Chapter 1 – Kind Heart
Mick (thinking):Just another day… just surviving, I guess. Lunch break's over, better get back before the manager shows up.
Mick was an ordinary man in every sense. Born in a middle-class family in the US, he came to Japan for work. His appearance was plain, nothing remarkable, but what set him apart was his heart. He never hesitated to help others, no matter how small the need.
But today, his kindness couldn't save him.
Mick stood in the middle of the office with his head lowered. The entire floor watched him in silence as his manager's voice thundered through the room.
Manager Shinjiro (shouting): "How many times have I told you? I want results at any cost!"
Mick (nervous): "But sir, I've been trying my best. That organization won't even reply to my emails—"
Shinjiro (cutting him off): "Excuses again? Always the same excuse. I should've known better than to give a foreigner such an important task. Useless!"
Mick: "I-I'm sorry, sir. I really have tried everything."
Shinjiro (furious): "Shut up! I'm not here to rate your effort. I need results. If you can't deliver, just say it. You're nothing but a pig—good for nothing!"
The manager turned sharply and stormed into his office, leaving Mick frozen in the middle of the room, burning with humiliation as his coworkers avoided his gaze.
The day finally ended. With heavy steps, Mick walked back to his small rented apartment. On the way, he noticed a stray dog sitting quietly on the footpath, its eyes tired and sad.
Mick crouched down in front of it.
Mick (softly): "You look down too, buddy. Rough day, huh? Guess we're the same."
The dog whined gently, tilting its head as if it understood.
Mick (laughing weakly): "At least you're not avoiding me because I'm a foreigner."
For a moment, Mick's thoughts drifted back to his hometown, to his parents. His eyes stung, and a tear slipped down his cheek. The dog licked his hand, pulling him back to the present.
Mick (smiling faintly): "Oh, you're still here. Wait—don't move. I'll get you something to eat."
At the nearby supermarket, Mick grabbed a pack of bread, some milk, and grilled bacon. As he lined up at the cashier, he noticed an elderly woman in front of him.
Cashier: "Ma'am, you're 30 yen short. Please pay the full amount."
Old Lady (flustered): "Oh dear… I didn't realize. But I really need all of these…"
Cashier (impatient): "Then pay up. Don't waste everyone's time."
Old Lady: "But this is all the money I have… maybe I'll remove something—"
Cashier (snapping): "Should've checked the price tags before grabbing so much. Now I'll have to put everything back because of your foolishness. How can you be so careless at your age?"
Before the woman could respond, Mick's voice cut through, firm and angry.
Mick: "Hey. Watch your mouth. Didn't anyone teach you how to speak to your elders?"
The cashier glared at him.
Cashier: "And who are you, her grandson? This isn't your business. If you're so righteous, why don't you pay for her?"
Mick (without hesitation): "Gladly. I'll cover the rest."
Old Lady (shaking her head): "No, young man, you don't have to—"
Mick (smiling kindly): "Please, ma'am. I can earn money again, but I can't let you walk away empty-handed. Allow me."
The old woman's eyes welled up with tears as Mick handed the extra coins to the cashier.
Mick (sternly, to the cashier): "Now pack everything. And next time, learn how to speak respectfully."
The cashier stayed silent, while the old woman smiled warmly at Mick.
Old Lady: "Thank you, young man… truly. You don't know how much this means to me. May you find everything you're searching for."
Mick: "Please take care, ma'am. Don't let those harsh words trouble you."
They went their separate ways, but Mick felt lighter, as though he'd done at least one good thing today.
Returning to the dog, he held out the food.
Mick: "Sorry to keep you waiting. There was a little scene in the supermarket."
The dog wagged its tail eagerly. Mick poured the milk into a bowl and tore the bread into pieces.
Mick (chuckling): "Here—start with bread and milk. Then you get some bacon, okay?"
The dog devoured the food happily, while Mick stroked its head.
Mick (quietly): "This world can be so unforgiving… no one really cares about anyone else's pain. But still, we have to keep living. Right, buddy?"
After saying goodbye, Mick returned home, ate a simple dinner, and went to bed.
That's when it happened.
A blinding light engulfed his room. Mick gasped, clutching his chest as his body felt like it was being torn apart.
Mick (screaming): "What—what's happening!?"
In seconds, the light swallowed him whole. His bed lay empty, the blanket twisted, as though he had vanished without a trace.
To Be Continued…
Enjoyed the story? Please leave your valuable feedback and add it to your collection to support the journey.