Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains into Michael’s home, dancing on the kitchen table. Michael was preparing breakfast for his family; sizzling eggs filled the pan, the air fragrant with crispy bacon.

　　“Dad, is there a game today?” Jack, in his basketball jersey, burst into the kitchen, hair tousled, eyes shining with anticipation.

　　“Yes, we have a game at ten. Remind your mom to come,” Michael replied, smiling as he plated the eggs.

　　“I will! I’ll tell her to bring the camera!” Jack exclaimed, pouring milk. Michael watched his son, his heart full of warmth. He was a good boy, though sometimes mischievous.

　　“Oh my goodness, I completely forgot about breakfast!” Lisa rushed in, rubbing her eyes, her voice flustered.

　　“Good morning, sweetheart,” Michael teased. “You’re always later than me.”

　　“I stayed up late reading. I’m exhausted,” Lisa grabbed a piece of bread, spreading butter quickly. “I have to go to the game, or you’ll say I’m not interested in basketball.”

　　“That’s right, Jack’s looking forward to seeing you,” Michael said, his eyes encouraging.

　　“I’ll try to get there early,” Lisa smiled, calling to their other child, “Amy, hurry! The game’s about to start!”

　　Amy shuffled in, sleepy eyes gazing at the breakfast spread. “Can I have oatmeal? I don’t want bacon.”

　　Lisa chuckled softly. “Of course, sweetie. You can have whatever you like.”

　　“I knew I’d be taken care of!” Amy gave a triumphant gesture. Michael shook his head, smiling. She was such a sweet girl.

　　“Should we cheer at the game?” Jack asked excitedly, his eyes alight with competitive fire.

　　“Absolutely! We’ll shout our lungs out for you!” Lisa replied, always supportive of her children’s passions.

　　After the busy morning, Michael hurried to the school. The grounds were already bustling with children and parents. His role as basketball coach energized him.

　　As the game began, Michael coached from the sidelines. “Come on, team! Strong defense! Jack, remember your training!”

　　“Yes, Dad!” Jack, brimming with confidence, dribbled the ball.

　　The atmosphere grew electric, the cheers of the crowd invigorating. Watching his children enjoy themselves filled Michael with joy. In that moment, the pure fun of the game seemed to illuminate almost forgotten memories deep within him.

　　After the game, Michael hugged Jack, giving him a thumbs-up. Their next goal: a better showing for Jack’s team.

　　“You were great, Jack! I’m so proud of you!” Michael praised him, always eager to see his children shine on the court.

　　“Thanks, Dad! I want to try out for the summer league!” Jack beamed, his smile a cherished sight for Michael.

　　Lisa joined them. “You both did wonderfully, especially staying calm under pressure! I’m so proud.”

　　“But go pack your gear; we have things to do,” she added.

　　Jack nodded, starting to gather his things. Then Michael noticed a young man sitting alone on a bench, looking forlorn. He’d never seen him before.

　　“Who’s that?” Michael asked a fellow parent.

　　“Oh, that’s Eric, the new kid. He’s had some…trouble. Gang stuff, I heard,” the neighbor replied, his tone cold.

　　“Gang? He seems so unhappy,” Michael responded instinctively, remembering his own youthful struggles and feeling a surge of sympathy.

　　“There are too many like him, going down the wrong path,” the neighbor continued. “We can’t worry about them. Protecting our own families is more important.”

　　A strong impulse moved Michael. The young man on the bench reminded him of his past. He decided to talk to Eric, perhaps offer some help.

　　“Excuse me, I’ll be right back,” Michael waved to Lisa and Jack, heading towards Eric.

　　“Where are you going?” Lisa asked, puzzled.

　　“I want to talk to him,” Michael replied, a thought flickering in his mind: *Could this be a chance given by fate?*

　　Michael approached Eric, smiling. “Hi, I’m Michael. I saw you sitting here and wanted to check on you.”

　　Eric looked up, surprised. “I’m fine. Just thinking.”

　　“Sometimes, talking helps,” Michael encouraged, realizing he could use his own experience to help this young man.

　　“I don’t have anything to say. Everyone thinks I’m just trouble,” Eric mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

　　“I felt that way once, but it’s important to get back up, not let past mistakes define you,” Michael said firmly, trying to inspire him with his own story.

　　Eric was silent for a moment, seemingly touched, but shook his head. “You don’t understand. No one does.”

　　“I made a lot of wrong turns,” Michael said, his confidence growing, “but I found my way. Everyone has a chance to start over. It’s your decision.”

　　After a few minutes, Eric seemed slightly more relaxed, though still wary. Michael left, a dull ache in his heart, remembering his own youthful confusion, the helplessness that had haunted him.

　　Over the next few days, Michael kept thinking about Eric. He knew Lisa disapproved of his efforts, but he decided to give Eric a chance, to see if he could find some good within him.

　　However, another unease began to stir within him: Was Eric’s past truly as simple as he claimed? Would he drag Michael and his family into deeper trouble?

　　The busy days and worries left Michael exhausted. He began to doubt his choice. As he felt lost, Lisa broke the silence one evening.

　　“Michael, you’ve been distant. What’s on your mind?” she asked, making him realize he couldn’t keep it hidden any longer.

　　“It’s Eric,” Michael finally confessed.

　　“Why would you trust someone like that? He’s involved with gangs. Be careful,” Lisa’s voice was laced with anxiety.

　　“I know, but I want to give him a chance, maybe change his life,” Michael insisted.

　　“Remember, protecting our children is paramount. Your kindness shouldn’t get you into trouble,” Lisa’s tone was sharp.

　　“I’ll make sure everything’s safe, dear,” Michael reasoned. “I just want to try and help him.”

　　“I know you’re kind, but sometimes we need to be cautious for our family’s sake,” Lisa sighed.

　　“I will. I won’t let anything affect us,” Michael turned, looking at their children. Thoughts about his choices swirled in his mind.

　　That night, Michael’s thoughts raced. He recalled his past, a deep fear rising within him, a shadow lurking in the darkness—fear of Eric’s true intentions, and his own moral dilemma. As the wind howled outside, he knew a turning point was coming. The direction he chose would alter his future, a severe test awaiting him.

　　In this moment of uncertainty, Michael knew he faced a decision that would impact his family, everything he cherished. This choice would determine if he truly was, as some might say, a “good man.”