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  Roman was a nineteen-year-old college student who had recently moved to a new city with his family in search of a fresh start. As the eldest sibling, he naturally took on the role of helping wherever he could, especially with his eleven-year-old brother still too young to handle much of the heavier work. After hours of driving, their moving truck finally pulled into the driveway of their new home at around four in the afternoon. The quiet suburban street was lined with neatly kept houses, their front yards glowing in the warm, golden light of the late afternoon sun.

The moment the engine was switched off, Roman climbed out of the car, stretching the stiffness from his back before heading straight to the moving truck. His father was already opening the rear doors, revealing stacks of tightly packed boxes and pieces of furniture. Without wasting any time, the two of them began hauling the heavier boxes into the house, making careful trips through the front door while his mother unpacked smaller items inside and his younger brother wandered around the front yard, curiously taking in their unfamiliar surroundings. Sweat had already begun to bead across Roman’s forehead despite the gentle breeze.

As Roman returned to the driveway for another box, the front door of the house directly across the street opened. A man stepped outside, closing the door behind him before making his way across the road with an easy smile on his face. He raised a hand in greeting as he approached, stopping a comfortable distance away. “Good afternoon. Hello, hello—welcome, neighbors,” he said warmly, his cheerful tone making the unfamiliar street feel just a little more welcoming.he looked like he was in his mid to late forties*

“hi,thank you”

roman said as he squinted his eyes under the sunlight