Strangers in The Night That Change The Life

A Short Story –

Adam sat alone beside a small kebab stand on the side of the city street at night. In his right hand, he held a blackened, grilled meat kebab. In his left, a soda. Slowly, he savored every bite.

“Thank you, God… this is so delicious,” he said spontaneously.

“I’m glad you like it,” replied the kebab seller.

“I really do. Thank you,” Adam answered with a smile.

He continued chewing the half that remained, not rushing — as if he wanted to prolong the joy of every bite.

Not long after, an elderly man, perhaps around sixty, arrived with a small child by his side, no more than six years old. Both were dressed in worn-out clothes. Their interaction suggested they were grandfather and grandson, looking for something to eat.

“Do you want this?” the grandfather asked softly.

“Yes, Grandpa… but do we have enough money?” the boy asked innocently.

The old man turned to the price board beside the stall.
$12.

“It seems enough,” he said, searching through his pockets. A look of relief spread across his face when he counted just enough, including a few coins.

He ordered one kebab and stepped aside to wait.

Adam, who had been watching them, suddenly stood and leaned close to the vendor.

“Give them four large kebabs. I’ll pay,” Adam whispered, not wanting anyone to hear. He quickly handed over the cash.

“You’re very kind,” the vendor replied softly, taking the money.

Adam didn’t wait for thanks. He left quietly, walking toward the city park — dark and deserted under the bright full moon. With his hands in his jacket pockets, he gazed upward.

“Beautiful,” he murmured.

But suddenly, pain pierced his right side.
He looked down — a knife was buried in his stomach.

His joy shattered. His heart raced. Breath shortened. Adrenaline flooded his body.
And then… everything went black.

…

Slowly, his eyes opened again. White ceiling. Harsh lights. Blue curtains around him. A woman in white stood by his side, shining a small flashlight into his eyes.

“Where… am I?” Adam asked.

“You’re in the emergency room at Saint Jose Hospital,” the doctor replied.

“What… happened to me?” His voice was weak.

“You were stabbed in the right side of your abdomen. And it seems you were struck on the back of your head as well,” the doctor explained, still checking his condition.

“But you’re stable now. You were lucky you got here quickly.”

“Who… brought me here?” Adam asked, confusion in his eyes.

“An ambulance, of course. But I heard an old man and a young boy were the ones who reported what happened to you. They were apparently the closest people nearby.”

The doctor added, “That park is usually deserted at night. You’re lucky someone happened to pass by.”

Adam’s thoughts turned sharply.
An old man… and a small boy?

“Could it be… the same ones I bought kebabs for?” he wondered, his head still aching, his body too weak to move.

Then, his father’s words echoed in his mind:

“What you sow… is what you reap.”

…