My name is Miroy, and I am 22 years old. I have black wavy hair and light brown eyes. I live in a tiny apartment with my mother and my little sister, Léa, in a rundown neighborhood.
When our father died in the war, we struggled to make ends meet. My mother works long hours as a cleaner, and I do what I can on construction sites to bring some money home. Léa is still in college, she has her whole life ahead of her, and I do my best so that she doesn't lack anything. Every day is a struggle, but we hold on together.
Today, I'm on a construction site, yet another day carrying bags of cement and building walls under the scorching sun. The sound of jackhammers rings in my ears, and the dust sticks to my skin. The days are the same, hard and exhausting, but that's all I know.
-Hey little one, it's the last job and then you can go home, the boss told me, and you will say hello to your mother for me and to your little sister too
-Okay, thank you boss, I replied.
As I take a break to drink some water, my phone vibrates in my pocket. An unknown number is displayed. I frown, hesitant to answer, but something nudges me away.
-Hello ?
-Hello, Miroy, this is Colonel Kai from the army. I hope I not disturbing you.
I stand up instantly. The army? What could they possibly want from me?
-No, not at all, Colonel Kai. What can I do for you ?
-We need someone with your profile for a very special mission. This is a high-risk mission, but the reward is worth it: $2 million."
I am stunned. Two million dollars? This amount could change our lives. I think of my mother, of Léa, of everything we could do with this money. But at what cost ?
-I... I don't know what to say, Colonel. Why me ?
-We need someone who is discreet, reliable, and has nothing to lose. You already have a connection to the military through your father. I can't give you all the details now, but if you agree, I'll explain everything to you in person."
I feel my heart beating harder in my chest. A high-risk mission... My father died in the war, and now the army wants to recruit me for a dangerous mission. But two million dollars...
-I...I need to think about it
-I understand. Take your time, but know that the opportunity won't stay open forever. Here is my direct number. Call me as soon as you have made your decision.
I write down the number with trembling hands. When the call ends, I stand there, staring at the screen of my phone. Two million dollars. My head is spinning, overwhelmed by conflicting thoughts.
I return to work, but my actions are mechanical, my mind elsewhere. All I can think about is this calling, this opportunity. I see the faces of my mother and Léa, and I know that this decision could change everything for us. But am I ready to take this risk? For them, for our future?
The day ends, and I return home, exhausted. My mother sits at the kitchen table, a tired but warm look in her eyes. Léa does her homework in the living room. I look at them and take a deep breath.
I don't know yet what I'm going to do, but one thing is certain: I have to make the best decision for them, for our family. Whether by accepting this mission or continuing to fight every day on construction sites, I will do everything to offer them a better life.