On target

Two sides of coin

Aiden gets into his car and drives to the school where he works as a teacher. When he gets there, he interacts with some of his coworkers, striking up a casual conversation with teacher Ally, who teaches in the classroom next to his.

Aiden: "Good morning, Ally! How was your weekend?"

Ally: "Good morning, Aiden! It was great, thank you. I spent Saturday at the beach with my family. And yours?"

Aiden: "Oh, I had a good weekend too. I stayed at home, relaxing and doing some reading. Sometimes it's nice to have some quiet time."

As they talk, Aiden notices something in the distance, in the corridor behind Professor Ally. Two students are humiliating a pupil called Jachson, who has learning difficulties. Aiden feels his heart tighten at the sight of the boy being bullied because he knows how challenging it can be for a pupil with difficulties to keep up with others. Aiden interrupts the conversation with Ally, his expression serious and determined.

Aiden: "Ally, I'm sorry, but I think I need to deal with a situation in the corridor. I'll talk to you later."

He walks away quickly, determined to intervene and protect Jackson from bullying, remembering how important it is to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their difficulties. Aiden approaches the two students who are humiliating Jackson, his serious expression and steely eyes showing his determination. He grabs their attention in a forceful and reprimanding manner.

Aiden: "Stop this immediately!"

The students turn to face Aiden, surprised and a little afraid of his firm tone. However, his reputation as a direct and firm teacher is well-known in the school, and they don't dare to challenge him directly.

Aiden: "Bullying is not tolerated in this school, and all students deserve respect. You are here to learn and grow as individuals. What you are doing is unacceptable."

Aiden's reprimand is direct and forceful, but also polite. He makes it clear that he will not accept harmful behavior and that school is a place where everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. The students, although afraid of his cold and direct words, realize that he is protecting a vulnerable student and step back, recognizing that Aiden is someone who takes his role as a teacher and student advocate seriously.

Aiden, after reprimanding the students who were humiliating Jackson, accompanies the student to his classroom. He keeps the conversation brief but friendly, trying to calm Jachson down and show him support.

Aiden: "Jackson, you don't have to worry about those girls. Remember, you're a brave and determined student. Keep working hard, and don't let anything stop you from achieving your goals."

Jackson nods gratefully, a shy smile on his face, thanking the teacher for his intervention. Aiden then heads off to his classroom, where he teaches philosophy. He chooses a particular topic for the day's lesson: goodness and evil. While giving his lesson, Aiden gives an indirect speech on the moral issue that permeates his double life.

Aiden: "Philosophy teaches us that we all carry an inherent duality, the ability to do good and evil. It's a choice we make, and the consequences of our actions shape the world around us. Sometimes we are faced with difficult situations, whether it's just choices like whether to take the most expensive and tastiest bread or the cheapest and driest... or even deciding the course of one life directly affecting others."

Aiden goes on to address the complexities of morality and justice, without directly revealing his inner conflict.

Aiden: "Each of us has a responsibility to choose the path we will follow, remembering that kindness and compassion are powerful forces for change in a world often dominated by evil. We need to be conscious of our actions and the impact they have on the lives of others."

Aiden's speech is loaded with personal meaning, an indirect expression of his moral dilemma and the duality of his existence. While his students absorb the lessons of philosophy, Aiden also reflects on his journey and the choices he has made in his solitary life.

As Aiden continues his lesson on goodness and evil, one of the students, Lucas, raises his hand with a serious expression.

Lucas: "Professor, I understand what you're saying about choosing the path of good and evil, but sometimes it seems that evil prevails. Innocent people die in wars, and there are murderers out there who kill for no apparent reason. It's as if evil itself is personified in some people."

Lucas's gaze subtly turns to Aiden, who notices the implicit reference to the famous "Shadow", his nickname as a sniper.

Aiden: "Lucas, you've touched on an important point. History is full of examples of violence and destruction. The idea of 'evil personified' is intriguing, but we should remember that most of the time, people are influenced by circumstances, choices, and experiences in their lives."

Lucas: "But, Professor, the 'Shadow'... He mercilessly eliminates people, often innocent people. How can we think that this monster is or ever was a human, recently he killed a father in front of his 12-year-old daughter, to me that's pure evil."

Aiden, keeping his cool and composure, replies to Lucas.

Aiden: "Lucas, it's important to remember that a person's actions don't always reflect who they are completely. Sometimes what we do is a response to extreme situations or a cruel world. However, judging whether these actions are justifiable or not is a moral dilemma that we must all face."

Aiden's response is thoughtful, emphasizing the complexity of morality and the need to consider the circumstances that shape people's choices. The classroom falls silent, and reflection hangs in the air as the students ponder the moral and ethical issues discussed in class.

The classroom is filled with the soft voice of Professor Aiden as he shares with the students the importance of philosophy. His eyes express dedication, and his gestures show enthusiasm as he highlights philosophy's ability to challenge conventional understanding.Aiden distributes the materials in the class manual, indicating with gestures where the students should find the necessary information. He assigns tasks to the class, pointing to the items that need to be completed and emphasizing the importance of thinking critically.The students, watching the teacher carefully, receive their assignments and get to work. Aiden follows their progress, walking around the room and observing their commitment.While his students work on their assignments, Aiden is pleased to see their dedication to exploring philosophy and questioning the world around them. 

He feels momentarily detached from his double life and the loneliness that accompanies it, finding a sense of purpose and joy in the act of teaching. It is a brief moment of escape from his dark past, where he can believe that he is making a difference and preventing others from following the path he himself once trod.

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After school, Aiden packs up his things in his classroom, ready to leave. He prepares to leave, but something catches his eye. The same young woman who had been mistaken for his home earlier is standing outside the school, accompanied by a well-known lawyer whose resemblance leaves little doubt that they are related. Aiden watches discreetly from his living room window as the two get into a sleek black Mercedes and drive off. The lawyer's face looks familiar, although Aiden can't immediately identify him.

The situation leaves Aiden with a flea behind his ear. He wonders about the connection between the young woman, who had previously mistaken him for someone else, and the mysterious lawyer. Curiosity prompts him to investigate further, as the lawyer's face evokes old memories that Aiden can't ignore.

Aiden, while in his car, receives a call from Burok. He immediately recognizes the excuse of drinking old wine from the cellar as a code they use to indicate that a new mission has arrived and that it's time to meet. Aiden answers the call and, keeping his voice calm and controlled replies to Burok: "Sure, I'll meet you soon."He understands that it's time to go back to wearing his empty, expressionless mask. The mission that awaits them will bring new challenges and moral dilemmas for Aiden, and he is ready to face them once again, remembering that, despite his double life, he seeks justice in the dark world in which he operates.

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