Chapter 3

In the bustling hospital cafeteria, a man named Daniel found himself in a familiar predicament. He sat at a corner table, a solitary figure, his eyes fixed on the lively scene unfolding around him. It was a cacophony of hospital staff, patients, and visitors, all engaged in their own worlds, seemingly unaware of his existence. Daniel's solitude was not by choice but by circumstance. He had become an outcast in the hospital, a position no one envied because it meant staying off the director's bad side.

As Daniel continued to sit alone, he couldn't ignore the empty feeling gnawing at his stomach. It was a sharp reminder of his most unfortunate oversight today, he had left his wallet at home. A deep sigh escaped his lips, while his stomach protested with a series of loud growls. His predicament seemed dire, and he couldn't help but think, "Today, I might truly die of hunger."

With a heavy heart, Daniel reached into his pocket, his fingers brushing against the smooth leather of his wallet. Amidst the assortment of bills and cards, there was a cherished photograph, a constant source of solace. It displayed the smiling faces of his wife and daughter, a family he cherished above all else. He lost himself in their warm, comforting smiles, a brief escape from the harsh reality of his present situation.

Just as he was lost in his thoughts, a voice, gentle yet commanding, sliced through the isolation. "Hey, you over there, I brought lunch for both of us." Startled, Daniel looked up to find Helen Parker standing before him. Helen was more than just a colleague; she was a beacon of hope in his otherwise dim world.

Helen possessed a striking beauty that transcended the ordinary. In her early twenties, she exuded an effortless allure that drew attention wherever she went. Her cascading ebony-black hair seemed to shimmer like a moonless night, framing her face with a touch of elegance.

Yet, her most captivating feature was undoubtedly her deep, soulful brown eyes. They resembled polished chestnuts, reflecting warmth and depth. Within those eyes, emotions danced like flames, and they often sparkled with curiosity or lit up when she smiled.

Her skin bore a natural glow, a warm and inviting tone that complemented the rich hues of her hair and eyes. It was smooth, like porcelain, radiating youthfulness. At her age, she possessed a timeless charm, a freshness that hinted at countless adventures yet to come.

Helen's presence was magnetic, an undeniable confidence that surrounded her. Whether her gaze was intense with concentration or softened by laughter, the combination of her black hair and brown eyes left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to cross her path.

Smiling, she extended a meal towards Daniel. "Here, take your lunch. It was a bit pricey, so you better pay me back later."

Grateful, Daniel nodded, a mix of concern and worry etched across his face. "I understand. I'll pay you back tomorrow. But, Helen, you should stay away from me if you don't want to be tainted by my reputation," he cautioned, his voice tinged with sadness.

"Why? Is it because the director will start disliking me too?" Helen inquired, a trace of frustration coloring her words.

With a heavy sigh, Helen continued, "You know, many people here hold you in high regard. They admire your resilience. It's just that they're all trapped by the director's shadow, terrified of losing their jobs."

Daniel nodded in understanding, his eyes revealing the weight of his responsibilities. "I don't blame them. I'd do anything for my family," he confessed, his voice filled with sincerity.

Helen's expression turned somber, her empathy evident. With a touch of anger in her voice, she revealed a piece of the puzzle. "Do you want to know why the director has been acting even worse lately? Why he's been harassing you more and more each day? It's because he's reached the end of his opportunism. He has nothing left to show."

Pausing for a moment, Helen's tone shifted, conveying both comfort and challenge. "Daniel, an opportunity will come your way soon. Will you continue to endure like this, or will you seize the chance to reclaim your position from that despicable man?"

Minutes passed as Helen continued to gaze at Daniel, awaiting his response. Finally, he broke the silence with a heavy sigh, his face marked by indifference, as if he had lost the will to fight.

Seeing this, Helen's frustration grew, and she urged him, "What about your family, Daniel? Do it for them."

Daniel didn't respond to Helen bringing his family into the matter. Instead, he chose to remain silent, gazing at her with eyes that seemed devoid of life.

Helen couldn't bear to see Daniel resigned to his fate, and her frustration had reached its peak. She leaned in closer, her eyes fixed on his with unwavering determination. "What about your family, Daniel? Do it for them," she implored once more, her voice carrying a mix of concern and urgency.

Daniel's gaze remained distant for a moment, but then something shifted within him. He closed his eyes briefly, as if deep in thought, wrestling with the demons of doubt that had plagued him for so long. Finally, he reopened his eyes, and a glimmer of determination sparkled within them.

"You're right, Helen," he replied, his voice stronger than before. "I've been living in fear for far too long, and it's not just me who's suffering. My family deserves better than this."

Helen's eyes softened as she witnessed the transformation in Daniel's resolve. She knew that change wouldn't come easily, but at least he had taken the first step. "That's the spirit, Daniel," she encouraged, a warm smile breaking through her usually composed demeanor.

Then, Helen turned to make her way back to her seat in the bustling hospital cafeteria, which was strategically positioned near a window that offered a soothing view of the outside world. She had intended to resume her meal, but as she turned, something peculiar caught her eye. Her steps faltered, and she swiftly pivoted to face Daniel, her colleague who sat across from her.

With a hint of bewilderment, she asked Daniel, "What's that approaching from the sky? It looks unusual."