As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting warm golden hues across the gym, Alex felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. He took a moment to collect his thoughts after their intense training session. "Sebastian," he began, his voice steady but warm, "I just wanted to say thank you for welcoming me into your gym and for training me. I really appreciate it."
Sebastian turned to look at him, a soft smile breaking through his usually serious demeanor. "You're welcome, Alex. It's been great having you here. You're dedicated and willing to learn, and that's what makes a good student."
"Really?" Alex felt his spirits lift at the compliment. "That means a lot coming from you. I just want to fully embrace this journey."
"Then keep putting in the effort, and you'll go far. Each day is an opportunity to grow," Sebastian said, his gaze shifting momentarily to the door, as if considering the many students who came and went through it.
Alex fiddled with the hem of his shirt, thinking back to a conversation he had pondered over since their first day together. "If you don't mind me asking, how do you know Harrold?"
Sebastian's expression turned contemplative, and he paused as if weighing the gravity of his past before answering. "That's a long story," he said slowly, the shadows in his eyes deepening. "But basically, I joined the Army fresh out of high school. Back then, I was really hardheaded and thought I was invincible—like I was 'Mr. King Shit' himself."
Alex leaned in, captivated by the unfolding tale. He could sense that this wasn't just a casual conversation; it was a moment for Sebastian to share something personal, perhaps even painful.
"My team was on a recon mission," Sebastian continued, his voice low, "and I made a mistake that cost a few lives. I'll always carry that weight, knowing that my actions had consequences that impacted others deeply." He paused, a flicker of pain crossing his features. "Harrold saved me that day—at a cost that changed him forever. Let's just say he was never the same after that."
A heavy silence settled between them as the gravity of Sebastian's words hung in the air. Alex could feel the intensity of the emotions churning inside his mentor. "I decided after that day that if he ever needed anything, I would be there for him," Sebastian continued, his voice steadier now. "Even though I had never planned on taking on new disciples, I'd take on a thousand if it meant being there for him."
Alex hung his head, overwhelmed by the weight of what he had just heard. "Wow. I can't imagine what you went through," he said softly, empathy coursing through him. "But I do know pain and loss, and I'm sorry you had to go through that."
Sebastian offered a faint nod, his expression still serious. "It's part of my journey, just as your experiences are part of yours."
"Still," Alex insisted, "how do you move on from the pain and anger that comes with experiences like that?"
Before he could finish, Sebastian cut him off, his tone firm but not unkind. "You don't move on from pain," he corrected. "You learn to accept it. Acceptance doesn't mean you forget. It means you acknowledge that pain is a part of life, and it can guide you to make better choices. It helps you steer clear of mistakes that lead to more pain."
Alex nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the wisdom in Sebastian's words. "And anger?" he pressed, seeking deeper understanding.
"Anger is different," Sebastian replied, his voice steady but with a hint of vulnerability. "You have to want to let go. Holding on to anger only leads to suffering. You can choose to dwell in it or use it to fuel your determination to become better, but you must consciously decide to release it."
Alex felt a warmth in his chest as he listened. "I get that. I've struggled with anger before, and it's exhausting. I want to learn how to let go of it."
Sebastian studied him for a moment. "The first step is awareness. Be mindful of when you feel anger creeping in. Acknowledge it without judgment and ask yourself why you're feeling that way. Remember, it's natural to feel anger; it's a human emotion. But the secret lies in how you respond to it."
Their conversation lingered in the air like a soft breeze, both men reflective in their own thoughts. Alex appreciated this deeper connection with his mentor—it made the journey feel more personal.
"Sebastian," he said cautiously, "have you truly managed to let go of the anger? After everything with Harrold?"
Sebastian sighed, looking up at the ceiling as if seeking answers from above. "Some days are easier than others. I still feel angry about what happened. But I try not to let it control me. I channel that energy into my training, into helping others like you and Harrold. It's not easy, but it's a work in progress."
"Thank you for sharing this with me," Alex said sincerely, feeling a profound sense of respect for Sebastian. "It's inspiring to see how you turn pain into purpose."
Sebastian nodded. "It's part of growth. Each of us has our battles, and how we choose to face them defines us. Just remember to be kind to yourself during the journey. It's easy to be hard on ourselves when we stumble. Embrace the setbacks as part of the learning process."
As they began to wind down their training session, Sebastian clapped Alex on the shoulder. "You did well today, Alex. I want you to relax tomorrow. Come back in two days, and we will go over your movements and blocking with your legs before moving on to your upper half."
"Thanks, Sebastian," Alex replied, feeling a mix of anticipation and determination. "I appreciate your support."
"Just keep your mind open and ready to learn," Sebastian said, his tone encouraging.
Alex gathered his belongings, a sense of satisfaction blooming inside him. He still felt the weight of the day's lessons, but with them came a newfound clarity. After giving Sebastian one last nod of thanks, he stepped outside the gym and made his way to the bus stop.
As he waited for the bus, his thoughts drifted to Harrold. Alex felt a wave of gratitude wash over him for the role he played in his life, for connecting him with Sebastian. The more he thought, the more he realized he wanted to repay Harrold somehow, As the bus finally arrived, Alex climbed aboard, the weight of possibilities hanging in the air Alex settled into his seat, his mind racing with ideas. Whatever it took, he would find a way to show Harrold that his kindness had not gone unnoticed. After all, The road ahead was still long, but Alex felt ready, excited for everything that lay ahead.