Jonathan often drifted between shelters and the street, but tonight a red light held him still. Jasmine’s voice cut through the silence. “Why’d you tell me? You don’t even know me.”
Her answer stunned him. “Because I know what it’s like to feel invisible. My grandma always said, when you see someone getting stepped on, you help. Next time, it could be you.”
Minutes later, they sat in a diner, Jasmine devouring a burger while Jonathan stared at his cold coffee. His phone buzzed—Marcus: “Ready for tomorrow, buddy? The Japanese will love our proposal. You’ll retire rich.”
Jasmine smirked. “He’s lying and smiling while he does it.”
Another message came, this time from Diana: “Contracts are ready. Trust me as always.”
The betrayal stung. Yet Jasmine reminded him: “They think you’re stupid. But you’re not.”
For the first time in years, Jonathan felt hope—sharp, steady, and dangerous.
