Empathy Over Duty

"Come, take a seat, young man," the old man said, motioning to Ivan, who had been standing by the side, watching the conversation.

Ivan hesitated for a moment, but then walked over and sat down in the empty chair next to Bridges. The old man smiled at him, and Ivan felt a sense of calm wash over him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Ivan said, bowing his head slightly in respect.

The old man chuckled. "No need for formalities here," he said. “What's your own story?” He asked Ivan.

Ivan took a deep breath and began to speak. "I grew up in a small village on the outskirts of London," he said. "My father was a farmer, and my mother worked at the local market. We were not rich, but we were content."

He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "When I was a young boy, my father was injured in an accident on the farm. He could no longer work, and our family fell on hard times. It was a difficult time, and my dad died making everything wo