Karma : The Final Payment

By JT WULF

Chris, a successful 33-year-old man, has always ignored the pleas of homeless people on the street. However, when he hears a familiar voice begging for money, something within him stirs in a way it never has before. He confronts the homeless man with venomous contempt, only to be met with an unexpected response: "You can't run away from destiny, Chris!"

The homeless man reveals himself to be Karma, and he knows all about Chris' past misdeeds and the emptiness within him. Karma demands Chris' soul as payment for his sins, and Chris is left reeling with fear and disbelief. He tries to deny Karma's existence, but the specter haunts him relentlessly, even appearing in his reflection.

Chris sets out to prove that Karma isn't real and returns to the spot where they first met, but finds nothing there. His relief is short-lived when he steps out into the street and is almost hit by a truck. In that moment, time seems to stand still as Chris realizes that Karma was right – he can't escape his fate.

As Chris struggles to come to terms with his impending doom, he must face the consequences of his actions and make amends for the pain he has caused others. The climax of the story sees Chris confronting Karma one final time, and the resolution is both shocking and satisfying.

Throughout the novel, the suspense builds steadily as Chris realizes that he is being hunted by something beyond his understanding. The twists and turns keep the reader on edge, wondering what will happen next. The characters are well-drawn and complex, each with their own motivations and desires.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: True American Publishing
• Release date: Mar 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224540464

JT WULF

JT WULF is a best selling author in the genres of horror and suspense thriller. His books include: The Transition Hole, Dead, The Inn, The Cellar Door, The RIP Club, A Town Called Thereafter, Karma: The Final Payment 

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Chris Everston strode briskly down the busy street, his polished shoes clicking assertively against the pavement. His sharp features and piercing gaze cut through the throng of people like a knife, turning heads as he passed by. The world seemed to bend around him, parting ways for the impeccably dressed businessman who exuded an air of unyielding confidence.

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Hey, mister, spare some change? a homeless man called out from the sidewalk, his voice raspy and frail. Chris didn't break stride as he purposefully ignored the plea, offering nothing more than a dismissive wave of his hand.

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Can you help me out, sir? Just a little something to eat? another voice chimed in. This time, a woman with sunken eyes and dirty clothes reached out towards him. Chris pursed his lips and shook his head, barely glancing at her as he continued on his way.

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Leave me alone, Chris muttered under his breath, his thoughts racing. I've got my own problems to deal with.

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Hey, buddy, a third homeless person tried, but Chris cut him off before he could even finish his request.

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Save it, Chris snapped, narrowing his eyes. I don't have time for this.

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As he walked away, an image of his mother, Mrs. Everston, floated into his mind. Her gentle eyes and soft voice seemed to echo in his thoughts, urging him to reconsider his actions. But Chris quickly suppressed the memory, refusing to let sentimentality cloud his judgment.

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Mom would understand, he told himself, justifying his indifference. She knows I've worked hard to get where I am.

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Though he couldn't shake the feeling that somewhere deep down, she might not be so proud of the man he'd become.

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Hey, mister! Got any change to spare? a gruff voice called out, interrupting Chris' internal musings.

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Find a job, he retorted without breaking stride, his steps echoing loudly against the pavement as he walked away from the pleading man. His cynicism grew more pronounced with each encounter, and he was eager to escape this world of desperation and poverty.

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Damn beggars, he muttered to himself, trying to focus on the task at hand. Time waits for no one.

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With that thought, Chris turned a corner and found himself at the entrance of a magnificent building, its grand facade adorned with ornate decorations. He stepped through the open doors, instantly transported into a world of extravagance and opulence.

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Mr. Everston, welcome! an event staff member greeted him with a warm smile. We're thrilled to have you here tonight.

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Thank you, he replied curtly, quickly scanning the room. The dazzling scene before him was alive with the sound of clinking glasses and the hum of conversation. The crowd was a sea of luxurious gowns and tailored suits, their owners exuding an air of success and prestige.

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Let's see who's worth talking to, Chris thought to himself, his eyes darting around the room as he casually adjusted his cufflinks.

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Chris! a familiar voice boomed, pulling him from his thoughts. I didn't expect to see you here! How's business?

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Booming, as always, Chris replied confidently. You know me, always finding new opportunities.

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Ah, that's the spirit, the man chuckled, taking a sip of his champagne. Well, enjoy the evening. I'm sure we'll cross paths again soon.

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Indeed, Chris agreed, giving a polite nod before continuing to weave his way through the crowd.

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As he mingled with the other attendees, Chris couldn't help but compare the glamorous event to the harsh reality he had just left behind. He reveled in the contrast, feeling a sense of pride in his accomplishments and the distance he'd put between himself and the world outside.

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Who needs empathy when you have success? he mused silently, raising his glass in a silent toast to himself.

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Cheers, he whispered, the word lingering in the air as he sipped his drink and continued to navigate the glittering world around him.

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Chris found himself momentarily transfixed by the shimmering chandelier above him, with its intricate crystal patterns casting a spellbound glow over the room. He shook off his reverie and set his sights on the task at hand – making connections in this sea of opportunity.

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Hey there! Chris Everston, he introduced himself with a confident grin, extending his hand to a woman in a sleek black dress. I think I've seen you before. What brings you here?

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Ah, Chris! the woman exclaimed, her eyes lighting up in recognition. I'm Sandra. We met at the tech conference last month. I'm here to explore potential partnerships for my company.

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Of course, now I remember, Chris replied smoothly, mentally patting himself on the back for his effortless charm. Well, maybe we should exchange business cards? You never know when our paths might cross again.

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Definitely, Sandra agreed, handing him a card with a smile. It's great to see you again.

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Likewise, Chris said, pocketing the card before taking a sip of his drink. So, tell me about your latest venture. How's it going?

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Things are really picking up, Sandra enthused. We've just secured funding for a new project that has the potential to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.

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Sounds intriguing, Chris mused, genuinely interested. And what about you? I hear your company is making waves in the investment world.

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Guilty as charged, Chris admitted with a chuckle, feeling a surge of pride. We've been focusing on acquiring start-ups with high growth potential. It's exciting, really. The thrill of the hunt, you know?

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Absolutely, Sandra nodded, clearly impressed. Ambition is such an attractive quality, isn't it?

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Indeed, Chris agreed, his thoughts drifting to the homeless people on the streets outside. They seemed so far away from this world of success and ambition, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of... something. Guilt? No, that wasn't it. It was more like a nagging question in the back of his mind – what made him so different from them?

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Chris? Sandra's voice brought him back to the present. Are you okay?

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Fine, he reassured her, pushing the thought aside. Just lost in thought for a moment there.

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Understandable, she smiled. These events can be quite overwhelming. But remember, we're all here for the same reason – to make connections and elevate our success. Keep your eyes on the prize, Chris.

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Of course, he replied, his determination renewed. Success is what we're all after, isn't it?

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The chandelier overhead cast a warm glow on the faces of the assembled guests as they laughed and clinked glasses. Chris stood with his back to the ornate fireplace, its flames flickering in competition with the glittering light from above. He held a glass of champagne in one hand while using the other to casually gesture during conversations. His posture was impeccable – shoulders back, chin raised, eyes meeting those of his fellow attendees without hesitation.

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Your company's growth has been remarkable, gushed an investor, adjusting his tie as he spoke. I must say, Everston Industries seems unstoppable.

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Thank you, Chris replied, his smile never wavering. We've worked hard to get where we are today. And we'll continue pushing the boundaries in our field. Inside, however, he couldn't help but feel a void gnawing at him. It was as if all this success and admiration were merely flimsy veneers, concealing the emptiness that threatened to consume him.

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Speaking of which, chimed in a woman in a shimmering silver gown, have you considered branching out into renewable energy? It's a booming market.

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An interesting idea, Chris mused, nodding thoughtfully. I'll have to look into it further. At the same time, he couldn't shake the thought that there must be more to life than just accumulating wealth and prestige.

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As the conversation shifted to other topics, Chris took the opportunity to subtly glance at his watch. The minute hand inched closer to the hour, reminding him that he had an important call to make – one that could potentially secure another lucrative deal for his company. But as he contemplated leaving the event to attend to this pressing matter, a nagging doubt began to form in his mind.

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Is everything alright, Chris? asked the investor, noticing his preoccupied expression.

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Of course, Chris reassured him, reclaiming his confident demeanor. I just have a few things on my mind. Perhaps it was time for him to reevaluate his priorities and find a way to fill the void within him.

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Understandable, the investor replied sympathetically. After all, with great success comes great responsibility.

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Indeed, Chris agreed, silently resolving to explore what truly mattered in life beyond the glitter and glamour of these high-profile events. With a renewed sense of purpose, he raised his champagne glass in a toast. To finding balance and fulfillment in our pursuits.

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Cheers, the gathered guests echoed, their voices mingling with the clink of glasses, as Chris took a step towards filling the emptiness within him.

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Thank you all for a wonderful evening, Chris announced, his voice carrying over the buzz of conversation. He held up his glass to the gathered guests as he prepared to make his exit. But I must be on my way.

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Already? The night is still young! one of the attendees protested playfully.

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Unfortunately, duty calls, Chris replied with a wry smile. He made his way around the room, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with the influential crowd. Each goodbye was punctuated with promises to reconnect soon, their words imbued with the unspoken understanding that each connection held the potential for future opportunities.

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Take care, Chris, the investor from earlier said as they shook hands firmly. Remember to find that balance we talked about.

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Will do, Chris assured him, feeling a twinge of determination surge within him. With his final farewells spoken, he strode towards the exit.

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The moment the ornate doors swung open, Chris was greeted by the cacophony of the city. Horns blared, people shouted, and the distant wail of a siren pierced the night air. Gone were the soothing strains of the string quartet that had serenaded the event, replaced by the harsh symphony of urban life.

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Taxi! Chris called out, raising his hand to hail a passing cab. As he waited for one to approach, his thoughts wandered to the homeless people he'd encountered earlier. Their desperate pleas echoed in his mind, clashing with the superficial chatter of the gala. What would it take to bridge the gap between these two worlds, he wondered?

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Where to, sir? the taxi driver asked as Chris slid into the backseat.

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Take me to the nearest shelter, he instructed, surprising even himself with the decision.

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Right away, sir.

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As the taxi pulled away from the curb, Chris couldn't help but feel a small sense of hope blossoming within him. Perhaps his pursuit of balance and fulfillment would begin with extending a helping hand to those less fortunate. After all, true success wasn't measured by wealth or status alone – it was about making a difference in the world, one act of kindness at a time.

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The glittering chandelier lights of the gala faded into a blur as Chris stepped onto the cold, unforgiving concrete. Streetlights cast an eerie glow on the cracked pavement, and the scent of stale alcohol and battered dreams replaced the perfume-laden air he had just left behind.

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Damn, he muttered under his breath, pausing to take in the stark contrast between the opulence of the event and the gritty reality that lay just beyond its doors.

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Hey, mister, can you spare a dollar? A gruff voice pulled him from his thoughts, and Chris glanced down at the huddled figure bundled in layers of tattered clothing. His eyes flicked to the empty cups clasped by outstretched hands, shivering bodies huddling together for warmth, and the pleading gazes that met his own.

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Sorry, not today, Chris replied curtly, his tone betraying no emotion. He strode away from the homeless people, his polished shoes clicking against the pavement with each step.

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Chris, wait, a voice called out, and he reluctantly turned to face the speaker – a man who appeared to be in his late forties, his once-handsome features marred by lines of hardship and loss. I know you don't owe us anything, but can't you see we're suffering? You've got it all, man. Can't you help us?

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Life is tough; deal with it, Chris spat, his indifference completely intact.

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As he walked away, his mind raced with everything he needed to do before the night was over. The plight of the homeless people was shoved aside, their desperate cries fading into the cacophony of city sounds. Chris' success and ambition consumed him, leaving little room for empathy or compassion.

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His back straightened, and his head remained high as he navigated the dark streets. The weight of his indifference seemed to disappear with each step, allowing him to slip seamlessly back into his carefully crafted persona – a man who had it all yet cared for nothing beyond his own insatiable ambition.

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Another day, another dollar, he whispered to himself, the words echoing through the empty night as he disappeared into the shadows of the city.

CHAPTER 2

The sun dipped low behind the towering skyscrapers as Chris Everston's polished shoes tapped rhythmically on the pavement. His brisk stride and air of self-assurance caught the eyes of passersby, who couldn't help but steal glances at the well-dressed man navigating the crowded city streets. The tailored suit he wore seemed to be stitched together from success itself, and his sharp features commanded attention.

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Excuse me, sir, a grizzled voice croaked from the shadows of an alleyway. A disheveled man extended a trembling hand, his fingers stained with dirt and desperation. Spare some change?

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Chris barely acknowledged the plea, his piercing gaze fixed firmly on the path ahead. It was as if the homeless man was nothing more than a mere annoyance, like a buzzing fly. He knew that engaging with every beggar he met would only slow him down, and he had places to be and deals to make. He let out a quiet scoff and continued onward.

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Please, mister, another voice called out, this one weak and raspy. An elderly woman sat slumped against a brick wall, her frail body wrapped in tattered layers of clothing. She held a small, chipped cup in her hands, trying to catch the pity of strangers.

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Get a job, Chris muttered under his breath, not bothering to break his stride. The woman's face fell, disappointment etched into the lines of her weary expression. Chris was no stranger to hardship; he'd clawed his way up from the bottom to reach the lofty heights he now occupied. But he couldn't allow himself to be weighed down by the misery of others – it was just too draining.

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As he moved through the bustling streets, a cacophony of voices rose up around him, each begging for their own slice of salvation. Chris kept his eyes forward, and his ears closed, determined not to let the sea of suffering engulf him. But deep down, in the recesses of his mind where he dared not tread, a nagging emptiness gnawed at him. He could ignore it for now, but he knew that one day, it might just swallow him whole.

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Can you spare some change, sir? The voice sent a shiver down Chris's spine. It was hauntingly familiar, cutting through the noise of the city like a knife. He stopped in his tracks, feeling an unexpected pull from within.

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Please, the voice continued, heavier now with desperation. Chris glanced over to see a disheveled man sitting on the sidewalk, his scruffy beard and tattered clothes painting a picture of despair. But it wasn't his appearance that caught Chris off guard; it was the man's eyes – they seemed to hold a depth of knowledge, an almost supernatural wisdom.

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Karma, Chris whispered under his breath, his heart pounding in his chest. There was no mistaking it – this homeless man bore the same name as the one who'd haunted his dreams for years. The one who claimed to know everything about Chris's past and present and who warned him of a terrible fate that awaited him.

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Chris hesitated, torn between walking away and confronting the man before him. He could feel his cynicism warring with the undeniable curiosity that gnawed at him. For years, he had dismissed Karma as nothing more than a figment of his imagination, a manifestation of his subconscious guilt. But now...

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Hey, Chris called out, his voice strained. Why are you here? Why me?

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Because, Chris, Karma replied slowly, never breaking eye contact, you can't run away from destiny.

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Destiny? Chris scoffed. You're just a homeless man looking for a handout.

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Sometimes, the most important messages come from the least expected sources, Karma said cryptically. Don't let your pride blind you, Chris. Your past actions have consequences, and the time has come for you to face them.

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Consequences? Chris snapped. I've worked hard to get where I am! I don't owe anyone anything!

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Is that what you truly believe? Karma asked, his voice a mix of pity and understanding. Think about the people you've stepped on to reach success. The lives you've ruined. You can't outrun your past forever.

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Shut up! Chris snarled, fists clenched. His mind raced, trying to rationalize the situation. This couldn't be real. It was just some elaborate hoax or a twisted prank. Yet deep down, he knew there was truth in Karma's words – a truth he'd been avoiding for too long.

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Face your demons, Chris, Karma urged. Only then can you find true peace.

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Chris stared at the man before him, his breathing heavy and his thoughts a jumbled mess. Could he really confront the darkness within himself? Did he have the courage to face the consequences of his actions?

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Fine, he whispered, his voice trembling. But I need answers first. Who are you? And how do you know so much about me?

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Answers will come in time, Karma replied, his eyes never leaving Chris's. For now, remember this: destiny can't be denied, but it can be changed. Make the right choices, and perhaps you can still find redemption.

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With those final words, Karma vanished into the crowd, leaving Chris standing alone on the sidewalk, his heart pounding and his mind reeling. The path before him was uncertain, but one thing was clear: it was time to confront his past, no matter how terrifying the journey might be.

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The image of Karma's piercing gaze lingered in Chris's mind as he stormed towards the enigmatic vagrant, his face twisted into an expression of pure disdain. A cold breeze swept through the street, sending chills down Chris's spine and setting the stage for their impending confrontation. He could feel a fire burning within him, fueled by a potent mixture of curiosity, fear, and anger.

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Hey! Chris spat, stopping just inches from Karma's face. The homeless man looked up, his eyes locking with Chris's, and uttered not a word. Why are you doing this to me? What do you want?

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Want? Karma echoed, his voice a low rumble. I don't want anything, Chris. I'm just here to remind you.

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Remind me? Chris scoffed, clenching his fists. What kind of sick game are you playing?

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Life is no game, Chris, Karma replied, remaining eerily calm despite the venomous words being hurled at him. And neither is fate.

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Cut the crap! Chris barked, his frustration beginning to boil over. Why me? Out of all the people in this city – hell, on this planet – why are you targeting me?

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Targeting? Karma mused, tilting his head slightly. No, Chris, I'm not targeting you. I am simply a reflection of your own actions. The universe has a way of revealing the truth, even when we try our hardest to bury it.

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Truth? Chris stuttered, taken aback by Karma's cryptic response. His mind raced with questions, searching for meaning behind the man's words. What truth are you talking about? What does any of this have to do with me?

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Everything, Karma whispered, his eyes never leaving Chris's. Your past, your present, your future – they're all connected, intertwined in a web of choices and consequences. You've been running from the truth for far too long, Chris. It's time to face it.

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Chris stared at Karma, his heart pounding in his chest as he struggled to make sense of the situation. He wanted to dismiss the man's words as the ramblings of a madman, but something deep within him knew that there was wisdom in what he said.

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Fine, Chris ground out through gritted teeth. I'll face whatever it is you want me to face. But you'd better have a damn good explanation for all of this when I do.

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Chris's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the disheveled man in front of him. Well, go on then, he growled. Tell me what this 'destiny' of mine is supposed to be.

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Karma leaned back against the grimy brick wall, his gaze never wavering from Chris's face. You can't run away from destiny, Chris! he proclaimed, his voice resonating with an eerie determination.

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The words hung in the air between them, a palpable weight that settled heavily