The man's Final Step
1116 Words
CHAPTER 1
HALTED STEPS
Rian stepped down from the public transportation, carrying a small bag slung over his shoulder. He stood on the sidewalk for several minutes, his eyes gazing at his surroundings with a blank expression, as if wanting to confirm whether this was truly the place he intended to go, or not.
Rian realized he had no definite destination, nor was he looking for anyone or any relatives. Instead, he was simply moving from place to place, distancing himself wherever his feet might take him.
“The morning sun is beginning to shine… activities have started,” he muttered softly, his voice drowned out by the bustle of the early morning. A faint smile one filled with either hope or resolve etched itself upon his lips.
He began to walk. His pace was relaxed, neither fast nor slow. He simply walked along the sidewalk, letting his feet carry him wherever they pleased.
Several shops had already begun to open. People passed by, busy with their own affairs, paying no attention to those walking past. And that was exactly what he needed: to be in the middle of a crowd, yet remain unnoticed. To be a stranger merely passing through, with no one asking who he was or where he came from.
His steps slowly came to a halt in front of a small shop. The building looked modest, rather old, yet appeared neatly arranged. He stood still for a moment, peering inside through the gap of the open door.
There, a woman stood quietly behind the cashier desk. Her posture was upright, her face serious, her eyes focused intently on the goods arranged before her, moving very little. There was a sense of calm yet firm strength radiating from her figure.
Rian hesitated for a moment.
“Should I go in… or keep walking?”
He let out a long sigh, exhaling all his uncertainty.
“If I keep walking… it will be just the same. Everywhere else will feel exactly like this.”
Finally, he stepped through the shop’s doorway.
“Good morning…” Rian greeted.
The woman lifted her head slowly. Her gaze was direct, sharp yet calm, staring straight into Rian’s eyes without blinking even once. There was no excessive greeting, no friendly smile. Just a look that seemed to see straight into Rian’s core.
“Is there something I can help you with?” she asked. Her voice was flat, clear, and concise.
Rian felt slightly embarrassed and stiff under that intense gaze. He adjusted the position of his bag on his shoulder, trying to appear composed.
“Hmm… actually, I am not here to shop or looking for anything in particular,” he replied softly.
She did not answer immediately. She simply remained silent, waiting patiently for him to continue.
“I am looking for a job,” Rian stated firmly.
The woman looked at him for a moment longer, observing every curve of his face and the look in the young man’s eyes standing before her.
“Why here?” she asked simply.
Rian smiled faintly; a smile that was honest and unguarded.
“Because I stopped right in front of it.”
She raised an eyebrow slightly.
“That is not a good enough reason.”
Rian nodded.
“No. But it is the most honest one.”
Silence filled the room for a few seconds. Only the sound of the wind blowing gently from outside could be heard.
“Your name?” she asked again.
“Rian.”
“I am Maya.”
Rian nodded politely.
“Work experience?” Maya asked, getting straight to the point.
Rian thought for a moment, choosing his words carefully.
“I have worked before. In several places.”
“In what fields?”
Rian smiled faintly.
“All sorts of things.”
Maya looked at him longer, her eyes glancing towards Rian.
“Your answers are unclear.”
Rian nodded casually.
“They are.”
“Why?”
Rian took a deep breath, then answered in a low but steady tone.
“Because if I answer too clearly… people usually stop asking questions. And they end up telling me to leave.”
Maya looked intrigued. A spark of curiosity appeared in her calm eyes.
“You need work?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
Rian fell silent for a moment. That simple question felt heavy to answer.
“…because I have to start over,” he replied softly, almost a whisper.
Maya studied his face more closely. As if searching for something hidden behind the look in the young man’s eyes.
“Is there anything you can do?”
Rian nodded confidently.
“As long as I don’t have to explain my past… I can do anything.”
Maya smiled faintly. It was not a mocking smile, but one of deep understanding.
“And if I don’t ask?”
Rian returned the small smile.
“That would be very helpful.”
The atmosphere turned quiet again. Maya glanced briefly toward the shelves of goods that were still somewhat disorganized, then looked back at Rian.
“Can you start now?”
Rian was slightly taken aback. He did not expect the decision to come this quickly.
“Right now?”
Maya nodded calmly.
“If you aren’t ready, it’s fine. You can look somewhere else.”
Rian answered immediately with a firm voice.
“I am ready.”
Maya pointed toward a pile of goods in the corner of the room.
“Rearrange these. Make it neat. Ensure nothing gets mixed up.”
Rian nodded.
“Understood.”
He walked toward the shelves, placed his small bag on the floor, and immediately began working. His hands moved quickly and skillfully, accustomed to whatever task was placed before him.
Several minutes passed in silence. Maya watched him from a distance, observing how thorough and serious he was with every item, as if it were the most important thing he had to finish at that moment.
“You work seriously,” Maya said suddenly, breaking the silence.
3
Rian did not turn around; his hands continued moving as he arranged the items.
“If you don’t work seriously… things end quickly,” he answered briefly.
Maya smiled again, this time more clearly and warmly.
“Do you want to stay and work here?”
Rian stopped for a moment. His hands froze in mid-air. He looked down, then nodded slowly.
“…I want to try.”
That day without many conditions, without many questions, and without any promises Rian began something new.
But for the first time in his life… he would not run away again.
Author :
Stiven shangra haliem
- Writer
