(Brooklyn, New York, 3:00 PM)

The sun was looking down on the streets on a Saturday afternoon. Bucky and Steve went playing ball in the alley and enjoyed tossing and lifting the ball. Suddenly, it had gone out of bounds and rolled into the garbage box. Steve was scratching his head with his left hand. The brunette noticed his friend and turned to him.

" Steve? " he called.

" I'm sorry, I just carried away, " the crippled blonde boy wryly smiled and asked. " Now, what? "

" I say, we get it. "

" No way! We're gonna end up dirty and smelly! "

" Heh, so what?! " Bucky chuckled. " I don't care. We're gonna get it! "

" I don't want to…."

" Come on, Mr. Goody-Two-Shoes! We have to do this! "

" No, Bucky, do you want me to get…"

Suddenly, a tall dark-haired boy recognized the two and felt sorry when he heard the argument and heavily sighed. He picked up the ball and rolled it to them as he leaned on the wall. The two friends got surprised to see a street bully had done it.

" Paul, you just…" Steve paused and widened his eyes in shock.

" There, I hope you guys can be careful next time, " Paul answered and sighed.

" Cheese, we didn't expect that, but thanks, " Bucky answered.

" You're welcome…." Paul slightly smiled and felt guilty to meet them. He became more hesitant to stay. " Look… I gotta…."

" Paul, please stay! " Steve called him out as the former bully became dumbfounded and paused his walk.

Paul turned around and became more nervous than ever. He would expect to be beaten up by these two. Thinking of leaving, he needed to run as he could before he got into big trouble. Suddenly, he didn't expect that Steve threw a ball into his hands. Bucky grinned and crossed his arms.

" Oh come on, what are you waiting for Christmas? " the brunette boy asked.

" What?! "

" We're gonna play ball. Are you going or not? " Steve gave him a suggestive look and asked.

Somehow, this was a redemptive act. Paul Williams was ready to respond and sincerely smiling at them. He was still holding the ball and dribbling it.

" Okay, let's play…" he said.

" Great! " the two boys happily beamed in unison as they started playing ball with their new friend.

(ELEVEN YEARS LATER)

" Mr. Steven Grant Rogers…" a female secretary called the applicant's name.

Sitting on a chair along with the applicants, a tall lanky blonde man in his early twenties wearing a suit was standing up with his wooden crutches and holding his belongings with him. The secretary guided him his way to the interviewer's office. Steve entered the room and saw a balding middle-aged fat man in a suit sitting on his chair. He offered the young crippled man a seat. Steve sat down and smiled at the interviewer. The man initiated a friendly handshake as the young man responded.

" Steven Rogers, it's nice to meet you," he greeted him.

" You must be Joseph Mackenzie, the writer and editor of Chimely Comics, " the blonde man responded. " It's nice to meet you, too in person. I'm an avid fan of your comics since I was a kid. "

" Yes, I am glad to meet a fanboy and an applicant, " Mackenzie answered and took the applicant's paperworks, studying them. " So, I have studied your records and portfolio. You have such impressive works. You have been four years in Art School? "

" Yes, sir. I studied in Columbia University for a scholarship grant, " Steve proudly smiled and nodded. " I finished the Fine Arts course. "

" I see. Anyways, what brings you here? Why did you apply to this company? "

" Mr. Mackenzie, Ever since I was a kid, I want to be a comic book artist. This is a great opportunity to work with you, " he answered.

" I see. What do you see yourself ten years from now? " the interviewer asked.

Steve remained silent and thought of his answer. He was composing the right words to respond to Mr. Mackenzie. It took time for him to process in his mind. The interviewer was waiting for him to answer.

" Steve? "

" I just wanted to be the greatest comic book artist and writer. I could contribute any of my works here, " Steve honestly said. " At the same time, I could help my

mother who's a retired nurse. "

The writer and editor seemed to be half-hearted to hire him on the job. Hearing the applicant's answers, he wanted to accept Steve, however he had a ton of resumes and portfolios to be done. It was not easy for Mr. Mackenzie to pick him instantly when he remained undecided. Steve was eager to get a job as soon as possible. Mackenzie gave him a smile and stood up.

" Honestly, I want to hire you, Steve, " he broke his silence. " But we have a dozens of applicants to choose from. If ever, we have chosen you, we'll call you as soon as possible. Please don't call us back. "

Steve became more anxious and thought that it could be another job application rejection. He looked intently at the writer and editor. Somehow, his hopes and dreams to be a comic book creator had ended. He sighed and slightly smiled.

" Thank you, sir. I will wait for your call. "

Moments later, he returned into the streets and walked around with his crutches. His gloomy face was noticeable and becoming more hopeless than ever. After his college graduation, he spent months in finding a job, however he remained unfortunate for it. Was it because he's crippled? For Steve, he tried his best to live a normal life as soon as he could. For the past several years, he survived school life along with his friends and his academic standing was above flying colors. He never thought of himself as a polio victim or disabled. Rather he wanted to be someone else better than his status. This time, he has been experiencing the harsh reality of the world: surviving for the fittest in wartimes.

Just then, he stopped by a diner and sat down to take some snacks. Suddenly, he noticed a newspaper left on the table and thought of finding the owner before him. Looking around, he saw an elderly bespectacled male customer leaving the establishment. Steve instantly stood-up and took the newspaper on the table.

" Sir, you forgot this! " he called and approached him.

" No, no, no, " the old man sincerely smiled and gently patted the young man's back. " It's all yours, Kid. I know you have been looking for a job these days. "

" Really? "

" I have noticed some kids like you are having troubles in getting one. Go on, check at the classified ads, you may find one that interests you. "

Steve felt pleased and sighed in relief. He was very thankful to the previous owner of this newspaper. The old man curiously looked at him and put his both hands on his waist.

" What are you waiting for, Kid? Go on, find a job! "

" Yes, sir. Thank you! I will go home first and tell my mom everything. "

" You're welcome, true believer! Always dream big and Excelsior! "

Steve nodded at the old man and saw him leaving the establishment. He waved back at the young crippled man and winked. After eating at the diner and taking a ride at the bus, Steve returned home and took his house keys as he opened the door. He turned around to check his mother, left his belongings, and searched everywhere around the house.

" Mom! Are you there? Mom! " he loudly called, but there was no response.

Suddenly, he saw a note on the table and read.

Steve,

Your mom coughed hard and fainted while you're away in the entire day. I found her lying on the floor and had a high fever. So, I brought her to the Bellevue Hospital. Here's the address: 462 First Avenue, Manhattan. You have to come there, quick. This is an emergency.

Paul

Steve became more worried than ever. He understood his mother became sickly upon his college graduation. At first, Mrs. Rogers ignored her sudden illness and kept working very hard for her son and herself. Now, it has taken a toll on her.