Chapter — Harman's Offer
The next morning, Gorth woke up early. Berry was already dressed for school, stuffing his books into his bag with that usual slow, sleepy energy.
"Bro, you look half-dead," Gorth joked while brushing his teeth.
Berry yawned, "School is literally pain. But whatever… see you later."
They fist-bumped and Berry walked out.
Gorth stayed behind. He wasn't going to school yet — he wanted to finish fixing the broken shelf in the living room. The thing had been leaning weirdly for weeks, and he kept saying he'd fix it "tomorrow." Today finally felt like that tomorrow. He grabbed a screwdriver, some screws, and got busy tightening and adjusting the wood.
Halfway through, a sudden knock echoed through the house.
Berry back? Or maybe Kenny?
He wiped dust off his hands and walked to the door.
When he opened it, his heart skipped — the man from the coffee shop stood there. Same serious face. Same clean clothes. Same calm eyes.
"Morning," the man said politely. "Name's Harman Andy. But just call me Harman."
"You again?" Gorth asked, confused. "Uh… hi."
Harman gave a small respectful nod.
"I've been watching you for a long time, Gorth," he said calmly. "At this point, I know quite a bit about you."
Gorth stiffened. "Watching me for what?"
"For recruitment," Harman answered. "You're a decent fighter. I once saw you beat those thugs who tried robbing you near the taxi rank."
Gorth swallowed a little. "So… what do you want from me exactly?"
Harman breathed in deeply — the first sign of emotion he'd shown so far.
"I'll come clean," he said. "My daughter was kidnapped. Some thugs with history against me took her. And yes, I can take her back anytime I want."
His eyes hardened. "But I'm done playing their game. I'm building my own mob. Strong men. Fighters. People with potential like you."
Gorth blinked. "Your own… mob?"
"Yes. And before you panic — it's not some crazy war. I just need to test my recruits. After the mission, each of you will be paid R20,000, and you're free to leave and live your life."
He pointed at Gorth.
"But if you choose to stay, you'll live like a king. No poverty. No stress."
Gorth stayed silent, processing.
Harman continued, "I already recruited thirty-four people. You're the second last. After you, it's one more guy. I've watched everyone. I know who can handle themselves."
"And what if I die?" Gorth asked quietly. "I can't leave my little brother in this world alone."
Harman shook his head. "You won't die. It's a normal street fight. You will bleed, maybe take some bruises… but you're strong enough."
He added, "And twenty thousand doesn't fall from the sky."
Their conversation:
Gorth: "I don't know, man… I'm not scared for myself. I'm scared for Berry."
Harman: "Then fight for him. You want money? You want a better life? This is an opportunity people pray for."
Gorth: "But you're basically asking me to join a gang."
Harman: "A gang? No. A structured group. A brotherhood. With rules. With purpose. And you only join fully if you choose to. The job comes first."
Gorth looked down, rubbing his hands.
"I… I need the money," he muttered. "Berry needs it. I'm tired of struggling. I'm tired of acting strong all the time. R20,000 could help me fix so much for him."
Harman listened silently as Gorth finally monologued:
"I want a better uniform for him. Better food. Better living. Better everything. I'm tired of watching him pretend he's okay when he's not. I just want to be the brother he deserves."
He inhaled deeply.
"I'm in," he said.
Harman smiled faintly. "Good."
He turned to leave but paused at the gate.
"Oh — we move Saturday," he said. "You have one week to train. Best of luck, Gorth, and also we are meeting at Maranie's ground, you know where that is yes? Make sure u prepare yourself."
He walked to the waiting Uber. Before stepping in, he raised his fist toward Gorth — a silent salute.
✊
Then he left.
THE WEEK
Gorth went to school like nothing happened. His head was heavy, but he held it together.
After school, he worked at Mr. Brown's spaza as usual. Money came in slowly, painfully, but he stayed focused.
Monday passed.
Tuesday passed.
Wednesday flew.
He never told anyone about Harman.
Not Kenny.
Not Nerth.
Not Sernny.
This was his problem. His responsibility.
By Wednesday afternoon, he skipped work and trained instead — push-ups, sprinting, shadow boxing, knuckle push-ups on concrete, everything.
Thursday, he skipped work again. Mr. Brown called him twice.
He ignored both calls.
He trained harder than ever before.
And on Friday, he acted completely normal.
The boys saw him at school.
Kenny: "Yo Gorth! Later we're going to the square, you coming?"
Gorth: "Nah, not today."
Nerth: "You sure? You look tired, bro."
Gorth: "I'm fine. Just leave me today."
They exchanged worried glances.
Sernny: "Bro… you good?"
Gorth: "I said I'm fine, man. Just let me chill."
They backed off, confused but respecting him.
That night, Gorth went home, showered, made food for Berry, cleaned up, checked his phone one last time…
Then at 7 PM sharp, he climbed onto his bed.
His heart was loud.
His stomach was heavy.
His mind was racing.
Tomorrow, his life would change.
He didn't know if for better… or worse.
But he was ready.
He closed his eyes.
And slept.
The next morning, Gorth woke at 6:00 AM sharp.
The room was still dark.
Berry was asleep.
Everything felt too quiet.
Gorth stood, washed his face, brushed his teeth, and poured cold water over his body to wake himself. Then he put on clothes that allowed full movement — loose joggers, a flexible top, and shoes good for running.
As he tied his shoelaces, he stopped…
Then he whispered to himself:
Gorth's monologue about his master (long, emotional, detailed)
"…Master… I wish you were here."
He sat on the bed and looked at his hands.
"You always told me that one day… the world would force me to use the strength you made me build. Not for glory. Not for pride. But… survival."
He remembered standing barefoot on dusty ground, years ago, as his old martial arts teacher corrected his stance. He remembered the smell of old sweat, old mats, and chalk dust.
He remembered the man's voice:
'Power comes from responsibility, not rage.'
'A strong man protects weaker people.'
'And strength — true strength — will always cost you something.'
He remembered the last day the master left him:
"…Before you died, you always said I'd save someone important one day. But right now… I'm just trying to save myself and Berry. I miss you, master. I really do. I wish I could ask you what to do. I don't know if joining Harman is right. But the money…"
He stood up.
"…the money is everything right now."
His heart felt heavy. But he p ushed it down.
He ate enough to have energy — bread, leftovers, and cold water.
Then he left the house.