Tuesday March 14th, 2023
Alex took a look around his thriving Fitness Center and felt proud everything that’d he had been able to accomplish so far. Rose, the [AI Shapeshifter – Legendary] General Manager/Yoga Instructor was teaching a yoga class in the classroom at the back of the gym. Sydney the receptionist was helping customers register and create their membership cards at the front of the store. Customers were talking to Richard, the AI Fitness Instructor, and developing their workout plans for the day and asking him miscellaneous questions. Other customers were using the [VR Martial Arts Simulator – Rare] and learning to fight while fighting simulated opponents. This was all something he couldn’t have imagined happening just a short time ago. it was at this time that Alex thought back about how things got to this point. He never would have expected that this is how things would have ended up.
Flashback
Alex Whitford had always been a dreamer. As a child, he would spend hours lost in the pages of books about knights and wizards, lost in the fantastical worlds they inhabited. He imagined himself as a brave knight, riding into battle on a mighty steed and wielding a sword against mythical creatures or as a wizard, raining down fire and destruction upon his foes. He would often spend his evenings reading about these far-off lands, dreaming of adventure and excitement.
As he grew older, Alex’s interests didn’t diminish. Instead, he discovered a new genre of books – wuxia novels with cultivators and immortals defying the heavens. These books were filled with martial arts and magic, and he was captivated by the stories of these powerful cultivators who could control the elements and defeat their enemies with ease. He would stay up late into the night, lost in these fantastical worlds, dreaming of one day being as powerful as the characters he read about.
As Alex entered high school, he found himself more focused on the practicalities of life. He still loved reading books about fantasy worlds and adventures, but he knew that he couldn’t spend all his time lost in his imagination. As he grew up and went through puberty he grew a great deal to a height of 5′ 11″ where he pretty much stopped. With black hair and hazel eyes and a moderately handsome appearance, he didn’t encounter too many difficulties with things like bullying upon his entry to high school.
He started to make friends with a group of students who were equally focused on their futures. They were all serious about their studies, and they spent most of their time studying, attending extracurricular activities and clubs, and preparing for college applications. Alex found that he enjoyed spending time with these students, as they shared similar goals and ambitions.
However, Alex also found that his new focus on practical pursuits came at a cost. He lost touch with some of his old friends, who didn’t share his passion for academic achievement. He found that he no longer had time for the things he used to enjoy, like reading books or playing video games. He felt like he was missing out on the fun of being a teenager, but he also knew that he needed to stay focused on his future.
Alex also had a few girlfriends throughout high school, but these relationships were short-lived. He found that he didn’t have much in common with these girls, as they were often more interested in partying and socializing than in academics or career goals. He learned that he needed to be with someone who shared his values and aspirations, someone who could support him as he pursued his dreams.
Despite these challenges, Alex was able to learn important life lessons during his time in high school. He learned the value of hard work and determination, and he realized that he needed to surround himself with people who shared his goals and ambitions. He also learned that he couldn’t sacrifice everything for the sake of practicality, and that he needed to make time for the things that brought him joy.
By the time he graduated from high school, Alex felt confident in his decision to pursue a degree in business administration. He knew that it was a practical choice that would provide him with the skills and knowledge he needed to succeed in the real world. However, he also knew that he would never give up his love for fantasy and adventure, and he hoped that one day he could find a way to combine his practical skills with his imaginative spirit.
Alex’s first year at UC Irvine was an exciting time for him. He was finally able to pursue his passion for business, and he found himself surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared his interests and ambitions. He made a new group of friends who were equally as focused on their studies, but who also knew how to have fun and enjoy life outside of the classroom.
One of the people Alex met through his new social circle was Kaitlyn, a fellow business administration student who shared his passion for entrepreneurship. They hit it off immediately and began dating soon after they met at a business administration mixer. Kaitlyn was intelligent, driven, and shared many of Alex’s values, including his love for fantasy and adventure. She was also incredibly supportive of his goals and ambitions, which only strengthened their relationship.
Alex’s family was also an important part of his life. He was the only child of two hardworking parents who owned a small restaurant in Santa Monica. Although Alex’s parents were sometimes too busy to attend all of his college events, they always made time to talk with him on the phone or via video chat, and they were constantly supportive of his academic pursuits.
Despite the demands of his coursework, Alex still found time to pursue his interests outside of the classroom. He joined a campus club for fantasy and adventure enthusiasts, where he met other students who shared his love for books, video games, and role-playing games. He also took on a part-time job at a local bookstore, which gave him the opportunity to indulge his love for reading and also to meet new people.
Through all of these experiences, Alex was able to find a sense of balance in his life. He was able to pursue his academic goals while also staying connected to the things he loved. He was able to make new friends and maintain his relationships with his family and girlfriend. He knew that it wasn’t always going to be easy, but he was determined to continue on this path, pursuing his passions while also building a strong foundation for his future.
Alex’s second year at UC Irvine started off like any other. He was still juggling his classes, part-time job at the bookstore, and his social life, but he felt more confident in his ability to balance it all. He was enjoying his classes and even considering taking on an internship during the summer to gain more experience in the business world.
Alex was in his dorm room studying for an upcoming exam when his phone rang. It was his father, Alan Whitford. They exchanged pleasantries, but Alex could sense that something was off. Alan’s voice was strained, and he spoke in clipped sentences.
“Alex, I need to talk to you about something,” Alan said. “I went to the doctor the other day, and they found something.”
“What did they find?” Alex asked, concern creeping into his voice.
“I have pancreatic cancer,” Alan said, his voice breaking. “It’s advanced, and the prognosis isn’t good.”
Alex felt like he’d been punched in the gut. His mind raced with a thousand questions. How bad was it? What could they do to treat it? But he could hear the resignation in his father’s voice, and he knew the answers before he even asked.
“I’m sorry, Dad,” Alex said, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I don’t want you to worry,” Alan said. “You have your own life to live. Keep focusing on your studies like normal. The restaurant is struggling, but your mother is doing her best to keep it afloat.”
Alex could hear the strain in his father’s voice, and he knew there was more to the story. “Dad, what’s really going on?”
Alan sighed. “I don’t want to burden you with this. You have enough on your plate. I can manage things for now with your mother. I just wanted to let you know the news and hope you’ll be able to come home during spring break to visit”
Alex nods, his mind racing with worry and concern. “Of course, Dad. I’ll be home as soon as I can.”
He hangs up the phone, feeling overwhelmed by everything that’s happening. He knows he should be focusing on his studies, but he can’t seem to shake off the worry and fear that’s weighing him down.
Over the next few weeks, Alex finds it increasingly difficult to concentrate on his schoolwork. He spends his days scrolling through financial reports and sales figures for the restaurant, trying to come up with a plan to save it. But no matter how hard he tries, he can’t seem to find a solution.
One night, as he’s lying in bed, he turns to Kaitlyn and says, “I don’t know what to do. I feel like I’m failing my family by being here, so far away from them.”
Kaitlyn puts her hand on his shoulder. “Alex, you’re doing everything you can. Your family knows that. But if you feel like you need to be home with them, then maybe you should go.”
Alex looks at her, surprised. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, maybe you should take a leave of absence and go home to help out. You can always come back and finish your degree later. It’s not like you’re giving up on your future, you’re just putting it on hold for a little while.”
Alex considers her words carefully. It’s true that he’s been struggling to balance his schoolwork with his family’s needs. Maybe taking a break from school and going home is the best thing he can do right now.
The next day, Alex talks to his academic advisor and arranges to take a leave of absence for the remainder of the semester. He packs his bags and heads home to Santa Monica, determined to do everything he can to save the family restaurant.
Alex stepped off the bus and took in the familiar sights and sounds of his hometown of Santa Monica, California. The sun was setting behind him, casting a warm orange glow on the beach and the pier in the distance. The ocean breeze carried the sound of seagulls and the distant crashing of waves.
As Alex approached the restaurant, he felt a mix of emotions. On one hand, it was good to be back in Santa Monica and to see the familiar sights and sounds of his hometown. On the other hand, he was worried about the future of the restaurant and his father’s health.
The sunset painted the sky with warm oranges and pinks, making the whitewashed walls of the restaurant glow. The vertical sign was understated but elegant, with the words “Whitfords” in bold black letters against a cream background. The windows were dark, and Alex wondered if anyone was inside.
He pushed open the heavy wooden door and was greeted by the familiar scent of cooking meat and seafood. The dining area was almost empty with only a few customers seated together near the window, but Alex could hear the clatter of dishes and the sound of cooking from the kitchen in the back.
The restaurant was spacious and minimally decorated, with white tablecloths and simple silverware. The walls were adorned with black and white photos of his grandparents, who had founded the restaurant in the 1950s. Alex had grown up hearing stories of their hard work and dedication to making the restaurant a success.
Alex walked up the stairs to the second floor and approached the door to the family residence. As he pushed it open, he felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. The familiar scent of home hit him, mixed with a faint hint of his mother’s cooking. He stepped inside and set his bags down, taking in the quiet hallway.
As he walked towards the bedroom, he passed by the living room and dining room. The furniture looked old and worn, but still maintained its charm. The pictures on the walls showed the happy times of the past, with his parents and him smiling together. The pictures showing family trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios side by side with picnics at the beach and the walking along the Santa Monica pier.
Finally, he reached the bedroom where his parents were. He saw his mother sitting on a chair next to the bed, reading a book, and his father lying down, eyes closed. When he entered the room, his mother looked up and smiled, getting up from her chair.
“Alex, you’re finally home,” she said, embracing him tightly. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen you.”
Alex hugged her back, feeling the warmth of his mother’s embrace. He looked over to his father, who opened his eyes and smiled weakly.
“Son, good to have you home,” his father said. “How was the trip?”
“It was fine, Dad,” Alex replied. “But how are you feeling?”
“I’m doing alright,” his father answered, trying to sound optimistic. “Just taking it one day at a time.”
Alex could tell that his father was not doing well. His complexion was pale, and he seemed tired and weak. It was a stark contrast to the strong and robust man that Alex remembered.
Alex sat down in a chair next to his father’s bed. “So, what’s been going on with the restaurant?” he asked, trying to keep the conversation light.
Mary hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Well, it’s been tough,” she admitted. “We’re been losing money for a while now, and with your father’s condition he doesn’t have the energy to turn things around”
Alex listened to his mother’s words with growing concern. He had known that things were not going well, but he had not expected the situation to be so dire. He could see the exhaustion in her eyes and the lines on her face that had deepened since he last saw her. His father looked pale and frail in the bed, a far cry from the robust man he remembered.
“Mom, I want to help. Can you give me all the financial documents related to the restaurant and our home?” Alex asked.
Mary looked at him, surprise mingling with hope in her eyes. “Of course, Alex. I’ll gather everything for you. But are you sure you want to take this on? You have your studies to worry about.”
Alex nodded resolutely. “I’m sure, Mom. I dropped out of school to be here, and I won’t let the restaurant and our home be taken away from us. How much money do we have left in savings?”
Mary hesitated for a moment before revealing the truth. “We have only a few thousand dollars left. Your father’s medical bills have been draining us, and we haven’t been able to pay our employees on time. Some have even quit because of it.”
Alex’s heart sank at the news. He had not realized how bad things were. He thanked his mother for the information and promised to go over everything and come up with a plan to save the restaurant and their home.
“I’ll do my best, Mom,” he said, as he hugged her and his father. “I won’t let you down.”
