I climb up the fire escape and chase after the criminal on the rooftops. The gap between us widens.

Other detectives would worry. But after all my years working, this city owes me one.

My adversary trips and falls to the alley below.

I smile, thankful for the city’s appreciation.

Matthew Mota (he/him) is a writer from Chicago, Illinois. He went to the University of Illinois for engineering but found writing as his creative outlet. Creating unique short stories and poetry is his way of navigating the universal hardships of life.