren't wet, even though it was raining outside. The man scanned the crowd, settling his gaze on Maddie. He stepped forward to begin moving closer to her, when Al strode in the way. “Good evening, sir,” Al asked, smiling wide, “is there anything I can do for you?” The man nodded. “Yes. I would like to speak with Maddie.” 9
“Excellent! Maybe we can get to that after a drink, huh?” Al countered, a subtle uneasy tone beginning to shine through in his voice. “No, thank you. I would like to speak with Maddie.” The man turned slightly to slide past Al, when Al reached out to put a hand on his shoulder. The second Al made contact with the man, Al quickly revolted away as a sharp pain shot into his hand, the agony burning through his entire arm. Bewildered, Al looked up from his hand to the man that stood before him, unfazed. The man nodded curtly and continued to make his way over to Maddie. Maddie was still slumped at the table, her fingers tapping anxiously and repetitively on the table. The man strode right to her side, a small smile perching on his lips. “Hello, Maddie.” Maddie glanced up at the man, her eyes squinting at him in suspicion, hi?” The man gestured to the bench across from her. “May I sit?” “Sure, I guess. I’m not stopping you.” The man carefully sat on the bench, the leather squeaking against the man’s pants. “Thank you very much, Maddie.” Maddie arched an eyebrow at the strange man, “You said my name twice. How do you know me?” “I know all I am sent to find.” The man replied, his tone soft. Maddie continued to stare. “That sounds kind of like what Al said the first day I was dragged into this place.” 10
Another swirl of darkness flew their way, but this time it was Al reappearing beside the table. “Actually, Maddie, you were the one that came inside. I never had to do much of anything.” The man’s soft gaze turned into a cold glare as he looked up at Al. “Leave us.” Al stared at the man in shock. No one dared to speak like that to him, and the authority in this strange newcomer’s tone caused Al to step back, remembering the sharp pain he had felt when he tried to touch him. “I don’t intend on leaving, but I will give you space.” Al said, his smirk wavering just a bit. The man ignored him and turned towards the young girl that sat across from him. “You want to leave this place, correct?” Maddie’s eyes brightened with hope, right before her face fell again as she remembered all of her attempts to leave in the past.“Y-Yes I do. But I can’t. I’m not strong enough to fight it.” The man nodded slowly with understanding, reaching his hand closer to Maddie’s across the table. “Let me come with you. I will help you.” “Excuse me?” The man’s face again fell with slight annoyance, glancing back up at Al. “Yes, what is it?” “This is my business you are meddling with, and my customers entered my tavern with their own free will.” Al’s eyes began to glow gold with simmering anger. “You cannot just–” “Yes, I can. And I will.” The man stood up, causing Al to jump back a bit. The man turned back to Maddie. “Do you trust me?” 11
Maddie’s eyes widened, the fear of Al’s control melting away. “Yes.” The man reached out his hand again, and this time Maddie took it, and they both made their way to the exit. But Al wasn’t going to let them go that easy. Al spun himself back into his dark form, flying through the air and reappearing in front of the door, blocking their way. His eyes burned with that same tenacious glare. “I refuse to let you leave with him, Maddie.” “You can’t control me anymore, Al, I’m leaving. Leaving with…” Maddie’s voice trailed off as she turned and glanced up at the man, her voice lowered to a whisper. “What was your name again?” The man glanced down at Maddie, his soft smile returning. “Zadkiel.” Maddie blinked up at him in confusion. “Huh.” Then she turned back to Al, her tone raising again. “Zad and I are leaving this place, Al!” Al’s eye twitched. “No, you are not.” “Yes, we are.” The man answered as he began to stride towards the door again. Al felt a surge of panic. “Woah, now hold on!” The man never slowed down, and Maddie held his hand tighter as they came closer to Al and the door. Maddie felt her pulse quicken with fear, until she felt a small squeeze from the man. “Be not afraid.” Maddie glanced up at the man, nodding her head with confidence. “Okay.” 12
They were just a few steps from almost colliding with Al, when Al quickly dissipated into a dark cloud, spinning itself away from the door and behind Maddie and her friend. Maddie glanced back up at the man, smiling for the first time in months. “Thank you.” The two of them stepped out into the freezing winds, the rain pouring heavily down on them both. Maddie shivered, and tried to shield herself from the cold, her violet tank-top clinging to her wet skin. The man noticed her discomfort and put a jacket around Maddie. Maddie’s eyes widened as she glanced up at her new friend. “Wha- How’d you get that jacket?” “I had one handy just in case.” “Huh. Okay,” The duo made their way through the streets, the streetlights flickering ominously. The scent of rain and the muddy streets filled their lungs, the mist in the air made it difficult to see. Maddie kept a steady grip on the man’s hand, trusting in his solidity. Then suddenly, the winds stopped its roaring rage, the rain decreasing to a slight drizzle. As Maddie blinked, wiping the rain from eyes with the back of her hand, she froze as her gaze fell on the little residence in front of them. The lights in the windows cast a soft white glow in the street, and were different from the flickering neon lights she was used to. The man squeezed her hand reassuringly and nodded to the house. “It’s time.” Maddie didn’t move, the dreadful feeling of doubt creeping into her chest. “I don’t know.” The man gestured to the front porch, letting go of her hand. “Go on. Trust me.” Maddie took a step forward, then the other foot followed, until she reached the steps. 13
She treaded up the steps slowly, the wooden planks creaking with each step she made. Soon she reached the front door. Maddie inhaled shakily, extending her hand to knock on the small, wooden door. Knock knock knock. Maddie’s chest tightened. She did it. She knocked. She heard movement on the other side of the door, and she waited in anticipation to see what would happen. The door opened slightly, a woman peering out from behind the wood, her eyes widening. She looked strikingly similar to Maddie, blue eyes with red hair, but this woman had strands of gray highlighted in her hair from age. The woman’s eyes filled with tears when she recognized who it was. “Maddie?” Maddie’s throat tightened as she tried to speak, her words shaky as the tears threatened to spill. “Mom, I’m so so sorry! I should’ve listened to you and I should’ve–” Maddie was cut short as her mother pulled her into a tight hug. “There is no need to apologize. You came back home. That’s all that matters now.” Maddie squeezed her mom back tightly. “Thank you.” Then Maddie remembered her friend she left standing on the sidewalk. “Mom, there’s somebody I want you to meet.” Maddie wiped her eyes and turned to introduce the man, then froze. The sidewalk was empty. He was gone. 14
⧪ The ending doesn’t always have the same conclusion Maddie was fortunate to have. Some are still lost in Al’s control, struggling to escape the chains that bind them. Brian never ended up escaping, and died with the bottle still in his hand. Although this story is merely an analogy, it should also be taken as a warning. Al Cohol is still lurking about the streets, seeking his next victims. Don’t let his next one be you. 15