Just Say No!

A voice that sounded like his mother was nagging at him, but Marcus, his best friend, was louder and more insistent. “You said you were bored, didn’t you?”

“Yeah, but I don’t know about this, Marcus?”

Jason knew it was a dumb idea the second Marcus grinned and said, “It’s just a candy bar. You won’t get caught.”

It was a hot summer afternoon, and the boys had biked down to Mr. Gilly’s Corner Mart like they always did after skateboarding behind the school. But today, Marcus was itching for trouble.

“You chicken?” Marcus asked, raising an eyebrow. “Come on. Grab it and walk out. Easy.”

Jason hesitated, eyeing the candy rack inside. Something in his gut twisted, like a dozen tiny frogs were breakdancing in his stomach. But instead of listening to the frogs or his mother’s nagging voice, he shrugged and said, “Fine. One candy bar. That’s it.”

Marcus whooped and gave him a shove toward the door. “Legend status, bro. I’ll be right here. Make it quick!”

The air-conditioning slapped Jason in the face as he stepped inside. The refrigerator's humming, the checkout scanner's soft beep, and a woman’s voice filled the air. Mr. Gilly stood behind the counter, flipping through a magazine, glasses sliding down his nose.

Jason sauntered toward the candy rack. He could feel his heart pounding. A voice inside his mind, sounding much like his own, but braver, egged him on. “Just grab it and go. It’s no big deal.”

His eyes darted toward Mr. Gilly, and then he reached out for the candy as the door flew open behind him.

Mr. Gilly dropped his magazine and pressed his hand against the alarm button.

A man had stormed in wearing a ski mask and holding a gun. Another followed, yanking the door shut and flipping the sign to “Closed.”

“Everyone on the floor!” the first one shouted.

Jason froze. His hand still hovered near the Snickers bar. Mr. Gilly gasped and dropped to the floor. A woman near the freezer screamed and hit the ground, clutching her purse.

Jason’s mind spun. The brave voice in his mind was gone, replaced by a trembling one. “Oh, God, this can’t be happening.” His thoughts raced to Marcus, hoping he was safe.

The door burst open again, slamming against the pop machine. Marcus charged inside, waving his arms. “Jason, run! The cops are coming.”

BANG!

The gunshot echoed like thunder in Jason’s ears. Marcus stumbled forward, then crumpled to the floor — right next to the gum rack. His eyes were wide, staring straight at Jason. Blood pooled beneath him.

“You idiot!” the second robber screamed, grabbing the first by his jacket. “We gotta go! Now!”

They rushed out the back, vanishing into the alley. Jason didn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. His legs felt like concrete. His best friend lay motionless at his feet.

Sirens wailed in the distance.

Jason dropped the candy bar and scrambled across the floor to Marcus, whimpering, "Marcus! Don't die! Please, don't die.".

*****

Two weeks later, Jason sat alone in his room, staring at the news article pinned to his wall. —Teen Hospitalized After Botched Robbery Attempt. Marcus hadn’t died —but he was still in critical condition. The doctors weren’t sure if he’d ever wake up.

No one had charged Jason with anything, but that didn’t matter. Every night, he saw Marcus’s eyes in his dreams — wide, shocked, scared.

Jason was sure he’d never eat a candy bar again.

NOTE TO THE READER FROM JASON —

I know I'm a kid, but I need you to listen to me. They say Marcus was lucky because he didn't die. But every time I see him lying there, I can't imagine him feeling lucky. Even if he wakes up, the doctor says he may be paralyzed. No candy bar could be worth that.

His mom won’t look at me. I don’t blame her. And every time I see my mom, her eyes are so sad. She never says it was my fault, but I should have listened to those warning signs in my head and my gut. If I had, things might have been a lot different.

It was just a candy bar, but that’s all it took. We were in the wrong place, doing something wrong, and so was someone else. Marcus paid the price.

So yeah, if someone tells you to do something you know is messed up, even if it sounds small, don't do it.

Say no. Say it loud if you have to. It might be the most important word you ever say.