Marcus Thompson stood outside the grand doors of Krey's Community Center, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The stories he had heard about this place sounded too good to be true. They just picked up vagrants, felons, and people that others would ignore or call the police on and gave them opportunities for employment? Not even regular laboring jobs gave Marcus a chance before dropping him when the other employees found out he went to jail for voluntary manslaughter. It had ignited a glimmer of hope within him. He wasn’t expecting much. Weeks after being released from jail and he still couldn’t find a stable place of employment looking to keep him. Marcus served his time. He was ready to embrace a new life and finally put his past behind him. A Voluntary Manslaughter charge just for defending his own life…

One day, while walking home from work, Marcus was approached by a group of men who demanded his wallet and phone. Marcus refused and tried to walk away, but the thugs attacked him. In the heat of the moment, Marcus fought back and, as a big dude, managed to hurt one of the thugs badly. In the act of defending his life, one of his attackers fell and hit his head on the pavement, resulting in his death. Marcus was charged with voluntary manslaughter. At his trial, Marcus argued that he acted in self-defense and that he had no intention of killing the would-be robbers. He explained that he felt threatened and that he acted out of fear for his own life. The prosecution argued that Marcus went too far in defending himself and that he used excessive force. They pointed to evidence that suggested Marcus continued to attack the victims even after one was no longer a threat. The slick-talking prosecution's arguments won over the jury, and they ultimately found Marcus guilty of voluntary manslaughter. They believed that he acted in excessive self-defense and that he used more force than needed to protect himself.

With a deep breath, Marcus summoned the courage to push open the doors and step inside. The bustling atmosphere of the community center enveloped him, vibrant and alive, with people engaged in various activities. His eyes scanned the room, taking in the sight of children immersed in various programs, the sounds of people from further inside the building, and some sort of gathering near the reception desk. Marcus wondered if a felon like him could fit in a place like this… It seemed like he was some sort of filthy speck staining a pretty art piece or something.

Approaching the reception desk, Marcus was met with a friendly face—a young woman whose warm smile immediately made him nervous. "Welcome to Krey's Community Center. How can I assist you today?" she asked, her voice filled with politeness despite his appearance.

Marcus was a tall and muscular man in his early thirties, standing at around 6 feet 2 inches with a shaved head and a scruffy beard. He proudly displayed a few visible tattoos on his arms and chest, remnants of his past. When most people saw him standing in front of them like this, they’d show some sort of physical reaction. Either through their face, body, or words. For a small girl like this to not even flinch at the sight of him. A small budding of hope was planted within his heart. But it was too early to say anything for sure. They don’t even know he’s a felon yet.

Marcus cleared his throat, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "My name is Marcus Thompson. I recently got out of the joint, and I'm looking for a job. I heard this place was more lenient on people with tougher backgrounds.” He coughed, embarrassed by trying to pretty up his words. “All I’m looking for is the chance to prove myself without being judged for my past," he explained, his voice filled with determination.

The woman's expression softened, sensing Marcus's sincerity and recognizing the strength it took for him to seek change. "Marcus, I'm glad you're here. We believe in giving people second chances and providing support to individuals who are ready to make positive changes for themselves and those around them," she said, her words infused with sympathy. "Let me introduce you to our employment program coordinator, Mr. Garcia. He might have some ideas on where to best put you."

Marcus nodded appreciatively, following the woman's guidance toward Mr. Garcia’s office. As he walked through the hallways, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of possibility, the weight of his past slowly lifting off his shoulders. Perhaps, he thought, this could be the place where he would finally be given the chance he had been denied so far.

Upon entering Mr. Garcia's office, Marcus found himself face to face with a middle-aged man who was even bigger than himself. Despite the numerous scars lining up and down his body, the man generated such a positive atmosphere at their first meeting that Marcus thought he was seeing his dead father again. The room was adorned with certificates and photos, each one a testament to the impact the community center had made on countless lives.

Mr. Garcia stood up from his paperwork and extended a hand in greeting. "Marcus, pleased to meet you. I understand you're looking for employment opportunities?" he said, his voice carrying the weight of a man who’s been through the worst of times.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Marcus shook his hand firmly. He hoped he wasn’t showing how desperate he was for this opportunity. "Yes, sir. I've made mistakes in the past, but I'm determined to turn my life around. I'm ready to work hard and prove that I deserve at least a chance to prove it."

Mr. Garcia nodded, impressed by Marcus's conviction. "I appreciate your honesty, Marcus. We have a few positions available here at the community center, ranging from maintenance to general handymen. We value individuals who are committed to personal growth and helping others," he explained, his words infused with a sense of purpose. "Would any of these interest you?"

Marcus's eyes lit up with desperation, a spark of opportunity igniting within him. "Absolutely, sir! I have some experience in maintenance work, and I'm willing to give back to the community. If given the chance, I know I can do my part to show that I deserve it," he replied, his voice brimming with hope.

Mr. Garcia smiled warmly, recognizing that crazy glint in Marcus’s eyes. "I believe you, Marcus. Let's start with a trial period. You can join our maintenance team and see how it goes. We'll provide guidance and support along the way. Consider this your opportunity to prove yourself."

Gratitude washed over Marcus as he thanked Mr. Garcia for the opportunity, his eyes shining with renewed determination. This was his chance—a chance to finally live a life that a grown man should. With pride and independence, he left Mr. Garcia’s office and eagerly joined the maintenance team, ready to embrace the hard work and the chance to rebuild his life.

In the weeks that followed, Marcus dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his new role. He approached each task with unwavering energy and attention to detail. Repairing equipment, cleaning classrooms, and ensuring the community center remained a safe and welcoming space for everyone became his daily goal. As he interacted with the staff and members of the community center, he discovered a sense of belonging he had long yearned for. A place that not even prison could give him. Not even the gang he was in during prison felt as together as this.

As time went on, Marcus's efforts did not go unnoticed. He was offered additional responsibilities within the community center, including mentoring youths who had experienced their fair share of hardships. Youths involved in gang activities, youths that come from low-income homes, abusive homes, or negligent homes. Marcus wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity, sharing his story and offering guidance to those who needed it most.

With each passing day, Marcus found himself living the better life he had envisioned. The community center had not only provided him with employment but also with a chance to make a positive impact on others. He had finally grasped the opportunity to show that he wasn’t some violent thug who was liable to kill anyone for the smallest of reasons. He was no different from any other man when given the chance. Marcus Thompson was no lesser than anyone else, even if he’s made some mistakes in his past.

As Marcus reflected on his journey, he couldn't help but feel grateful for the day he walked through the doors of Krey's Community Center. It had given him a second chance, a chance to rewrite his story and live a life filled with purpose and stability.

“Ms. Winters!?” Marcus exclaimed in shock.

“Hello.” Ms. Winters greeted him with a strange look on her face.

“I…” Marcus didn’t know what to say to the young girl who changed his life around.

It was only because of this girl that Marcus even had the chance to make something of himself. She changed his life. Changed it for the better by making this place. Marcus couldn’t not thank her when he finally managed to meet her after so long.

“I wanted to thank you for making this place. You may not know me or what you’ve done for me, but because of you, I managed to turn my life around. Thank you, Ms. Winters. Thank you for making this place and helping Krey become a better place. I don’t know if you know how many lives you saved or helped, but I want you to know I am grateful for what you’ve done.” Marcus felt awkward baring his heart to this young girl who didn’t even know him, but he couldn’t just say nothing to her.

“I’m glad I could help you…” Ms. Winters’s voice quivered.

“Are you okay, Ms. Winters?” If there was anything he could do to repay this woman back for what she’s done for him, he would do so.

“I…” Ms. Winters hesitated before looking him in the eyes.

Marcus saw sadness in her eyes. A type of sadness that Marcus didn’t know if he could relate to. But he didn’t have to relate to her feelings to know that a young girl shouldn’t be wallowing in her feelings about it. No one should be alone when they’re feeling that way.

“I recently lost someone close to me. It’s hard knowing that it was my fault that he died… I don’t really know what I should do now…” Ms. Winters shared with a heavy heart.

“I can’t say much about whether it was your fault or not, but I can say this. If that person you lost was with you here and now, what do you think they would want for you? Do you think they would want you to be like this?” Marcus tried his best to offer supportive advice.

“I guess not.” Ms. Winters gave a soft chuckle. “He’d probably make fun of me for acting like this. What kind of monster wallows in their guilt?” She sighed. “You got any alcohol?” She suddenly asked.

“I don’t think I should give a kid alcohol even if they’re sad…” Marcus still had his wits about him.

“I’d fire you if you did.” Ms. Winters laughed a bit differently as she suddenly rose up. “What’s your name?”

“Marcus. Marcus Thompson.”

“Marcus. Thanks for listening to the other me whine and mope around. I got some friends to make and a fight to prepare for. Hope I see you around more often.” Ms. Winters left the room, leaving Marcus to wonder what the hell did she mean by other me?