Second Road

Episode 3: Second chance

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His closet door opened slowly, maybe this was the end of my life.that man seemed like he was going to find me.

I can't run anymore, I can't hide anymore. I'm. stuck.

My body members are no longer able to cooperate. Maybe the contract expired because I didn't take care of myself properly. It feels like numbness. I don't know what sentence would fit to describe my current feelings.

Is this maybe the end? Dying from pain and inability to survive? Aren't I impressed like a pathetic person?

I think I'm starting to hallucinate. There's light reflecting in my eyes. Could it be the light of heaven? But does someone like me deserve to be there?

Really, I don't care anymore. Whatever happens next, I'll just give it up. Whatever fate will welcome me after this, I really don't care anymore.

Even if today was my last day, I would feel so happy that I didn't end up in a place I hated. At least I've fought, at least I can die peacefully.

At that moment, I had no reason to run. I think I've fought enough. At that moment, I lost my consciousness. Whatever happens after this, I don't care.

***

Hey, if you fail to fight for what you believe in, then what will you do? Are you going to stop there and look for something else you might be able to fight for? Or maybe you'll still fight for your faith and hope?

Doesn't the first choice seem more tempting to you? You can forget the past and start over. And for the second choice, you still have to shoulder the weight of the past. But if you can, why not? That's a good choice.

Humans are complicated creatures. They are never satisfied with just one choice. They always want another choice. The more choices, the more profitable it will be. They can choose what they think is best. I think it's normal for every human being

And in the face of a second choice to fight for your faith, you need a miracle that will make you rise again. This miracle you can call a second chance.

This second chance will give you confidence and strength. A path illuminated by the light of hope will lie before your eyes. And it was this second chance that would change the course of my life.

***

I opened both eyelids. For a moment, the glare of the light made me feel dizzy again, like a migraine symptom. But I'm sure I've never had that disease.

But that's not the problem. I am still... alive? And lying in a comfortable room. Right on top of a soft mattress with a warm blanket.

It seems like the miracle of the second chance has saved me. Why like this? I thought I was ready to go, and I was tired of living in this cruel world. I don't need a second chance. All I want is to rest in peace.

Or was the previous one just a dream? But it's not possible. I'm sure I'm still at the old man's house. And all those shadows of death are the real thing.

At first glance, I saw myself. The scars from the blisters and bruises on my body have started to disappear. The pain in my head I barely felt anymore. The clothes I was wearing also changed shape. Not the ragged clothes, but clean and more decent clothes.

What's the matter? Did the old man save me? Maybe now I should go. I've been troubling others. I have to thank him for taking care of me and at the same time apologize for smuggling into his house.

"You're awake, yeah. Are you feeling all right?" The old man approached me as soon as he entered the room. "Is there anything that still hurts? Do you need anything?" The old man asked again.

Whatisthis? He's a good guy. "I'm fine, sir. Thank you for taking care of me. I'm sorry I smuggled into your house and stole bread in your closet. I beg you to forgive me" I said, bowing my head.

"I hope you don't take me to court or beat me up after this" I said.

"Don't worry about it, I'm glad you're here and I'm not going to beat you up" he replied with a friendly smile.

He gave her a glass of water, then hinted to drink it. A cold sensation flowed down my esophagus, it felt so relieved.

"But why are you helping me, sir?" I finally got back to sound.

"So you don't want me to help you?" The answer. I just fell silent. Such a cliche question left me unable to say what. But I still want another answer.

"There's no reason to do it." He grabbed the glass I was holding and placed it on the table near the bed.

"But when I saw your face, I remembered my grandson. Now he's an adult, but I still remember that he also had a sweet face like you when he was a kid" she said.

I raised my head to look into his eyes. Is it just because of that? I can't think of anything else he's made.

"So you're not glad I helped you?"

uhh. that question again.

"That's not it, it's just that I don't think I deserve it."

"So then, it looks like you've been through a lot of hard things."

"So, what's your name?" He glanced at me. The light breeze back blew slowly, making the tip of his clothes dance.

I was silent for a moment. I finally said. "my name... Haru."

He looked at me carefully. Well, maybe because this name sounds a little weird, but it's a name I like. A name given by someone precious.

"And did you just run away from home or something?"

" Well, you might say so. I no longer have a place to go home. And after this, maybe I'll go down the street."

I answered him after thinking about the right strand of words. For now, that's true. There's no place for me to go back.

"What if you stay here?"

"What?"

"Well, I mean you can stay here with me. You don't have a place to go, do you?"

I can't believe it. Is this old man the answer to my destiny? Can I accept this offer? But can I trust him?

"I'm not gonna force you. I think it's a good choice for you right now. I can make your life better. But that doesn't mean your life's bad now. You understand what I mean, right?"

"Are you sure about that, sir? I could have made you trouble later."

I finally chose a more neutral word. Actually my heart beats faster so I can't believe what I just heard.

"Yes, of course. But I want to apply for a condition instead."

"A condition?"

"Be my little jewel "

I'm speechless. It's a little confusing. Does that mean an actual gem or a parable? I don't really like word games, he always manages to get me stuck.

"I mean, be my grandson. I can give you anything you need. If I ask you to be my adopted son, it doesn't seem to fit in because I'm too old."

He laughed a little at his own words. I had misjudged him. His physical appearance had blinded me from seeing his true nature.I was stupidly thinking things are not.

He walked closer to me, then sat on the bedside. Now I can see him more clearly.

The more I looked, the more it proved that I was wrong. It's not as horrible as I imagined. His face was friendly and clean of whiskers. His eyes were a little faint, it seemed like it was the effect of staying up late.

"I thought it would be nice if you wanted to stay here. I will give you my full love, like my own grandson."

He is good at saying sweet words. Each sentence stuck right in the chest. I can't think of anything he's made.

My heart beats so fast. If it continues like this I want to cry so much as not to believe the sentence. Like an impossible dream that will come true.

Silent atmosphere. There was only the sound of wind rushing from the window. It seems he is waiting for my answer.

"All right. grandpa."

I answered while trying to show my best smile. My cheeks were hot because I couldn't believe what I was doing.

The old man looked at me as if something extraordinary had happened. My face turned red in embarrassment to call him grandfather. I then bow my head.

It's so awkward, that I don't dare to raise my head again.

"Thank you, it means a lot to me."

The old man I finally called the grandfather spoke up. He rubbed my head slowly. There was warmth flowing in his hands. I'm getting embarrassed.

"From now on, be nice like this and call me that, yeah."

I nodded my head slowly, still in a lowered position in embarrassment. There may be happiness later.

So on that day, I received the second chance that I initially refused. Luck has been on my side and fate has brought me to my knees.