Justin Kojok

Prologue

Midnight's Echo

The city's skyscrapers loomed above like silent sentinels, watching the labyrinth below. Rain slanted against the vast canvas of the town as though trying to wash away its sins, leaving the streets shimmering under neon lights. Only the rhythmic drumming of water against metal and concrete interrupted the familiar hum of the urban jungle.

Amidst the symphony of rainfall, John sat in his recently purchased black SUV, its chrome accents reflecting the kaleidoscope of colors from the street. Inside the car, time seemed to stand still. He was a tall figure, once robust but now slightly slimmed from the weight of memories.

His fingers danced over a worn leather wallet, almost instinctively flipping it open. Two photographs greeted him. On the left, a younger version of himself stood with shoulders back, freshly minted lawyer's degree in hand, and the world at his feet. To the right was a stark contrast—a battle-hardened John, eyes no longer naively optimistic but bearing the deep-set lines of wisdom and, perhaps, regret.

Each photograph told a story. The juxtaposition of these images, only two decades apart, spoke volumes of a journey that had taken him from the towering marble pillars of courtrooms to the leather confines of a black SUV he uses for Laafia gig.

The wallet snapped shut, but John's gaze remained distant. His memories trailed back to impassioned arguments in court, the deafening applause following a triumphant verdict, and the crushing silence of a lost case. However, more than anything, they rested on those moments outside the courtroom, where life's realities were starker and rawer than any legal drama.

As if on cue, a broken figure emerged from the curtain of rain. Dinbian, soaked to the bone, seemed to drift rather than walk, her eyes a whirlpool of emotions. John recognized that look—the look of someone who had trusted the world and had been betrayed.

Without a word, he unlocked the passenger door. Hesitating just for a breath, Dinbian clambered in, seeking refuge from the rain and life's upheavals.

The car's interior offered an apposition of its own—the cold exterior world of uncertainty against the car's warm cocoon of safety. As they drove through the streets, the city's tales seemed to unfurl before them: a young couple laughing under an awning, a homeless man sharing his umbrella with a stray dog, and teenagers dancing in the rain. Every corner held a story.

In addition, it was here, amidst the city's heartbeat, that John found his purpose. No longer defined by legal statutes or courtroom dramas, he sought justice and truth in the tales of those he ferried, helping them find their way in a city that offer hope and despair.

Tonight marked the beginning of a chapter not of legal victories but of human connections. As the car's engine purred, cutting through the rain-soaked streets, John's new journey commenced—a Laafia rideshare driver ferrying one passenger, one story at a time.

1. Dual Highways

The morning light streamed into the grand courtroom, reflecting off the polished wooden desks and casting long, imposing shadows on the marble floor. The walls echoed with hushed conversations as lawyers adjusted their ties, sifted through papers, and prepared for the day's battles.

In the center, the plaintiff's table was laden with files, folders, and legal documents. However, a figure unmistakable and distinguished stood amidst the sea of black and grey suits: John Sanbian.

John's sharp eyes scanned the room, pausing briefly to acknowledge familiar faces. With a broad-shouldered frame, John carried an aura of authority, amplified by years of commanding courtroom audiences.

Mitchell, his longtime adversary, approached. "Sanbian, another dance?"

John smirked, "You know it, Mitch. May the best lawyer win!"

A junior attorney from John's firm hurried over, clutching a brief. "Mr. Sanbian, I've double-checked the deposition, and I believe-"

"Relax, Peter," John interrupted gently, "we're prepared. Remember, it's not just about the facts; it's about telling a story."

As the room continued to fill, the audience's murmur grew louder. The prominent legal journalists were sitting at the back; the flash from a camera punctuated the scene. All were waiting for the eminent Judge Ramirez, known for her stern demeanor and no-nonsense approach.

Outside, New York City hummed its usual morning symphony. Taxis honked, the distant buzz of a subway could be felt, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted from the deli downstairs.

"Extra! Extra!" yelled a newspaper boy on the corner, waving the morning's headline.

On the courtroom's periphery stood Anthony, a middle-aged police officer who had seen John in action many times. He leaned over to his younger colleague, whispering, "Watch Sanbian. He's a master."

The younger officer, Lucy, glanced at John. "He's the one who handled the Jasua case, right?"

Anthony nodded, "And won. Against all odds."

The clock struck ten, and a sudden silence enveloped the room as Judge Ramirez entered. "Order in the court," her voice resonated, silencing any remaining whispers.

John rose, papers in hand, ready to deliver his opening statement. However, even as he spoke, his mind wandered briefly to the streets outside, where life unfolded in myriad shades.

On the corner of 5th Avenue, Maria, a hot dog vendor, was busy getting ready for the lunchtime crowd. Maria had served John countless times, and they often shared snippets of their lives. She remembered John's tales about his father, an immigrant taxi driver. She remembered John tell her how his father would weave stories of his passengers that encapsulated the spirit of New York.

At a nearby café, a group of law students huddled around a table, textbooks sprawled out. Emily, a bright-eyed young woman, looked up from her notes, her attention captured by the courtroom's grandeur. "That's where I want to be one day," she whispered to her friend.

Inside, as John presented his case, weaving a narrative that was as compelling as it was precise, those present couldn't help but be drawn in. Even Mitchell, accustomed to John's prowess, found himself silently admiring his opponent.

Yet, amidst the legal jargon and testimonies, John's gaze often flitted to the window, catching glimpses of the city's rhythm. A rhythm he felt increasingly drawn to, a rhythm that was calling him back to the streets.

Lunch recess provided a brief escape. John found himself at Maria's stand, the aroma of grilled onions grounding him.

"Your usual, Mr. Sanbian?" Maria asked, her eyes crinkling with warmth.

John nodded, "And how's your son? Have you started college yet?"

Maria beamed, "Yes, thanks to you. That scholarship made all the difference."

John's heart swelled, reminded of why he'd chosen law in the first place: To make a difference. But lately, the confines of the courtroom felt stifling.

As the day wore on, John's arguments were met with nods of agreement from the jury. His articulate delivery and undeniable charisma were a force to reckon with. Now, there was no doubt that John Sanbian was on the path to another victory.

But as he packed up his briefcase, his thoughts were elsewhere. The din of the city beckoned him. The allure of unknown roads, unknown stories, and the hum of life outside the courtroom walls tugged at his soul.

Driving home that evening, the city's skyline illuminated by the golden hues of sunset, John felt a pull—a pull towards the less traveled roads and a destiny waiting just around the corner.

John's sleek car made its way down familiar streets, each turn evoking memories. As he drove, the lit-up billboards, colorful graffiti, and the diverse array of pedestrians painted a vibrant tableau of New York City.

A young musician played a soulful tune on his saxophone, the notes mingling with the evening air, touching the hearts of those who stopped to listen. Nearby, a group of teenagers laughed boisterously; their energy and enthusiasm were infectious.

But as he stopped at a traffic light, a familiar sight caught John's eye. It was the old garage where he'd learned to drive. Memories flooded back: his father beside him, guiding him, teaching him not how to go but to navigate life's winding roads. Those were simpler times, filled with dreams and aspirations. Times when the journey was more important than the destination.

A soft horn jolted John back to the present. The light had turned green. But instead of heading straight home, John took a detour.

He drove to Brooklyn Bridge Park, a place of solace for him. Parking his car, he stepped out, the gentle breeze carrying scents of the East River. The city's skyline stretched before him, a witness to human ambition and dreams.

As he walked along the promenade, the sounds of laughter and music filled the air. A couple danced to a busker's song, their movements fluid, lost in each other and the music.

Sitting on a bench, John was approached by an old friend, Kinam, a fellow lawyer who had left the profession to run a food truck.

"John? Is that you? It's been ages!" Kinam exclaimed.

John smiled, "Hey, Kinam! How's the food truck business?"

"Thriving!" Kinam beamed, pointing to his truck nearby, adorned with colorful lights and a line of eager customers. "You know, leaving law was the best decision I ever made. Every day's a new adventure."

John looked at him, a hint of envy in his eyes, "Sometimes, I wonder if I'm on the right path."

Kinam, sensing his friend's turmoil, sat down next to him. "Do you remember our college days.? The late night debates, the dreams of changing the world. We all had a path to follow. But sometimes, John, we need to build our own road."

John looked out at the city, its lights shimmering on the water. "It's just… I feel disconnected. There's a whole world out there, and I'm just skimming the surface."

Kinam put an arm around him, "It's never too late to dive in."

The two sat silently, the city's rhythm providing a comforting backdrop. The distant buzz of a ferry, the laughter of children chasing after a runaway ball, and the soft strumming of a guitarist added to the symphony.

Kinam finally stood up, "Come by the truck. On the house. And remember, John, sometimes all we need is a change in perspective."

John watched him go, his words echoing in his mind. As the night deepened, the city seemed to come alive in a new way. And for the first time in years, John felt alive too.

His drive back home was reflective. The city seemed different. Each street, each alley, had a story to tell. And John felt an urge to be part of those stories.

Arriving home, his wife, Lila, greeted him with a worried look. "You're late. Everything okay?"

John pulled her close, "I think I'm on the verge of something new, Lila. A new chapter."

Lila looked up at him, her eyes searching his, "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

And as they stood in their cozy living room, the sounds of the city filtering in, John Sanbian felt a renewed sense of purpose. A journey awaited him, and he was ready.

John Sanbian. John is a paragon of determination, a witness to the dreams and ambitions of the immigrants' children born before him. Born to a resilient immigrant father, Sanbian, John's earliest memories are interwoven with the hum of a taxi engine and the endless tales of diverse passengers. Each night, after long hours on the city streets, Sanbian would regale young John with stories that spanned continents and cultures, painting vivid embroidery of human experience and ambition. In these formative years, nestled in the backseat of the taxi, John's passion for advocacy and justice was ignited.

John's mother, Poojing, was a dedicated home health worker. She epitomized grace under pressure. The quiet resilience with which she approached her vocation was a masterclass in empathy and compassion. Her tales of patient care, alleviating pain, and offering comfort in the most trying times further fortified John's conviction in pursuing justice. Her unwavering spirit resonated with a message: that care, understanding, and commitment can bridge the most challenging divides.

This family ethos of unyielding commitment was mirrored in John's sister, Mokdam. Drawn to the medical profession, she became a beacon of hope in the corridors of healthcare. As a physician, her life's mission echoed their shared upbringing — to serve, heal, and make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Their professional stories, though distinct, were underpinned by a shared foundational principle: the ethos of service. In the legal courts, John championed the voices that often went unheard, striving to ensure justice was not just a theoretical ideal but also a tangible reality. Similarly, Mokdam's medical acumen brought solace and healing in sterile hospital rooms.

Together, John and Mokdam are figurative of their parents' sacrifices, seamlessly integrating their rich heritage with the values of their homeland. Their journeys are an eloquent witness to the infinite potential that arises when ambition, grounded in humility and service, intersects with opportunity. In their professional achievements, one can discern a reflection of the indomitable spirit of the American dream.

The next day. The hum of John's luxury sedan was subdued, almost a gentle purr, as it glided down the avenues of New York. He relished the feeling of the steering wheel beneath his fingers, the vibrations of the city streets beneath the wheels echoing the heartbeat of the city he called home.

Driving was one of the few times John felt genuinely present, a sharp contrast to his days spent buried in legal briefs or standing before a judge, his mind constantly juggling facts, strategies, and implications.

As he drove, the day's court proceedings played in his mind. He had won, as he usually did, but the joy of victory felt hollow, distant. Instead, the streets he navigated became a conduit for his thoughts. The bustling vendors on the street corners, the children playing in small parks, and the graffiti on walls that narrated tales of love, loss, and defiance were more tangible and accurate than any courtroom drama.

Suddenly, his phone rang, shattering his introspection. The display read "Lila." He answered, his voice betraying a hint of the weariness he felt.

"Hey, love. How was court?"

John sighed, "It went as expected. We won. But..."

"But?"

"I don't know, Lila. It's just the same thing, day in and day out. I feel trapped."

Lila's voice softened, "Come home. We'll talk. Maybe you need a break."

John nodded, though she couldn't see, "I'll be there soon."

A detour took him through the older parts of the city, streets lined with brick buildings and boutiques. The diversity of life in New York was never more apparent. He slowed his car as he saw a street musician, a young woman playing a violin. The haunting notes echo John's emotional dissonance.

He pulled over, the allure of the music too hard to resist. As the notes swirled around him, a memory flashed in his mind. His father, teaching a young John to drive, his voice steady, "Driving, Johnny, it's like life. You've got to anticipate the turns, be prepared for the stops, and sometimes, enjoy the ride."

He remembered replying, his teenage voice filled with ambition, "I want to drive everywhere, Dad. See everything."

His father had chuckled, "And you will. Just don't forget to enjoy the journey."

The violin's final notes pulled John back from his reverie. He felt a lump in his throat. His father had been gone for years, but his words seemed more relevant than ever.

Dropping a generous tip into the musician's case, he gave her a nod of appreciation. Her smile, in return, was genuine, a shared moment of connection amidst the city's vast expanse.

As he resumed his drive, the city's stories unfolded around him. An elderly couple, walking arm in arm, their pace was slow, but their laughter youthful. A group of college students, immersed in animated discussion, probably debating something they'd learned that day. A young mother, her child's face smeared with ice cream, and both their faces indicate a picture of delight.

And then there was the taxi driver, looking frustrated as a passenger argued about the fare. John felt a twinge of irritation on the driver's behalf. Everyone had their struggles, their stories. It may be time he listened to some of them instead of his own.

Pulling into his driveway, the facade of his luxurious home loomed before him. It was a stark contrast to the streets he had just navigated. As he parked, he felt an unfamiliar hesitation. The house, a symbol of his success, now felt oddly disconnected from the life he craved.