Despair to Hope

“Mummy what’s the story behind Uncle Thompson’s wealth?” I asked my mom.
I've always seen him as so wealthy and sometimes I wondered how he got so wealthy. His wife too was no where to be found.
My curiosity was piqued one night and my mom did well to be a good narrator.

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………………
He sat down at the reception, looking around the familiar room that had seen him as many times as a baby would cry for food in a day. "Mister Thompson," the receptionist called out, her voice tinged with reluctance. "Yes," he stood up, his eyes fixed on the receptionist as he waited for directions. "Mr. Fred would see you now," she responded.

As Dr. Thompson stepped into the elevator, he was met with two stunning ladies. Funnily, Doctor Thompson never gave them a second thought as his mind was consumed by how he was going to pitch his proposal to Mr. Fred.

"I'm sorry, I'm not sure this proposal suits our company's vision and investment policy," Mister Fred said, his voice firm but polite.

Doctor Thompson did not know how he had walked out of that office, all he knew was that he was already in a bus going home. The constant disappointment he had faced for the past six years were so bad that if not for the fact that the thought of seeing his kids go hungry would kill him, giving up would have been the prevailing option.

Getting to the bus stop where his transport fare could get him, he looked up and soon it started raining.

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The rain poured down like a relentless curtain, covering the city in a grey mist. Doctor Thompson walked through the puddles, his worn-out shoes letting in water that chilled his toes. He held a tattered umbrella, its ribs bent from countless battles with the wind. His eyes, once bright with purpose, now seemed dull and lifeless as he walked down the street.

The weight of his struggles hit him hard like a physical force. His hospital which was once a beacon of hope for the community, was now on the brink of collapse. The lack of funds had forced him to lay off staff, and the few remaining patients were dwindling. His family had suffered too.

He got to the door to his one-room abode, and all pangs of guilt, shame, and fear of facing his family another story of disappointment engulfed him. But then, all that was replaced with a painful surprise from his wife.

"What is this?" Doctor Thompson asked, his voice trembling with a mix of confusion and dread. "And why are you holding your box?"

His wife stood at the door, her expression a mask of calmness. "Thompson, there's no need to beat about the bush," she said nonchalantly, her right hand resting on her waist and the other clutching a small suitcase.

"Is the story different this time?" she asked, "Because that's the only reason I'll stay with you this time."

She reiterated her statement and at sound of silence, she said "Just what I thought. You don't have to worry about the kids; I've sent them to your mother. That's the best thing I can do for you at this point."

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Doctor Thompson watched in horror as his beloved marriage of thirteen years crumbled to the ground. The ache in his heart transformed into a wrenching pain.

That night, he dreamt of his kids and wondered how they would take the idea of their mother leaving them behind. He woke up with his mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. He decided to visit his kids the next day and tell his mom about the recent happenings.

The next morning, he got into a bus at around 8:15 AM. He had developed the habit of always sitting by the window, just to collect his thoughts and avoid conversing with people. He hadn't always been like this, but after his friends walked away, he decided to lead a life of a low ranger.

This time around, the seats by the window were all taken. He didn't want to wait for another bus, so he reluctantly moved to the back of the bus and sat down between two men. One of them was nicely dressed, and although casually, he didn't look like he came from the streets. Mister Thompson felt a bit secured sitting next to him.

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Almost immediately, he drew his phone from his portfolio and started going through the photos of high-end hospital equipment and state-of-the-art medical facilities that could help alleviate the sufferings of people. His looked at the images, with the gaze of a man hungry for change; only if he had the resources.

He had always dreamed of building a hospital that would provide top-notch medical care to those who needed it most. But now, that dream seemed to never actualize.

"Excuse me," the casually dressed man said "Are you a doctor?"

Dr. Thompson turned, surprised. "Yes, I am. How did you know?"

The man smiled. I've been watching you. and sorry to say but I also gave a prying to your phone”

Dr. Thompson started feeling strange. "What do you want?"

The man chuckled.
“You are Dr. Thompson right?”
This caught Dr Thompson by surprised and he wondered where this conversation was going to lead to.
"I want to help you, Doctor. I've heard about your work, You're a genius, but you're struggling to make ends meet. I'd like to change that."

Dr. Thompson became skeptical "What's in it for you?"

The man smiled again. "Let's just say I'm a philanthropist with a passion for medical success. I have always wanted to stretch my philanthropy to the medical field but I needed someone as passionate as you”

Dr. Thompson's eyes widened as the man handed him a business card. The name on the card was unfamiliar, but the logo beside it was unmistakable. It displayed the symbol of the largest real estate conglomerate in the Country.

"You're... you're Alexander Braide (Names Withheld)," Dr. Thompson muttered silently.

The man nodded. "Yes I am. But let's keep this between us, shall we? I prefer to keep a low profile."

Dr. Thompson's mind reeled as he tried to process the sudden turn of events. He had heard of “Alexander Braide,” of course. But he had never imagined that this reserved billionaire would be sitting beside him in a cramped up bus

As they talked, Dr. Thompson learned that Braide was not only a philanthropist but also a science enthusiast. He was fascinated by Dr. Thompson's proposal.

"I want to help you change the world, Doctor." Braide said with shining eyes.

Dr. Thompson's heart swelled with gratitude as he accepted Braide’s offer.

Dr. Thompson found himself catapulted to fame. He was hailed as a medical genius, a hero who had changed the face of the medical field treatment forever.

He was able to rebuild his life. He established a state-of-the-art hospital, staffed with the best medical professionals in the field. He also set up a free rehabilitation center for cancer patients, a dream he had nurtured for years.

He bought an apartment and brought back his kids and their happiness was profound.

And as he stood in his hospital, surrounded by the people he had helped, Dr. Thompson felt a sense of pride and fulfillment that he had never thought possibleHe had been given a second chance, gotten a clean sweep and according to my mom; “attained victory at last.”

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As for Braide he remained a mysterious figure, allowing Dr. Thompson to bask in the glory.

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I love how the story progresses. From the time he went for the interview, I was thinking he would have a happy beginning, but it was the other way around.
Sad that his wife had to leave him, I wonder if she would return and want things to go back the way they are.
This was interesting to read.

Thank you so much

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