The Runt

He walked with the older man, struggling to keep up with his long strides. 

Looking at the younger man through this spectacles, he did feel a tiny bit sorry for the runt. His tiny feet must be hurting and his lungs must feel like exploding... He was panting really hard. 

He slowed down, allowing the runt to catch up. He could feel the gratitude emanating from him, but he didn't want it. 

'So what do you want, runt?', he asked, keeping his tone rough. It was intentional and he liked it when there was distance between him and people. 

'Sir, I need a job at your firm', the runt said. Sir only laughed. The runt did not seem to be understand what the funny thing was, his face dead serious. 

'What job do you think you can do?' 
'I'm willing to take the job of managing your firm.' 

He was shocked, but it soon turned to mirth. The face of the runt did not change, his brave face standing strong under the merciless laugh of Sir. 

He stopped laughing when he understood that he wasn't joking. 

'What makes you qualified for a job that high up?'

'Nothing in particular... I'm educated and driven. I know I can do it.', he said, his face lighting up with enthusiasm. 'Also, my dad tells me all the time, "The Mind of a young man is like a block of marble. All it needs is a good sculptor to carve the statue out.' 

He looked at the runt when he said those words. He remembered a young man, who he had befriended a long time ago, in a distant land. His voice echoed in his ears when the runt said those words. 
Turning away to hide the tears in his eyes, he asked, 'Your father sounds wise. What is his name?'

'Ram' the runt replied. 

He didn't turn, lest the runt see the emotions in his face. 

His face in the dark, he told the runt, ' You join tomorrow. Ask for me and come to my office. And dress up well. You're going to be my assistant.' 

The runt seemed overjoyed, running to hug Sir. He didn't expect any reaction, but was pleasantly surprised when an arm extended around his torso. 

Extracting himself, the Runt bid bye to Sir and went on his way, wondering what had changed his mind.