The Second Helmet

A nearly new helmet appears at Rivera Computer Repair — and with it, a mystery that won't stay quiet.

Helmet

The second helmet appeared on the counter of Rivera Computer Repair on a Saturday morning.

It was black, nearly new, and still smelled faintly of plastic and fresh foam. A strip of masking tape had been pressed across the visor. On it, in Mateo’s slanted handwriting, were two words: FOR LENA.

Elena saw it through the shop window before she opened the door.

For a moment she stood on the pavement with one hand around the warm paper cup she had brought him. The street was waking slowly after an early rain. Water shone in the cracks of the road. Across from the shop, the bakery had raised its metal shutter halfway, and the smell of sweet bread drifted into the cool air. Somewhere inside Mateo’s shop, a small electric fan clicked each time it turned.

Elena had not spoken properly to her brother in six days.

She pushed open the glass door. A brass bell gave its tired little ring.

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Quick answers about The Second Helmet

What is The Second Helmet about?

A nearly new helmet appears at Rivera Computer Repair — and with it, a mystery that won't stay quiet.

Is The Second Helmet free to read?

Yes. Every story on RapidTale is free to read in the browser, with no sign-up and nothing to install.

How long does it take to read?

This story runs 1 chapter — most readers finish in one sitting, and you can stop and return to any chapter using the contents list.

Who wrote it?

Nimra Khan — original fiction published on RapidTale.