Dreams Can Come True

100. Getting to know you

As I sat at the table, I saw Jacob hesitate at the door of my apartment. His reluctance was palpable, but I knew I couldn't let him just leave. With an encouraging smile, I gestured towards the plate I had served for him and signaled for him to take a seat. Hesitantly, he finally took a step forward and sat down at the table, his eyes waiting on me.
The atmosphere between us seemed to soften slowly as we began to eat. I tried to keep the conversation light, asking Jacob about his experiences with the boys from Tokio Hotel.
Jacob leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing on his lips as he began to recount. He shared a funny anecdote about a time when he and the boys got stuck in an abandoned studio after a long recording session. As he described their attempts to find a way out of the studio, I couldn't help but laugh. His vivid description brought the whole scene to life, as if I had been there myself.
As memories of their adventures floated through the kitchen, I felt the tension ease from Jacob's face. His eyes lit up with genuine joy as he spoke about the band, as if he could momentarily set aside his worries and enjoy the moment. I noticed his shoulders relaxing and his smile widening as he shared more stories.

He began to recount his first meeting with the boys from Tokio Hotel, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "When I first started this assignment," he began, letting his gaze drift to the window, "I thought it would just be temporary. A young band, four boys, how long could it last?"
His voice carried a hint of nostalgia as he continued. He recalled how initially skeptical he was about the band's success. But when he met the boys and saw how genuine their friendship was, he began to doubt his judgment. "It was during those initial meetings that I realized there was something special," he continued, his voice filled with admiration. "Their friendship was real, their passion for music undeniable. That's when I knew this band would be hugely successful."
As he spoke, a glimmer of pride seemed to shine through in Jacob's eyes. He remembered the moments of camaraderie, the long hours in the studio, and the boys' tireless dedication to their music. "They worked so hard," Jacob said, his voice full of awe. "They never gave up, even when things got tough. Their determination was admirable."
Slowly, the room began to fade as Jacob lost himself in his memories. He talked about the highlights of their career, the exciting tours, and the adrenaline of performing for large crowds. His words were infused with genuine admiration for the boys and their accomplishments. "I never thought I'd be involved in this for so long," he said, a hint of astonishment in his voice.
As the conversation deepened, I cautiously broached the subject of Jacob's feelings about his job as a security guard. "Jacob," I began in a gentle tone, my voice filled with curiosity, "how did you actually end up in this job?"
I saw Jacob hold his breath, as if my question stirred up memories he would rather forget. His face contorted briefly in a painful grimace before he began to speak, his voice soft and broken with emotion.
"It's a long story," he began, his words slow and deliberate. "But it boils down to me having to move to Germany out of necessity to find work. My wife and children stayed behind in my home country, and I knew I would have to sacrifice everything to support them."
His voice trembled as he mentioned his family, his eyes misty with held-back tears. I felt a pang of empathy in my heart hearing his story, knowing how difficult it must have been to be so far from his loved ones.
"It was a tough time," Jacob continued, his voice weaker than before. "But then David crossed my path, and he offered me a job as a security guard for Tokio Hotel. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up, knowing it would give me the chance to financially support my family, even from afar."
At the mention of David's name, a shiver ran down my spine, remembering the man's dark reputation. But at the same time, I also felt a spark of admiration for Jacob, knowing he did everything he could to support his loved ones, even if it meant working for someone like David.
His words touched me deeply, and I felt a lump in my throat as I heard his story. It was heartbreaking to hear how he had to leave his family behind to work on the other side of the world, and my heart went out to him and his loved ones.
"I can't imagine how difficult that must have been," I whispered, my voice filled with empathy. "But know that you're not alone, Jacob. We're here to support you, no matter what happens. And I sincerely hope that one day you'll have saved enough to bring your family here."
His eyes met mine, and I saw a glimpse of gratitude in his gaze. For a moment, there was a silence between us, filled with a sense of connection and understanding.
After the candid conversation with Jacob, a weight seemed to lift off my shoulders. Despite the heaviness of his story, I felt relieved that he had been able to open up and that we had gotten to know each other better.
Eventually, the time came to say goodbye. Jacob stood up from the table, his smile radiant in the soft light of the kitchen lamps. "Thank you for the wonderful evening, Elise," he said with genuine appreciation in his voice. "I appreciate your hospitality and your listening ear."
I smiled back at him, grateful for the time we had spent together. "It was my pleasure, Jacob," I replied sincerely. "You're always welcome here."