Choices of a Life 3

Joe looked at me, and the more he looked, the more he cried, and the more he cried, the more upset I became. Those seconds felt like an eternity until Joe finally managed to speak: "Thank you... My little Jimmy survived."

In response, I smiled, the first time since I had been there. That's when Joe started to cry for real. Then I realized that he had been crying from the beginning and that it wasn't for his son... It was for me. Without caring about those around him, he looked at me and said: "Every life is important... Especially yours."

With almost imperceptible effort, moving my lips with great difficulty, I managed to ask a question: "Do you really believe that?"

With trembling lips and his face all wet with tears, he replied: "I believe it... And my little Jimmy does too. And he sent a message for you."

At that moment, I trembled even more. Joe would be risking a lot if they discovered that he had made any mention of that project, of which I was the main piece.

"Dad, I had a dream last night, and I saw your friend very sad, wanting to leave this world forever. But I also dreamed that he really wanted to see me, and his sadness disappeared until he smiled. The most beautiful smile in the world."

Curious, I still managed to form half a question...

"I also asked my little Jimmy why that smile was the most beautiful in the world, and do you know what he told me? Because it was the first... But it wouldn't be the last... And one day he would like to meet you in person."

Then I understood the reason for Joe's tears, and from that day on, I never saw Macarly Joe again. I don't know if they killed him or simply removed him from service, as he was also quite old, but that's something I never forgot. From then on, I never wanted to die again because I started to believe that, like Joe and his son, my life was also important, and if someone wanted to take it from me, they could try, but I would resist. It was a promise I made to myself that day inside that glass bubble.

And now that I'm out here, I want to stay alive, just like that promise to survive no matter the situation. Be it man or dragon, I won't let them kill me. Just as I will accept if you don't want me close to you. You may not believe it, but at the moment you are what I have closest to family. And all of you are at least old enough to be my great-grandchildren. But if you accept me, you will be like my brothers or children, and I will do everything to ensure that no one touches or hurts you.

It doesn't matter how many dragons I have to fight, or how many enemies I have to defeat. But if you allow me to make you my family, I won't let anyone take you away from me... That I promise.

So, what do you say... Do you still trust me?