episode 1 – good samaritanGood fortune leads to benevolence from a man who feels he should spread his limited wealth while enjoying personal benefits.
Good fortune leads to benevolence from a man who feels he should spread his limited wealth while enjoying personal benefits.
An Upward Promotion
In a company that rewards far too few for doing far too much, Liam finally caught a break. No one in upper management reveals how much they profit from others’ ideas, but his concept was a breakthrough. The reward: a quiet salary bump—and a very loud company car.
To celebrate his new tax bracket, Liam invites coworkers out for drinks that weekend. In the days leading up to it, he schedules the delivery of sleek furniture and high-end electronics for Saturday. It’s a self-gift wrapped in delayed gratification.
His workmates show up, feigning congratulations while padding his tab with expensive entrees. There's tension behind every smile—envy, maybe even resentment—but the drinks go down easier on someone else’s card.
Liam lifts his glass and praises their collective achievements, unaware that his magnanimity only deepens the bitterness. From the cheers and laughter, it’s clear who the man of the hour is—and who’s footing the bill.
After the forced goodbyes and hollow hugs, the team disperses into the wind-swept dark of Northern California. Samantha lingers. Unlike the others, her words feel… earned.
“Everyone feels they work as hard as you, so they’re jealous to see you succeed. You deserve everything coming to you. Any of us would—if we were properly rewarded for our efforts.”
“Thanks,” Liam replies with a smile that’s starting to feel real again. “I’ll pay more attention to your research from now on.”
A Night of Surprises
Liam slides into his new car, the doors sealing him inside a cocoon of warmth and luxury. Leather seats hug his frame. The dashboard glows awake with a soft chime, and his favorite playlist fades in like an old friend.
He exhales. This is what success feels like—until he sees—her.
At the next red light, a shivering figure catches his eye. Perched on a bench beneath a flickering streetlamp, she looks misplaced. Limp hair clings to her face. Her arms, goose-pimpled and bare, wrap tightly around her torso.
She steps toward his car. His hand tenses near the gearshift. She taps the window.
He lowers it—just enough.
“Thanks for stopping,” she says through trembling lips. “I’m in trouble… and I need a ride really bad.”
Liam scans his mirrors. No shadows. No sudden movement.
“Uh... what kind of trouble?” His voice stays measured, but his fingers hover near the hazard switch.
“Can I get a ride?” she pleads, voice breaking. “Any distance will do.”
She’s underdressed, no bag, no coat. Nothing to hide a weapon. He unlocks the door. She slips in without a word, and they drive.
“Are buses running this time of night?”
“I waited over an hour,” she mutters.
“You could’ve frozen in that outfit. Where were you trying to go?”
“Anywhere warm. I don’t even have fare. I was hoping the driver might take pity.”
A Bite to Eat
He turns into a brightly lit fast-food lot. If she’s truly desperate, food will tell.
“Let’s get you something warm to eat.”
She doesn’t argue. Inside, she inhales the meal as if it’s her first in days. Between bites, her voice softens. The edge of panic is replaced with something more human.
“I’m Liam,” he offers.
“Friends call me Jillie.”
“What kind of danger are you in, Jillie?”
“Ran from my boyfriend. He’s looking for me. I blocked his number. He’s… not a good person.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Should I phone the police?”
“If they let him go, he’ll come for me. That’s worse.”
“Where are you sleeping tonight?”
“If I can stretch a soda refill, maybe here. Till they kick me out.”
Her head droops. Exhaustion or hunger—it’s hard to tell.
“Hey, stay with me.” He snaps his fingers gently. “That’s not a good plan. How old are you?”
“Twenty-one.”
“You look younger. Got ID?”
She digs out a crumpled college ID. Faded. Water-damaged. Expired.
“Dropped out. Grades sucked. My boyfriend said he’d take care of me. My parents cut me off. It’s been… a mess.”
“Maybe it’s time to call them.”
“You don’t know how many times I’ve tried.”
Her words hang there, heavy.
“I can’t leave you here.” Liam stands. “Come on. Let’s figure things out.”
“You’ve done enough,” she protests, not rising.
“Maybe it’s time to call them.”
“You don’t know how many times I’ve tried.”
Her words hang there, heavy.
“I can’t leave you here.” Liam stands. “Come on. Let’s figure things out.”
“You’ve done enough,” she protests, not rising.
“It’s under fifty degrees, and you’re dressed like it’s summer. Let’s go.”
He helps her up. She leans on him, nearly weightless. A teen behind the counter notices the commotion.
“Is everything all right over there?” the young worker shouts.
Liam wraps her arm around his shoulder.
“We’re good. I got this.”
He hurries her along, almost dragging her outside. After strapping her into the passenger seat, he pauses—bathed in the sterile light of an overhead lamp that flickers against the windshield.
With a press of the button, the engine starts, powering the weight of each decision he’s making in mental darkness.
Continued…
Return twice weekly for miniseries. Use of this material for generative training or republication in any format without authorization is prohibited. Any relation to actual persons or events is coincidental. Login provides the most immersive experience. About 5000 total words. Audio may include sound effects that alter reading time.
