“Brad,” the guy answered.
– You’re right, Brad. Perhaps it’s already too late. But even if this is so, does it mean that we should just give up? Does this mean that we should not try?
Brad did not answer. He just sat looking at the water in the fountain, and thought. I thought that perhaps the old man was not so wrong. And what, perhaps, even if there are no chances, it is still worth trying. At least for yourself. At least for the sake of those who come after.
And he said:
– Even if all people suddenly become pure in their thoughts and stop competition, this will not stop the aliens if they really want to do something. And even if we begin to take care of nature, it’s too late to change something. Cataclysms have already begun, and they will only intensify.
The old man carefully looked at Brad, his eyes seemed to shine with a strange inner light. He replied:
– You’re right, Brad. Some pure thoughts and good intentions are not enough. But this is only the first step. If people do not change themselves, they will not be able to change the world around. Aliens … They are not enemies. They are only observers. They expect to see if we can understand our mistakes and fix them. If not, then our fate will be a foregone conclusion.
Brad thought. He was not sure whether to believe the old man, but something in his words sounded believable. Maybe it was not just a conspiracy theory, but a warning that was worth hearing. Brad began to come to the fountain more often to talk with the old man, asking him questions about the future, about nature, about what can be done to change at least something.
The old man, in turn, saw in Brad the one who may be able to convey his ideas to others. He said:
– You, Brad, one of the few who is able to see next to your nose. But remember, even if it seems that everything is hopeless, there is always a chance. A chance to change yourself, and through yourself – and the world around.
And although most people still did not perceive the old man seriously, Brad began to notice that his own views on the world are gradually changing. He began to think more about nature, about his actions and what everyone can do to at least slightly improve the situation. Maybe the old man was strange, but his words, like seeds, began to germinate in the mind of Brad, and who knows what this could lead to …
A trip to the store
On Saturday, Emma, as usual, got into her car to go shopping. The day was warm, almost perfect for such things. The sun gently shone through the light clouds, and the city lived its usual life: coffee houses worked on the main street, from which the aroma of freshly brewed coffee came, and the children on the site drove the ball, laughing and screaming. The light breeze brought the smell of freshly chopped grass and fried nuts from the cross -boat shop, creating a cozy atmosphere of the weekend.
Emma turned on the radio, settled on her favorite wave, and went along a familiar route. She planned to call in the store for groceries, and then, perhaps, look into the cafe to drink coffee and relax a bit. But the plans changed dramatically when her car suddenly stalled in the middle of the road. She tried to start her again, but the engine only published weak attempts before she was completely silent.
Emma sighed, realizing that her trip to the store turned into a real problem. She got out of the car, examined it, but, having no special knowledge in the mechanics, she quickly realized that she herself could not do anything. I got through to the nearest workshop, where she promised to help as soon as possible.
James
James came behind her on his tractor, huge and brilliant, as if just from the assembly line. He was her old friend, he, without hesitation, abandoned his affairs and rushed to the rescue. James has always been so reliable, ready to come to the rescue in any situation. His tractor, which he affectionately called the Monster, was his pride and means of earnings, but today he became a rescue transport for Emma.
He left the cabin, smiled at his wide, kind smile and said:
– Well, um, get into history again?
Emma rolled her eyes, but smiled back.
“Don’t start, James.” Just the car decided that today is not her day.
Emma sat in the cabin of the tractor, feeling a little awkward due to the fact that she distracted James from his affairs. But he, as always, was calm and even joked along the road, telling funny stories from his trips. Emma could not help but laugh, despite all the troubles of this day.
When they drove up, Emma went into a small car repair shop, where it smelled of oil and metal. Behind the counter, having buried his laptop, Michael was sitting – a thin guy with glasses, who was more versed in the code than in cars, helped with electronics.
“Boss, as I understand it, have you already taken payment?” He threw lazily, not looking up from the screen. – Or are we working here for thanks, as volunteers in the shelter?
James, without giving his eyes, continued to pour coffee into a mug.
“We have known her for a long time,” he answered, finally. “So don’t be bore and be more powerful.” We have such guests do not come in every day.
“Oh, guests,” the guy rolled his eyes, not looking up from the screen. – That is, if I understand correctly, this is not just a client, but a guest. Is she with a crown on her head? Or maybe she has a magic wand that turns your “no” into “yes”?
“She has something more interesting,” James squinted cunningly, taking a sip of coffee. – Check book. And, apparently, she does not hesitate to use it.
“Yeah,” the guy finally broke away from the screen, staring at James with suspicion. -That is, if I get up now, smile and say something like “welcome to our modest establishment”, will they increase my salary? Or at least give a bonus in the form of a free dinner?
“You will receive a bonus in the form of an opportunity to continue to work here,” James answered dryly, putting a mug on the table. – And by the way, if she asks, you are our best employee. Understood?
“The best employee,” the guy snorted, plunging into the game again. – Well, yes, of course. And you are the most honest boss in the world. And we, by the way, are the best coffee. But I would not advise her to try him, if she, of course, does not plan to get to know the local doctor today.
James sighed and headed for the door, muttering something about the “youth” and “irredity.” The guy, left alone, grinned and added:
– And yes, boss, if she asks, I also took payment.
James was a former military man who retired after 8 years of service. He lost his family in a car accident and no longer made sense to continue his military career, deciding to return to a peaceful life, settling a mechanic in a small car service. Cars were always his passion – he loved to disassemble and assemble engines, restore old cars.
When they finished repairs, the girl awkwardly looked down.
– Oh … I … forgot my wallet at home. I’m so embarrassed …
James only grinned, shaking oil from his fingers.
– Real assistance does not require payment. People should support each other simply because it is right.
She looked at him in surprise.
– Do you think so?
– Yes. The world would be better if people helped each other, and not just thought about profit.
Michael