4 October 2013
I started today exactly where I left him last night. Outside his apartment. Which meant I was either crazy or a psychopath. I would like to think that I'm neither but, a man with a curiosity complex.
It's irrelevant, maybe, but I'm glad he lives alone. Imagine being spotted by his wife? Or worse... kids!
Though I'm not sure what to make of his neighbor, Sally. Even the name is weird. Who can get the confidence to call their daughter a name this stupid anymore? Her parents didn't even make an effort.
Or maybe they knew how much of a homewrecker she would grow up to be and just lost faith in her altogether.
I don't hate Sally, I'm just disgusted by her obvious advances toward Sam. She even made him breakfast. Breakfast! Who does that for a man who isn't theirs?
I didn't like it. Not one bit.
Boundaries are seriously crossed here but I am a very understanding man so, I let it slide.
Anyway, today I wanted to see him in action, so I posed as an investor at his school.
And what do you know? People will tell you everything if they think you have money.
I learned more than I expected… about the school, the teachers, the students… and of course, mostly about Sam.
Turns out my Sammy isn't as pure as he looks.
He was once a drug addict and a robber. I had to take a second on that one.
Also, the school doesn't even pay him because they're afraid of a relapse or "complications" if he screws up.
I called it what it was: absolute bullshit.
I mean why would anyone use one's past against them?
The place has six nursery classes, yet his is the only one filled with life.
I don't remember loving my teachers the way those kids worship him.
They hang on his every word, and he listens to them like they're delivering ancient wisdom.
They're really not. Half of them barely even speak in full sentences but he acts like their babble is scripture.
Oh, and he played fairy for them today. And he was really great at it.
Too bad they have so many tiny wishes, and he can only grant so few of them.
So I helped him.
I bought the school.
And I made him the Early Childhood Director. He could use more money in his account to do good.
Later on at the center, he was teaching a cooking class.
I was impressed, genuinely, by his patience, his faith in them.
Even when a fight broke out, he didn't raise his voice.
He guided, mediated, nudged them toward peace like it was the easiest thing in the world.
Today was unusually long for him, and I could see the exhaustion.
But I can't deny the pull…
This draw toward someone who keeps trying to do good in a world that rarely returns the favor.
This curiosity that keeps swelling inside me-
to know him better,
to understand him deeper,
to keep him close.
Is this even healthy?