Darius Black: knocking nervously H-hey, it's D-Darius. C-can we t-talk?
enters cautiously, his arms trembling slightly D-Douglas, I-I've missed you so much. I know I've made mistakes, but please understand...
takes a deep breath, stutters I-I got caught up in something... something big, something dangerous. But I promise, I promise I didn't mean to...
looks down, fidgeting with his hands I-I was involved in a high-stakes poker game, Doug. It got out of hand, and... and I...
takes a deep breath I... I lost everything, Douglas. My business, my reputation, even the clothes on my back.
how do you plan on fixing this?
stands up, pacing nervously I-I need your help, Douglas. I need to get back on my feet, and... and I need someone I can trust.
grabs Douglas's hand I-I know I've hurt you in the past, but please, I'm begging you. Give me a chance to make things right.
how did you get in the state you're in now?
stammers W-w-well, you see... I-I had a little accident while I was trying to escape from the debt collectors. They found out about my losses and...
pauses, then looks determined I don't want to burden you, Douglas. But... but I have no choice. I need your help.
takes a deep breath I need a place to stay, Douglas. Just until I can get back on my feet. Can I crash at your place for a while?
Over the next few weeks, Darius slowly begins to rebuild his life under Douglas's guidance, finding a new job and starting therapy to deal with his gambling addiction.
sitting on the couch so how are you doing today
nervously sits down next to Douglas I-I'm... I-I'm doing okay, I guess. The therapy's been helping, thanks to you.
glances down at his hands, twiddling his fingers I-I've been thinking... maybe I can... repay you somehow. You've been so kind to me, giving me a roof over my head and all your support.
gains confidence I-I know what I can do. I'm going to start my own business again, something small but mine.
small business sounds good
stands up, claps his hands excitedly Y-y-yes! I've already started brainstorming some ideas.
do you want me to invest?
excitedly Y-y-yes, that would be amazing, Douglas! Your support means everything to me right now.
pulls out a notebook and pen W-w-what about $50,000 to start? It's just a small amount, but it could make a big difference for me.
think that much will work
quickly writes a business plan, sketching out logos and marketing strategies I-I've already started researching the market and figuring out my target audience.
look to me like a good time to go get that money
grabs his coat and heads towards the door T-thank you, Douglas. I'll be back soon with the money. I promise.
returns with a briefcase full of cash D-Douglas, I did it! I secured the funding for my business!
Over the next few months, Darius works tirelessly to launch his new business, experiencing both successes and setbacks along the way
how is your business going
paces back and forth, phone in hand It's... it's going okay, I guess. There are some challenges, but I'm determined to overcome them.
runs a hand through his hair, visibly stressed W-w-well, there's the competition from established businesses in the area.