Dark Walker

'Is this the reception room?’ Alex Smith raised his old glasses. The building was only a 5 minute walk from the South Bridge station. The front of the building, the sunlight reflected the words “G-Space” on a black marble. Knowing the sign represented a once in a lifetime opportunity; it intimidated him. He did not have the courage to go in, but he lacked nearly as much courage to turn back. He took a deep breath and walked into the building. “I’m here for an interview.” “Go on up to the third floor.” The model-like receptionist motioned him towards the elevator. “Ah, yes. Thank you.” While nodding, he stepped back and walked away. As he heard a stifled laughter from behind him, he began to blush. He roughly understood why she was laughing. After abruptly receiving news of the interview he was forced to come for an interview in an oversized borrowed suit. He became flustered realizing how foolish and ugly he looked wearing the oversized suit. He had arrived on the third floor, and the lounge was filled to capacity. People in fancy suits were out and about. Surprisingly some of the people were wearing blue jeans and t-shirts, their faces were filled with confidence showing their work experience. His eyes became clouded as he thought about going for the interview with these people. No, he was not sure he could really go to the interview in his current state. ‘Should I not have come? At this rate will I be able to get an opportunity better than this?’ Hyun Woo let out a sigh with an uneasy look on his face ***** Alex was an ordinary youth. At least until 5 years ago. He was an average high school student who liked brand-name items, bought the newest cell phone whilst his parents nagged at him, and played games the entire day on the weekends. Up until then, he would often watch about those poor boys on the T.V. who needs to work hours just for the basic daily necessities , and empathized with them on one hand, while thinking he could never live like them. That is, until it became reality. He received an urgent call at school. He was told his parents had been in a car accident. WIth one simple call, Alex’s life changed. His father had died, while his mother surviving after numerous operations, but complications still remained. The cause of the accident was his father’s drowsiness while driving. The victims still had to be compensated. Nevertheless their insurance had expired without renewal so the insurance company claimed it wasn’t their responsibility. The police and victims attorney had dropped by a few times. While Alex had been trying to understand the situation and complicated conversations that had taken place, their house was sold, and they terminated various savings and insurance plans. To fix that problem, they rented a small apartment. However, his mother still needed to be treated urgently. Their private medical insurance was bought 10 years ago. Nevertheless, every time his mother went to the hospital because of a cold, stomach ache, or miscellaneous, she required more treatment than an average person. Together with intensive care she needed, the insurance company's attitude began to change. They gave him contracts, while prattling on about changing compensation limit. Because of this, they had to pay 2000$ to 4000$ in dues every month. "It may be tough, but hang in there for your mother. Use this to pay for the hospital fees." Uncles from both of the mother’s and father’s side stuck an envelope inside an absent-minded Alex’s pocket. But they did not show themselves again. He felt horrible. The money in his pockets only amounted to 30,000$ . It was only enough to cover few month's hospital bill. In order to cover living expenses and hospital bills, the debt steadily increased. Alex realised it for the first time. The little boy who earned a living was shown on T.V, was not mature. He was facing a situation where he had no choice other than to grow up and be mature. The situation makes a person. He knew very well the meaning of those words. Alex’s life had changed. Waking up at dawn to do newspaper and milk deliveries then working at a part-time job from evening to dawn in order to gain money. His body ached all over but he continued working rather than relaxing. It was not because he was exceptionally earnest. He had no other choice but to do it. However, his earnings could barely cover the cost of living and hospital expenses. ‘With relatives coming for a visit, I won’t be able to relax because of the noise!’ Every time they arrived, all he could do was clench his fist. He heard his father had a good personality. There was not a single friend’s family gathering he missed, and he would withdraw from his savings without hesitation whenever a relative got in some big trouble. However, the reward he received from the heavens was almost as if it came out of a novel. After his father died, and as his mother accrued hospital bills, no one leaped in to help them. Worse, they did not even loan them some money. It was because they did not think they would be able to get the money back. Their relationship was weak because they were made when his family’s situation was still good. Alex also became keenly aware of the cold endless reality before he graduated from high school. No matter how special a person is, in the end they are just like any other person. ‘I exist only to take care of my mother and myself!’ His mind was set on dropping out of high school, but his mother, on her sickbed, would not allow it to happen. He had no choice but to deal with it for one more year. However, after he graduated from high school, it did not improve the situation they were in. After he graduated High School Alex set out to look for a job. Although his work had hours increased, other things remained the same. As usual, he worked all day, and his days became filled with anxiety trying to meet the hospital bills and the ever growing debts payments at the end of every month. He gradually began to envy his peer who carried the latest mobile or wore the latest fashions. He had also envied those who could have money to spare. It was one thing Alex could not stop himself from envying. Alex since an early age had dreamt of being an employee at a video game production company. Before accident occurred, he had often stayed up all night playing games. If not, perhaps another career related to computers.