The Heart of the Underdog

Dr. Edwards was a renowned microbiologist, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in the field. Beyond his professional life, he often visited schools to find and nurture young, brilliant minds. One day, during a visit to Cedar Valley High, he noticed a boy, Remond, being bullied by a group of students. Without hesitation, Dr. Edwards intervened, dispersing the bullies and bringing the boy to safety.

"Are you okay, son?" Dr. Edwards asked, concern etched on his face.

"I'm fine," Remond replied softly, brushing the dust off his clothes. "Thank you."

Dr. Edwards studied the boy for a moment, intrigued by the calm demeanor in his eyes. "You didn't fight back. Why?"

Remond shrugged. "Because they're troubled. They hurt me to let out their own frustrations. If it helps them feel better, I can take it."

The doctor was taken aback. "That's... a rather mature perspective. Most people your age wouldn't think that way."

Remond smiled faintly. "It's just how I see things."

Impressed, Dr. Edwards began asking him questions about life, existence, and even microbiology. With every answer, the boy's optimism and unique perspective shone through. It wasn't just what he said but how he said it—with quiet confidence and a depth far beyond his years.

After a thoughtful pause, Dr. Edwards pulled out a notepad, scribbled something, and handed it to Remond. "This is my address. Come visit me sometime. I'd like to hear more of your thoughts."

From that day forward, Remond became a regular visitor at Dr. Edwards' home. The two grew close, forming a bond that was almost familial. To Remond, Dr. Edwards wasn't just a mentor—he was like the uncle he never had.

---

Months later, Remond found himself sprinting toward the doctor's burning house, his heart pounding with dread.

"Uncle! Uncle Edwards!" he shouted as he burst through the door, coughing from the thick smoke. His eyes darted frantically around the living room, dining room, and library. "Where are you?!"

Just as despair began to creep in, he heard a faint, strained voice.

"Re...mond..."

His ears perked up. "Uncle? Where are you? Tell me!"

"The... basement," the voice answered weakly.

Remond's chest tightened. The basement? Why is he there? He remembered the countless times Dr. Edwards had warned him never to go there. But this was different. He couldn't let fear or curiosity stop him.

"Stay still, Uncle! I'm coming!" he called out, racing toward the basement door. As he descended the creaking stairs, a mix of dread and curiosity gnawed at him.

When he reached the bottom, he froze. The room was filled with strange machinery and vials glowing faintly in the dim light. In the center of the chaos, Dr. Edwards lay trapped under a massive machine, his face pale and drenched in sweat.

"Uncle!" Remond cried, rushing to his side. "Are you okay? What happened? How did this happen?"

Dr. Edwards coughed, his voice trembling. "It's because of my... my sin. I discovered something—something I should never have pursued. I... I was a fool."

"What are you talking about?" Remond asked, his voice cracking with panic. "None of that matters right now! I'm here to save you. Let me lift this."

"No, Remond," the doctor said firmly, his eyes glistening with tears. "It's too heavy... too late. You must leave this place. Take this." With trembling hands, he held out a small vial containing a strange, glowing serum. "This... this must not fall into the wrong hands. Promise me... promise me you'll keep it safe. No matter what."

Remond hesitated, his hands shaking. "Uncle, no! I can't just leave you here! We can—"

"Promise me!" Dr. Edwards cut him off, his voice both desperate and commanding. "You're the only one I trust, Remond. Please."

Tears streamed down Remond's face as he reluctantly took the vial, clutching it tightly. "I promise," he whispered. "But... I'll never forgive myself for this."

A faint smile crossed the doctor's lips. "You're stronger than you know... my boy."

Reluctantly, Remond turned and ran. As he reached the top of the stairs, he glanced back one last time, his heart shattering as he saw the man who had been like family to him trapped beneath the burning wreckage.

Outside, he collapsed to his knees, clutching the serum against his chest as the flames consumed the house. His tears flowed freely, mixing with the ash and smoke.

"I'm sorry, Uncle," he choked out. "I was too weak to save you... but I swear, I'll protect this. I'll honor you."

As the fire roared behind him, questions swirled in his mind. What did he mean by 'sin'? What kind of discovery could he have regretted so deeply? What is this serum? And who are these evil hands he feared so much?

Though overwhelmed by grief and confusion, one thing was clear to him: his life had changed forever.