As Alex approached the door, Harold opened it with a broad smile that instantly put him at ease.
"Hey there, Alex! Come on in!" Harold gestured him inside, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Once settled in the cozy living room, Harold took a deep breath, the atmosphere layered with sincerity. "You know, I wasn't always in the position to offer opportunities to others. There was a time when I was just as broke as you—looked down on, struggling, and searching for a purpose. It was tough. Nobody wanted to help me."
Alex listened intently as Harold's gaze drifted to the window, lost in memories. "I fought against my circumstances and eventually managed to get on my feet. When you reached out to me, it reignited something within me—a desire to help someone climb out of that dark hole. It's important to me that you don't feel trapped like I once did."
"How do you know all this about me?" Alex asked, curiosity piqued.
Harold chuckled, a hint of sheepishness in his smile. "I'm sorry; I did a little background check on you. After all, I just met you and invited you into my home."
"It's okay," Alex replied, feeling a mix of surprise and appreciation for Harold's concern. "I get it."
"Now, about that help," Harold continued, shifting his tone, a hint of urgency in his voice. "I want to offer you a job. It may sound unexpected, but I need someone to protect my granddaughters. They're bright, energetic girls attending a prestigious school nearby, and I want to ensure they're safe. You'd be their bodyguard."
Alex raised an eyebrow, taken aback. "A bodyguard? I don't even know how to fight!"
"Don't worry about that," Harold said, his expression steady and reassuring. "I'll pay for your martial arts training. It's important to me that you're prepared, but I see potential in you—from the way you helped me to how you carry yourself. I know you can do this."
"I appreciate the offer, but… it feels like a lot," Alex stammered, uncertain.
"Look," Harold said gently, leaning forward, "this isn't just about the job. It's about giving you a chance to grow, to build a skill set that can open doors. It's about creating a future where you're not just surviving but thriving. You'll learn discipline, focus, and confidence. And trust me, after what I endured in the war—where I fought tooth and nail for my life until a near-fatal injury left me lucky to walk—I'd never encourage you if I didn't believe in your strength."
Alex sensed the deep conviction in Harold's voice. The passion resonating from the old man reminded him that every struggle could forge resilience. He thought about the possibilities ahead: the training, the responsibility, and the chance to make a real impact on someone's life like Harold had done for him.
"Okay," Alex said slowly with newfound determination. "I'll take the job. But I'll need to work hard and do my best."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Harold replied, a proud smile breaking across his face. "We'll start with the basics—fitness training, trust-building exercises, and, of course, martial arts. It won't just be about physicality; it's a mental game too. If we're going to make you their protector, we'll do it right."
As they talked further, excitement began to swell within Alex. Harold shared stories of his health battles, the sheer will it took to recover, and how he had forged a new path against the odds. By the time they wrapped up their discussion, Alex felt inspired.
"Thank you for this opportunity, Harold. I won't let you down," Alex promised, resolute in his commitment to embrace this new direction.
"Let's change your future, one move at a time," Harold replied, clapping Alex on the shoulder with a blend of affection and encouragement.
Just then, the sound of light footsteps approached, and the door to the living room swung open, revealing a young woman with bright eyes and a curious expression. "Alex!?" she exclaimed, surprise written all over her face.