Page 52 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Managers get bigger offices.”

“Good morning, Mrs. Mariana,” one of the employees greeted.

“Good morning, Kyle. Is Michael in his office?”

“Yes. Would you like me to call him?”

“Please.”

He reached for the phone on his desk and dialed. “Mr. Jones, your wife and son are here.” After a moment, he hung up and looked back at them. “He’s coming.”

“Thank you.”

A few seconds later, a man in a suit approached, smiling warmly. “Hey, love.” He leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her lips before crouching and opening his arms toward Mano. “Come here, kiddo.”

“Come on, Dad,” Mano protested, squirming back, though he was already smiling.

“Where were you two?” he asked, glancing between them.

“We got ice cream, and then someone insisted on coming to see you.”

His father’s eyes shifted to Mano, a small smile forming. “Oh, really? You insisted, huh?”

Mano tried to hold his ground, but his smile gave him away.

Michael rested his hands on his shoulders. “What is it?”

“I got an A on my English test.”

His face lit up. “That’s my boy. Can I try again, or are you still too grown for that?”

“I am,” Mano said proudly, then softened. “But you can.”

His father laughed and pulled him into a hug.

The bank doors opened, the sound barely noticeable over the low hum of voices. Three men stepped inside, spreading out without a word, each heading toward a different desk. “Hello, I’d like to make a deposit.”

“Of course, sir. Just a moment.”

One of them glanced sideways at the others, quick, almost imperceptible.

“Alright, buddy,” his father said, pushing himself to his feet. “I have to get back to work.” His hand lingered briefly on Mano’s shoulder. “But tonight, we’ll play whatever you want.”

“Okay, Dad,” Mano said, still holding onto him before letting go.

His father smiled, then leaned in to kiss his wife. “Get some rest, sweetheart.”

“You too,” she murmured, her hand brushing over his arm. “See you at home,” she added, taking Mano’s hand.

Mano glanced back at him as they turned to leave.

“Come on, honey,” she said.

“Can I see your ID, please?” the teller asked.

“Yeah, sure,” the man said, reaching into his jacket, but paused. His gaze shifted, locking with the other two. In one swift motion, he pulled a mask over his face. The others did the same. “Everybody down!” The gun was already in his hand.

Screams broke out instantly. Mariana froze, her fingers tightening around Mano’s. Michael stood several steps away, caught in place, his eyes fixed on the scene unraveling in front of him.