The Grim Past

Upon Rod's arrival at the fire station, he faced not only the new drill as a firefighter but also the confronting memories and visions from his grim past.

"How are you, Rod?" greeted by Jake, one of his new colleagues at the station, while sorting out their gear. "Did you gather everything you need for the drill later?"

"Yes, Jake. I'm ready," Rod replied, but behind his smile, he felt his worries reappearing.

"That's great!" Jake waved before heading to another part of the station.

Alone in his room at the station, Rod began to contemplate and reflect.

"Hey, Rod! Have you eaten yet?" suddenly Miguel asked, an elderly firefighter with a kind heart, entering the room.

"Not yet, Miguel," Rod replied, concern evident in his eyes.

"Come on, join me. I'll treat you to some porridge in the kitchen," Miguel offered, which Rod promptly accepted.

At the dining table, while helping each other serve the porridge, Miguel couldn't help but ask Rod, "How are you, Rod? You seem to be thinking about something."

Rod took a moment to breathe before replying, "It's nothing. Just some things I'd like to forget."

"That's tough, Rod. But you know, the most important thing is self-acceptance. Acceptance of the things that happened to you in the past. You shouldn't carry the weight of yesterday in every step you take today," advised by Miguel as he stirred the porridge.

One night, while inside their station, Rod had the opportunity to talk to their captain, Capt. Ramirez.

"Capt, I have something I'd like to ask," Rod began, feeling the nervousness in his heart.

"What is it, Rod? I'm here to listen," Capt. Ramirez replied, showing his support and understanding.

"Despite my past, why did you accept me?" Rod asked.

"Rod, we've all made mistakes in our past. But that does not define us. What's important is how we respond to the challenges that comes our way. It's also important to learn to forgive ourselves and move forward," said Capt. Ramirez, bringing hope and inspiration to Rod's heart.

Amidst their conversation, Rod slowly began to accept and understand the importance of self-acceptance and recognizing his mistakes as part of his journey towards change and hope.

As the days passed, Rod became more open to interacting and engaging with his colleagues at the station. With their support, he gradually shed the weight of his past and gained the courage to face the future as a firefighter.

One night, walking home from the fire station, Rod didn't notice that he was being followed by some members of the gangs he used to be at odds with. As he walked alone on the dark street, the faces of his past suddenly emerged from the shadows.

"Hey, Rod! So it's true, you've been set free. Do you still remember me?" one of the gang members exclaimed loudly, filled with anger and resentment.

Rod seemed to be pondering who the person was.

"You still don't remember me?" he said. Then suddenly displaying his missing finger.

Until Rod's memory flashed back. This was the man whom he had cut the pointing finger because he was pointed at.

Aware of the danger he will face from this group, Rod made an effort to remain calm. "I have no intention of fighting today. If you want, we can settle this another day," he replied, his voice full of composure. "I need to go home."

But before he could continue walking, he was suddenly blocked by the gang members and began to grab him by both arms then they started to beat him. Each punch felt like large rocks hitting his face and body.

"You'll taste our wrath all night long, Rod!" shouted the man filled with intense anger towards Rod as he continued to hurt him.

He no longer knew how many minutes or hours he was beaten by the gang members. His body felt numb from the punches and kicks he received.

Finally, when their beating subsided, Rod felt the weight of his burden. His face was bloodied and bruised, and his body was filled with pain.

However, despite the pain and suffering, he chose not to fight back and remained calm. "If this will lessen your anger because of what I did in the past, then it's okay," Rod said to himself.

Finally, when the people walking on the street saw the commotion, the gang members suddenly fled, leaving Rod injured and battered on the road.

After a few moments, the local police arrived to assist Rod. He was taken to the hospital to treat his wounds and other injuries.

When Rod entered the fire station the next day, he couldn't hide the bruises and injuries on his face and body.

"What happened to you, Rod?" Jake asked, a fellow firefighter at the station, his voice full of concern.

Rod swallowed before responding, "It's nothing, Jake. Just some things that couldn't be avoided."

But Jake didn't stop questioning, "Are you sure? It seems like something bad happened to you. Do you need help?"

"I'm fine," Rod defended, trying to hide the truth. He didn't want to raise alarm or cause concern among his colleagues.

But Jake didn't back down, "Are you really okay? If you have a problem, you know you can come to us."

Rod smiled at the kindness of his colleague.

All day long, he felt the stares and whispers of his colleagues as they worked, and even though he tried to ignore it, he knew it wouldn't be easy.

"What happened to you last night, Rod?" Miguel asked, an older firefighter filled with concern in his voice.

Rod smiled, but behind his smile was a tinge of regret. "It's nothing, Miguel. Just things on the street."

"You know Rod, no matter what happens, we're here for you. You don't have to go through tough times alone," Miguel said, showing care and support.

Rod again smiled, grateful for his colleagues' support, but in his heart, he knew he could never hide the truth forever.