Chapter 9
Sterling got into the elevator, and it zoomed all the way down to the parking area in the basement. He had just stepped out when he bumped into someone in front of him. He was taken aback when he noticed the old man with the thick white moustache and long, white flowing beard, now lying on the floor. He rushed forward immediately.
“I’m so sorry. Are you okay?”
“Yes, I am,” the man replied in a cheerful tone, which Sterling thought rather strange, but he was glad and relieved that the elderly gentleman hadn’t suffered any broken bones, or worse, died from the fall. “Can you help me up, please?”
“Of course,” Sterling answered while gently lifting the stranger to his feet.
“Thank you, young man.”
“You’re welcome, and again, I’m so sorry for—”
“Don’t worry about it. I’m fine. Now, may I interest you in a cup of hot tea?”
“But—”
“I want to thank you for helping me. Besides, it will be nice to have company once in a while.”