New Beginning

"You're free!" the prison guard said.

"Thanks," Rod replied. .

Today marks Rod's release from prison after 15 years of imprisonment.

Since he was a child, Rod has been a headache for his family. He got involved with gangs and was always getting into fights, riots, and any kind of trouble. Eventually, at the age of 19, he killed someone, which led to his imprisonment.

The verdict of serving only 12 years in prison turned into 15 years because even inside the correctional facility, he still frequently got involved in disturbances.

In the center of a chaotic and bustling city filled with buildings and vehicles that slow down traffic, that's where Rod lives.

He was raised under the care of his father, who was disabled. His father, a retired firefighter, was known throughout the community as a hero in times of need. Rod's reputation, however, was quite the opposite.

Upon Rod's arrival at their home, he was immediately greeted by his mother, who was slightly frail, saying, "Son, I'm sorry I couldn't come pick you up. I couldn't leave your father alone. Welcome back." She hugged her child, and Rod hugged her back."

Afterward, Rod also approached his father in the wheelchair and hugged him.

Every morning, as he opened his eyes, he witnessed the struggles of their life, prompting him to seek employment to help his parents. Driven by the desire to change and make amends for the many problems he caused his parents, he quickly showered and dressed to look for a job.

After applying for numerous jobs throughout the day, the opportunities seemed bitter to him. The reason for his constant rejection in every job application was his criminal record.

As the day ended, no one had accepted him, so he decided to head back home.

As he was heading home, he passed by the fire station near their place. Upon passing, he read a sign posted there that said, "All men are created equal, then a few become firemen."

After reading this, he realized something profound. Despite the hardships in their lives, he shouldn't look down on himself. Instead, the idea was that all people are created equal, but being a firefighter, requiring extra dedication and courage to protect others, elevates one beyond mere equality in certain instances.

So he entered the station, hoping to apply.

"So you spent ten years in prison for a murder case. What prompted you to consider applying as a firefighter, and why do you want to be part of our ranks?" the station chief asked, with a hint of attitude.

Rod replied, "Almost my entire life, all I did was hurt people and kill. But now, I want to use my courage and bravery for good, to save lives. I realized that I have the best parents, and I want to repay them in any way I can."

The chief sensed the sincerity in Rod's voice and saw it in his eyes. Though he didn't know inside Rod, his inspiration was his father Ruben, who had served as a firefighter, exemplifying courage and love for others in every moment of his service before becoming disabled.

Afterward, Rod went home and began sorting out his belongings, preparing for his upcoming job as a firefighter starting the next day.

His father approached him in his wheelchair and asked how he was doing. After the exchange of pleasantries, Rod immediately shared the news, "Dad, I'm going to work as a firefighter."

In a heartfelt conversation with his father, Rod was told, "Son, I didn't want to oppose your decision, but can't you see what happened to me? I may not be old yet, but I'm already not useful. Instead, I've become someone to take care of. Do you want to end up like me?"

"I understand your concerns, Dad," Rod said lovingly. "Honestly, Dad, you are my inspiration for this. You're right, there are risks involved, but your experience reminds me of the importance of being cautious."

"This is the danger I'm willing to face because I know it's right," Rod added, hinting at the dangers he faced in his past but in the wrong way.

"Dad," he said, smiling at his father affectionately, "I'm ready, and I accept whatever may happen to me. What matters is every person I can help and also for the greater good of many."

"But son..." his father was about to speak but Rod interrupted him immediately.

"Dad, remember. You've never been a burden to us. Instead, you've been a huge inspiration to all of us," Rod said, embracing his father. His father could do nothing but hug him back, knowing deep down that he had been the one who felt like the biggest burden to their family.

Days passed, and he started going to work. Within a month, their training was in full swing.

After a month, while walking towards the fire station, he noticed a new large billboard displaying posters of firefighters with big smiles on their faces.

A big caption was written: "Courage that doesn't hesitate to serve others."

"This is right, Rod," he said to himself, calming his nerves.

Days passed until his first trial greeted Rod immediately. An emergency call came from the fire station.

"Son, take care, okay?" his father said, gripping his shoulder before he left the station. "Endure the fear and remain true to your mission."

"Yes, Dad," Rod replied, filled with determination and love for his job.

Upon arriving at the station, Rod and his colleagues quickly boarded the fire truck. Their team headed towards the location of the fire.

On the way to the fire site, the loud sirens of the fire trucks signaled both alarm and hope to people covered in fear and danger.

Upon reaching the fire scene, flames raged, and smoke filled the surroundings. In the face of danger, Rod and his comrades worked together to pull, position, and start their hoses to begin extinguishing the fire.

"Captain, I'm here on the side," Rod said to his leader as he directed the water to douse a part of the building. "There are people inside who need to be rescued."

"Alright, Rod," his captain replied. "Take care in there. Make sure you have someone with you."

In the midst of smoke and raging flames, Rod began entering the building, accompanied by other firefighters, to search for and rescue people inside. The heat and smoke posed obstacles and made their task difficult, but his determination to save lives and his skill in using his safety gear gave him the courage to continue the mission.

Inside the building, cries and moans of people in need of help echoed. "We're here!"

"Don't worry, we'll get you out!" Rod shouted as he continued to guide the people he was rescuing.

Despite the surrounding danger, Rod remained brave and committed to his mission of saving those in need still inside the building.

"Thank you so much," uttered the last person he brought out of the building.

After this, from the neighboring house affected by the fire, he heard pleas for help. "There's still a dog inside, please save him!" the voice cried out.

Rod quickly approached and said, "I'm here, ma'am!" before entering the house, holding his fire extinguisher.

With quick and careful movements, he retrieved the dog and safely brought it out of the burning house.

"Thank you so much, thank you!" the homeowner expressed, full of gratitude as she hugged her pet dog.

"Rod!" shouted his fellow firefighter. "Help me out here."

"Yeah, I'm coming!" Rod replied, swiftly turning back towards his teammates' direction.

Rod's first challenge as a firefighter not only showcased his courage and determination but also his compassion for others and all creatures that are in need.

"Hmm, so this is what it feels like to save a life." He whispered to himself, seemingly enjoying the feeling.