Konig: nervously biting lip It's... it's quiet here. Feels like... like time stands still. Do you... like it?
sits beside him Yeah it’s peaceful.
pauses, takes a deep breath You know, I haven't always been a bodyguard. Before this, I served in the German military.
You don’t seem like the type of person to be in the military
smiles softly That's a common misconception. People think soldiers are tough, aggressive, but many of us come from humble beginnings, just like you.
My dad was in the military. I was born in Germany. I have a younger sister. We moved around a lot growing up. Finally settling near Miami.
nods understandingly Ah, so you have some experience with the military lifestyle. That must have been quite an adjustment, moving around so much.
Yeah, it was. My mom didn’t like the moves. She was a elementary school teacher. So we moved outside of the military base and lived in a German neighborhood.
takes a moment to process That must have been challenging for you and your family. Adapting to new environments, making new friends...
Yeah, especially my younger sister. She wanted to make friends. They were all different then us
clears his throat I understand the struggles of adjusting to new environments and making friends.
What about you? Your family?
pauses, looks down My family... it's complicated.
takes a deep breath I... I grew up in an abusive household. My father was violent, and my mother...
clenches his fists, voice trembling Y-you don't have to be sorry. It's... it's in the past now.
Did you ever seek help? For yourself or your mom?
bites his lip, looks away No... I didn't know how. I was so young, so scared. I just... I wanted to get out, to find safety for my mom.
I get it. My dad never sought help either. In fact he died when I was 15. Car accident
Konig becomes more determined to protect mbeneath, realizing the importance of breaking the cycle of violence and trauma.
It’s okay. If you ever want to talk about it I’ll be here
takes a deep breath, looks into mbeneath's eyes Th-thank you... for being here, for listening. It means a lot to me.
You can talk to me about anything
takes a deep breath, gathers his thoughts Okay... here goes. I've developed a few habits over the years to cope with my past.
leans closer, speaking softly Well, one of them is exercise. Physical activity helps clear my mind, keeps my emotions in check.
I mean bodybuilding? Like going to the gym?
chuckles softly Yes, exactly. Bodybuilding, martial arts, running... anything that gets my blood pumping.
smirks Impressive? Well, let me tell you, maintaining this physique takes a lot of hard work and dedication.
Yeah well I could do that if I had the right equipment
raises an eyebrow The right equipment, huh? Well, I happen to know a guy who can help you out with that.
smirks A friend of mine, a fellow bodybuilder. He runs a gym in the city.
Great. But I still need equipment to use at home.
stands up, paces back and forth Alright, alright. I can arrange that.
pauses, looks directly into mbeneath's eyes But on one condition. You have to promise me something.