August 2013. The sun blazed down on the streets of Los Angeles, but for Jacob Stewart, this heat was nothing new. He was already accustomed to dealing with the hardships of street life. His sun-tanned skin and thick beard made him look older than his thirties. His dark brown eyes, despite the fatigue and deep circles under his eyes, still held a determined gleam, though it was increasingly difficult to keep hope alive.
His refuge was a small alley between two buildings in the downtown area. He slept there, protected from the cold night wind, with only a thin blanket and a makeshift pillow made from old clothes tucked into a torn backpack. He ate when he could scrape together a few coins, sometimes begging, sometimes scavenging for scraps that were still good. But that day, hunger had been gnawing at him for hours, and his head throbbed from dehydration.
He was walking aimlessly, his feet aching in his worn sneakers, when fate decided to put someone in his path—literally.
Jacob was crossing a busy sidewalk when he bumped hard into a man walking quickly. The impact knocked the stranger's sunglasses to the ground.
"Damn... I'm sorry!" Jacob bent down quickly, catching the glasses before they were trampled.
The man snatched them from his hands and placed them back on his face. He wore a leather jacket and dark jeans, had short hair, and a striking presence.
"Okay," he replied, wiping his glasses with the hem of his jacket. He took a closer look at Jacob and took in his condition. Dirty clothes, a smell of sweat mixed with days without a shower, a thick beard covering almost all of his expression.
Jacob felt the man's gaze on him, but before he could say anything else, his stomach growled loudly.
The stranger arched an eyebrow.
"Are you hungry?"
Jacob hesitated. He was too proud to order food, but he was on the verge of exhaustion.
"Yes," he admitted, looking away.
The man nodded thoughtfully for a second.
"Come with me," he said, starting to walk.
Jacob frowned.
"What?"
"Come with me. I'll buy you lunch."
He could have refused, but his stomach was already in charge. Besides, the man's look wasn't one of pity, but of genuine consideration. Jacob sighed and followed the stranger.
The restaurant he'd led him to was a classic diner, with red stools and the irresistible smell of bacon and fresh coffee in the air. The man chose a table in the back and waved down a waitress.
"You can order whatever you want," he said.
Jacob looked at the menu, his stomach churning with anticipation. It was rare to be able to choose a meal instead of accepting whatever he could get.
"A double burger, fries, and a Coke," he said quickly.
The man smiled and ordered the same.
While they waited, Jacob finally summoned the courage to ask:
"Why are you doing this?"
The stranger leaned his elbows on the table and sighed.
"Because I've seen a lot of good people fall on hard times. And because sometimes, an opportunity can change everything."
Jacob blinked.
"Opportunity?"
The man smiled.
"My name is Chad Stahelski. I'm a film director."
Jacob was surprised. The name sounded vaguely familiar, but his tired mind couldn't place it.
"Movies?"
"Yes. I'm directing an action film. It's about a retired hitman who returns to action for revenge."
Jacob chuckled softly.
"Sounds awesome."
"It is. But I'm looking for actors." Not just the leads, but also for minor roles, extras, stunt doubles… Whatever it takes. And I think you have the right profile for a role."
Jacob blinked a few times, confused.
"Wait… Are you saying you want me to audition for a movie?"
Chad nodded.
"Exactly. I'm not promising anything, but if you have talent and dedication, this could be your chance to get out of this situation."
Jacob felt his heart race. It was an absurd proposition. But at the same time, what choice did he have?
The waiter arrived with their plates, and Jacob ate with the voracity of someone who hadn't seen real food in days. Chad watched with a small smile, waiting for him to finish before continuing.
"What do you say?" Chad asked as Jacob wiped his mouth with a napkin.
He took a deep breath.
"Where and when?"
Chad took a card from his pocket and handed it to him.
"Tomorrow, nine in the morning." At this address.
Jacob looked at the card. It was a filming studio.
"I'm not going to miss this opportunity."
Chad smiled.
"Then I'll see you tomorrow."
Jacob left the diner with something he hadn't felt in a long time: hope. He didn't know what the next day would hold, but he was determined not to waste this opportunity.
He had nothing to lose. And maybe, just maybe, this was his chance to change his life.
[email protected]/SHADOWGHOST07
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