Beside her, Mr. Kesler walked slowly but steadily. His wooden cane tapped against the ceramic floor of the lobby with a regular rhythm. Their contrasting appearance drew the attention of a few people. Stella, a young woman with a puffy face and simple clothes, walked alongside an old man whose clothes looked worn and out of place in such an elegant government building.
Upon reaching the reception desk, Stella stopped. She felt uncomfortable dragging this man she had just met into the embarrassing drama of her marriage. To her, Mr. Kesler had already been too kind by walking with her from the bus. music, sir. Thank you so much for accompanying me this far,” Stella said softly, turning to face Mr. Kesler. “If you have other business to attend to, please go ahead. I don’t want to trouble you by having you wait for my hearing, which might take a long time. Besides, the atmosphere here isn’t very pleasant for an older person.”
Mr. Kesler smiled slightly. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes crinkled kindly. He didn’t move an inch from his spot. Stella, an old man like me, has plenty of free time. It’s lonely at home with no one to talk to. Besides, it’s hot outside. It’s cool and airond conditioned in here. Let me just sit in the waiting area for a while. It’ll give my legs a rest.
Stella looked at the old man doubtfully. But, sir, when my husband arrives, I’m afraid he might speak rudely. I don’t want you to be offended or yelled at as well. My husband can be a bit short-tempered when he doesn’t get his way.
Mr. Kesler’s face became a little more serious, though his smile hadn’t completely disappeared. He gently patted the back of Stella’s hand. That’s precisely why I want to be here. I want to see for myself what kind of man would dare to waste a woman as polite and good as you. Don’t worry about me. This old man has seen a lot in his life. The shouting of a young man isn’t going to give me a heart attack.
Hearing Mr. Kesler address her so respectfully touched Stella’s heart. There was a sincere respect in the way he spoke to her, something that had long vanished from Gab’s lips. Stella finally nodded in resignation, but inside she felt relieved. Honestly, she was afraid to face Gabe alone. Mr. Kesler’s presence, even as just a stranger sitting silently, gave her a bit of security. It felt like being accompanied by a father ready to defend his daughter.
“All right, then, sir. Let’s sit in the waiting area over there,” Stella invited. They walked toward the row of waiting chairs lined up in the corridor leading to the main hearing room. Some people looked at them with questioning expressions. A security guard even eyed Mister Kesler suspiciously because his appearance was considered unckempt. However, Mr. Kesler walked with his chin up, indifferent to the dismissive looks from others. He had a strange self-confidence, as if this building were his own home.
As they sat down, Stella kept fidgeting with the hem of her dress. Her eyes darted around anxiously, searching for Gabe. The fear was still there. The image of Gabe arriving in his designer suit with his overpowering cologne and hurtful words made Stella’s stomach churn. “Stay calm, my dear,” Mr. Kesler whispered from his seat beside her. He seemed to be able to sense the anxious turmoil in Stella’s chest. “Take a deep breath. Don’t let him see you tremble. If you look weak, it will only make him feel more victorious.”
Stella followed his advice. She took a deep breath, trying to control her racing heart. Did you ever go through something like this before? Stella asked quietly, trying to distract herself with conversation.
Mr. Kesler gazed into the distance, contemplating the painting of the scales of justice on the opposite wall. I’ve seen thousands of people cry in buildings like this, my dear. I’ve seen some cry with regret, some with pain, and some with joy at being freed from suffering. Divorce is certainly painful, but sometimes it’s the gateway to true happiness. God breaks your heart today, perhaps to save your soul in the future.
Those wise words once again penetrated deep into Stella’s soul. She felt that the old man beside her was no ordinary person. His way of speaking was too refined for just a regular bus passenger. But Stella didn’t dare ask more about who Mr. Kesler really was. For her, it was enough that Mr. Kesler was her guardian angel today.
Case number A15. The petitioner and respondent. Please prepare. The voice from the loudspeaker echoed down the corridor. Stella flinched. That wasn’t her case number, but the voice reminded her that her hearing time was drawing closer. She glanced at the wall clock. It was almost 9:00 a.m. Gabe should have arrived by now.
Suddenly, music from the direction of the main entrance came the sound of dress shoes clicking sharply on the floor. Steps full of confidence and arrogance. Stella knew that sound all too well. Her body instantly tensed. He’s here. Stella whispered softly. Her face turned pale.
Mr. Kesler also turned to where Stella was looking. There, striding in, was a handsome but arrogant young man dressed in a well-pressed designer suit, a crisp white shirt, music, and a silk tie. Behind him walked another man carrying a thick briefcase of documents, apparently his lawyer. Gabe arrived with the air of a king, music. He didn’t look left or right. His gaze was fixed straight ahead, as if everyone in the room should move aside for him. The aura of arrogance was thick, emanating from him.
Mr. Kesler narrowed his eyes, staring intently at Gab’s approaching figure. His old hand gripped the head of his wooden cane tighter, not out of fear, but to contain his anger at the attitude of this young man who thought he was so powerful. “So that’s the guy,” Mr. Kesler thought. “Let’s see how high he can fly before his wings get clipped.”
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