Since becoming an online taxi driver, Herman's life had actually felt lighter. He enjoyed the rides, meeting new people, and hearing all sorts of unique stories. Sometimes the passengers were stiff, sometimes they acted like know-it-alls, but there were also those who were pleasant. Some were quiet the whole ride, some vented non-stop, and others talked as if they were guests on a podcast.
One afternoon, a young man stepped into his car, eyes still glued to his phone.
"Good afternoon, sir," Herman greeted warmly.
"Afternoon," the passenger replied flatly, still focused on his phone.
The car moved slowly. Herman glanced at the rearview mirror, trying to break the ice.
"Where do you work?"
"Freelance. I work remotely."
"Nice, no traffic every day then. I used to be a business owner myself, but ended up switching gears and became a driver."
The passenger gave a small nod, eyes still on his screen. Herman smiled, undeterred.
"I used to run my own store. But when I was in charge, money always seemed to disappear somehow. That's why now my wife handles the finances. Me? I just go around driving like this, nice and easy."
The passenger finally let out a chuckle. "Sounds good, sir. A former entrepreneur turned undercover tourist."
Herman laughed. "Exactly! Life has to be flexible. The most important thing is we can still laugh."
Every day, he heard different stories from his passengers. There was a mother venting about her child's picky eating habits, a college student stressing over a thesis, and men arguing about politics like they were cabinet ministers. One time, a little kid asked, "Sir, if I become a pilot, where would you like me to take you?" Herman laughed and answered, "To my youth, kid, if you could."
That evening, Herman stopped by the city library. He often waited there between rides. For some reason, ever since he became a driver, he had rediscovered his love for reading. Maybe after hearing so many life stories, he grew curious about other perspectives from books.
While reading in a quiet corner of the library, he noticed two young people sitting not far from him, deep in discussion.
"What do you think? Is greed truly a bad thing?" one of them asked.
Herman glanced over. The conversation caught his attention. He closed his book, moved closer, and offered a small smile.
"Are you two looking for wisdom between sin and virtue?" His voice was rough but calm.
Marlon and Riri exchanged glances.
The old man gently closed his book and looked at them with a faint smile. "If you're curious, I have a story that might change the way you see the world."
Marlon was intrigued, while Riri seemed a little hesitant. The man patted the seat beside him, inviting them to sit. "You know," he said while gazing out the window, "sin and virtue are more than just words on paper. They are living stories."
End of Herman's flashback
POV: Santi, Herman's wife
Santi had always known that Herman was an ambitious man. From the beginning of their marriage, she had seen how tirelessly he worked, how his eyes lit up every time he talked about a new business opportunity. But there was always a quiet worry in her heart—a concern she kept buried deep inside.
"I have to support my husband," she told herself. "He's working hard for the family. Isn't that what a wife is supposed to do?"
But as time went on, she began to see how greed slowly took over Herman. It was no longer just about providing for the family—it was about wanting more, owning more, regardless of who got hurt in the process.
She wanted to speak up. She wanted to warn him. But her lips always stayed sealed whenever she saw the fire in his eyes. How could she crush the dreams of the man she loved? Besides, every time she tried to express her concerns, Herman always had an answer.
"We need this, Santi. We have to think ahead. I'm doing all this for the family."
Santi stayed quiet. If she objected, did it mean she didn't support him? But if she kept silent, was she letting Herman lose himself?
And then, it happened. Everything came crashing down. Herman lost his business. Debt piled up. The people who once called him successful now looked at him with disdain. Their home was no longer a place of comfort but one of fear and regret. Herman had changed—not the ambitious man she once knew, but someone drowning in guilt and despair.
That was when Santi finally found her courage. With tears in her eyes, she said, "Herman, I didn't stay silent because I agreed. I stayed silent because I was scared. But now, I'm more afraid of losing you. Not the money, not the status—but the Herman I used to know. A good man who knew when to stop, who knew how to be grateful."
Herman was silent. Maybe for the first time, he saw something he had always missed—the sadness in his wife's eyes, the fear he thought was only his own.
Change didn't happen overnight. Herman still struggled with his guilt. He still tried to find ways to rise again. But this time, Santi didn't remain silent. She was there, beside him through every step, reminding him every time he began to fall back into his old ways.
Yet the trials didn't end there. As Herman tried to become a better man—more honest, more humble—his business fell even further. Former employees took advantage of his kindness. People who once treated him well now abandoned him one by one.
Herman faltered again. "Santi, maybe I should go back to who I was. The world isn't fair. Good people just get used."
Santi held his hand tightly, her eyes filled with conviction. "Don't. The Herman I know isn't a man who gives up just because the world doesn't go his way. If you used to fight for wealth, now fight for peace and happiness. I'd rather live simply with a good husband than be rich and live in fear and greed."
Herman still doubted himself. "But I feel stupid, Santi. I try to be good, but I'm the one being destroyed."
Santi smiled gently, though her eyes were moist. "Stupid for being good? No, Herman. You've just learned something truly valuable. Goodness is often tested, but that doesn't mean it's worthless. We just have to hold on. If the world is harsh, then we must be stronger—not through greed, but through wisdom."
Now, even though their life was simpler, Santi felt a peace she never had before. Herman was no longer a successful businessman, but he was a more present, more humane husband and father. And to Santi, that was worth far more than all the riches they ever had.
Marlon, Riri, and Romo sat quietly after hearing Herman and Santi's story. Their eyes reflected admiration, as if they had just witnessed a real-life story more profound than all the theories they had ever read.
"Mr. Herman... Mrs. Santi... I'm truly amazed," Riri finally said, her voice filled with emotion. "So many people realize too late, or never realize at all. But you were lucky. You found your way back."
Marlon nodded in agreement. "Yes, sir. Many people, after falling, just drown in bitterness or give up entirely. But you kept going. You kept learning. That's not weakness, sir. That's a strength not everyone has."
Herman gave a faint smile, though doubt still lingered in his eyes. "But sometimes I feel... foolish for being so greedy back then. And now I feel too weak for letting myself lose."
Romo, who had been listening in silence, finally spoke. "Mr. Herman, I once read a quote: 'Sometimes, falling isn't defeat. Sometimes, it's how God saves us from something worse.' Maybe you had to fall, to see something more important than money or status."
Herman looked at Romo, reflecting on his words. Santi held his hand tighter, while Riri offered a warm smile. "We've learned so much from your story. This journey has shown us that life isn't just black and white. And we're truly grateful to have heard it firsthand."
Marlon added, "The world is indeed tough, but that's not a reason to stop doing good. Maybe things are still hard now, but believe me—sincere kindness always finds its way."
Herman took a deep breath and nodded. For the first time, he felt that someone truly understood his journey—not as a failure, but as a part of becoming something better.