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As the subway train hurtled down the tracks with an unrelenting roar, the platform teemed with the evening rush. Among the throng was the Good Salaryman, a man whose kindness was as much a part of him as the breath in his lungs. Dressed in the simple garb of a priest, his day had been filled with the usual benevolence and soft smiles. But fate, as fickle as ever, was about to thrust him onto an unexpected path.
An employee he had just promoted, a young man still clumsy with the weight of his new responsibilities, tripped, his briefcase skittering across the platform, papers flying like a flock of startled birds. The man's foot caught awkwardly, sending him tumbling toward the tracks just as the train screamed in.
Without a second's hesitation, the Good Salaryman leapt forward. His heart was a drumbeat of altruism, not even a flicker of fear as his hand grasped the young man's arm, pulling him back with all the strength he could muster. They fell back onto the platform, the employee safe, but the Salaryman wasn't so fortunate. Momentum carried him forward, just a step too far—into the path of the oncoming train.
Darkness enveloped him, a brief moment of peace. Then, light. Archways, endless and ethereal, stretched before him, each carved with intricate designs that whispered of ancient times and celestial beings. Soft golden light filtered through, bathing everything in a warm glow.
Ahead of him stood a young man, his expression weary, the lines of his face soft but etched with mild frustration. He was dressed casually, a stark contrast to the grandeur around them. As the Good Salaryman approached, the young man, X, sighed.
"You really couldn't help yourself, could you?" X’s tone was gentle despite his words, the affection clear in his eyes.
The Good Salaryman, still catching his breath from the shock, managed a sheepish smile. "It seems not, sir. It was instinctual, I suppose."
X ran a hand through his hair, his gaze drifting up to the celestial arches above. "Instinct or not, you're here now, and while I appreciate your... relentless selflessness, you've got a family who needs you. Your heart's in the right place, but, no offense, you might want to consider a little self-preservation."
A soft chuckle escaped the Good Salaryman. "I understand, sir. It's just hard to change one's nature."
"I know, I know. That's why I think it's time for a little change of scenery for you. A place to reflect, perhaps find a balance. A world of peace, where you can learn a bit of that self-preservation and independence."
The Good Salaryman's eyes widened slightly, a mix of curiosity and excitement flickering across his features. "A world of peace? That sounds... quite lovely."
"It is. And it's where you're headed next. No wars, no corporate ladder. Just peace, tranquillity, and a chance to think about yourself for a change." X's voice softened further, the earlier exasperation giving way to something akin to pride. "I think you'll find it quite enlightening."
With a nod, the Good Salaryman felt a warmth spread through him, a sense of calm settling over his soul. "Thank you, sir. I think I am ready for this new journey."
X smiled, stepping back as a path lit up, leading the Good Salaryman toward his new destiny. "Take care, and remember—sometimes, being a little selfish isn't such a bad thing."
As he walked down the path, the Good Salaryman felt the weight of his old world slip from his shoulders, anticipation for the new world growing with every step. Behind him, X watched, a content smile on his lips, his duty fulfilled for now.