Chris Green was a genius.Not the kind who relied entirely on his talent, but the kind who worked hard to polish the talent he was born with. He understood things like no other.
At the mere age of 21, he had managed to get a job at an international company, which pretty much set his future for the rest of his life. A relaxing job environment, a high salary, and easy-to-work-with colleagues. But it couldn't remove the ever-present feeling in his mind that this wasn't it—the feeling refused to go away, like an ever-present itch.An itch that no amount of success could scratch.Maybe he was crazy. Maybe it was just the product of an overworked mind. He didn't know.
He had always been fascinated by books and movies. Watching characters do things deemed impossible, he often wondered if he had been born in the wrong world.
Thinking that exact thought, he was crossing the road after a long day at the office, lost in thought, when he found himself unconsciously matching pace with the elderly gentleman walking beside him.
"Looking sharp, kid. Returning from work?" the old man asked calmly and confidently.
Chris blinked, surprised by the sudden conversation that broke him from his usual thoughts.
"Yes," he replied quickly.
"Job, at such a young age. You should enjoy life a bit more, you know," the old man said lightly, almost playfully.
Chris gave a smile and said, "That's what everyone says. But I like what I do. Feels like I'm chasing something—even if I don't know what it is yet."
"Still chasing that something, huh?" the old man said, his eyes fixed ahead as the pedestrian signal turned green.
"It's funny and curious how some people are born with that itch. Always hungry for more, even if everything is going right."
Chris slowed for half a second, turning to look at him. "How do you—?"
The old man chuckled, stepping into the crosswalk."I've met a few like you before. Brilliant minds. Restless hearts. You people never settle. Never really fit in this world, do you?"
"Who are you?" Chris asked while maintaining his pace beside him.
"Oh, just a curious old man," the stranger replied with a wink. "But I like giving people like you a chance. Always fascinating to watch someone yearning for greatness… actually achieve it."
"What do y—?" Chris tried to ask, but the old man cut him off.
"So, Mr. Green… would you like to become something more? Are you ready to fulfill your potential? Ready for your next great adventure?"The old man asked, each word grander than the last.
Chris was struck by the question and by those eyes that looked at him with such conviction, as if the old man truly was speaking the truth.It was as if he were bewitched into voicing his inner desires.
"Yes," he replied, with a determination he didn't know he had.