The Mystic Adventures of Noho and her Companions

CHAPTER 2 - Invisible Lives

May 26th, 2026 - 8:31 AM

Noho walked down the lively, chaotic streets of New York City, but her mind wasn't walking with her. It lagged behind, still stuck on her mother's words from earlier. Words about her father. "It's whatever," she thought bitterly. "I don't need him in my life anyway. I've lived thirteen years without him, so why would I need him now? He's probably off somewhere, enjoying life with the new wife he left my mom for."

Her grip tightened around the straps of her backpack as she replayed that scenario in her head, her stomach twisting in a tight knot. She couldn't imagine abandoning someone like that, especially not family. As she crossed another block, the bustling crowd barely registered in her peripheral vision. Then something caught her eye—a man sitting slumped by the corner of a tiny convenience store. He was old, his clothes tattered and frayed. His face was weathered, each wrinkle a deep groove carved by time and hardship. His almond-shaped eyes were framed by drooping lids, giving him a calm yet solemn look. Thin strands of gray hair peeked out from under a knit cap, and his unkempt beard hung like a wispy cloud over his hollow cheeks.

"Excuse me, ma'am," the man called out to a passerby, his voice raspy but polite. "Do you have a few extra dollars? I'm trying to buy some food."

No one even glanced in his direction. The crowd bustled on, their heads down, their faces locked in their own little worlds.

Noho stopped and looked in his direction, frowning. "Why is everybody ignoring him? How can they just walk past him like he doesn't exist?" She ran up to him with a worried expression on her face. She crouched down, her backpack slipping off her shoulder. "Hey," she said softly, her voice laced with concern. "you okay?" The man slowly looked up at her, his eyes searching hers. For a long moment, he just stared, as though he were trying to figure her out. "I saw everyone just walk by you," Noho continued, "You don't look so good. Do you need food or water? Or like.. anything?"

The man let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Oh no, don't be mistaken," he said with a grin. "I'm fine. I just haven't eaten in a few days, but I'm still alive!"

"A few days? That's way too long to go without food!" she said, appalled. "Gosh, and I can't even imagine going 4 hours without food… Hold on. Why don't you wait here while I grab you something to eat? There's gotta be something cheap I can get from the store."

The man waved his hand dismissively. "No, no, young one. You don't need to worry about me. You're just a kid—you're not at the age where you should be worrying about people like me."

Noho's lips tightened into a line. "What is it with everyone telling me I'm too young to do things? First my mom, now this guy!" She thought while standing up, slightly annoyed. "Nah, it's okay. I've got some money, I think." she said, rummaging through her backpack. "Just wait here, all right?"

The man tilted his head, studying her again. "But aren't you in a hurry, young one? I see your fancy clothes. And judging by your age and how early it is… I'd say you're on your way to school."

Noho froze, then grinned. "Yep, you're right. Today's my graduation! I'm graduating from eighth grade today!"

The man's bushy brows lifted in surprise. "Eighth grade? Hah! You look like you're in sixth!"

Noho giggled. "I know, I know. I look young because I was actually supposed to be in 7th grade now, but because of my high intelligence level, they let me skip a grade."

The man's expression softened into a warm smile. "Ah, so you're wise beyond your years, are you? Someone your age with your intelligence… you have potential, young one."

"Potential?" Noho repeated, curious. "What do you mean.. what kind of potential?"

The man's smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful look. "The potential to change the world someday… maybe." Then he chuckled at his own words, waving them off. "No, that'd be impossible."

Noho tilted her head. "Change the world? You mean… like fixing all the bad stuff that's going on?"

The man nodded gravely. "Exactly. The fact that I'm homeless? That's proof. Proof that corruption and evil are all around us, working in the shadows."

Noho frowned, confused. "What do you mean? Aren't you homeless because you're, like… broke."

The man shook his head. "There's more to it than that."

"Then sir, if I may ask, why are you homeless?"

The man paused, his eyes darting around as though checking for eavesdroppers. Then he leaned in close and whispered, "I can't explain it here. But if you want to know more, come to this address after your graduation." He slipped a small, folded piece of paper into her hand, his movements swift and precise. Noho stared at the paper in her hand for a moment, before saying in surprise, "Wait, so you're not actually homeless?"

And when she looked up again, he was gone.