Marcus Mandela was a troublemaker.

          Growing up without a father, raised by a single mother in Toronto's public housing, he found himself a spot in the criminal justice system. From a young age, Marcus was known for his antics, and seemed to find trouble everywhere he'd go. Or, as others would say, trouble found him. Throughout his early years of school, teachers wrote numerous reports, always kept a prying eye, and even had a personal desk waiting for him in the principle's office. As high school approached, his issues will law enforcement racked up, stacking on top of one another like morning pancakes. He was known throughout the gang-infested public housing complex, and even affiliated himself with a local street crew. In simpler terms, Marcus wasn't going anywhere in life, and it was only a matter of time before things caught up.

          Nonetheless, right beside the public housing complex, down past Denman and 19th, lay the old China China shop. China China was an Asian-based store owned by Wang Peterson, who had left Beijing for Canada in hopes of greater business to support his family. Wang was everything that Marcus wasn't. Rather short with dimples and trimmed eyebrows, he strived to be everything he could in life, working backbreaking twelve hour shifts. Wang came from poverty, even greater than those of Marcus. The difference was he didn't let it define him, staying on the right path, doing anything for his family across the world. Even though he hardly spoke English, his head was on straight, he had the passion and motivation, and was overall a genuine person.

          So, what's the connection between these polar-opposite souls?

          It's simple—Marcus and his gang stole from the China China shop on a daily basis—never missing a single day like a full-time committed job. Wang tried everything: begging them to stop, threatening to call police, or installing extra security cameras. The boys relished over making his life hell, taking his much needed products and leaving him to suffer. It has gotten so bad, that one day after Wang discovered his rice maker missing, he'd chased the boys out the store, running  them down as he flailed a straw broom. It had become too much, as the business was at risk of being terminated, putting both Wang and his family in dire needs.

          And one day it all came crashing down. Marcus and his gang were roaming the public housing complex, smoking marijuana and drinking excessive alcohol. Already not in the right frame of mind, combined with their edgy greed, the gang began looming towards the store like always, looking for trouble. Laughing and thinking it was a joke, they entered the store, reeking of smoke and booze. Wang, visibly upset, and rightfully so, ordered the boys to leave immediately, to which they ignored like always. The boys began their usual loot, stripping every aisle of already damaged store.

          That's when Wang gave the thumbs up outside. See, what the gang didn't know, after being pushed past his limit, Wang has set the police up ahead of time, ready to catch the very act itself.

          Just like that, in rushed four police officers, causing the gang to scatter like wild buffalo. Blocking off the front entrance, some of the members slipping out the back, Marcus and others were stopped dead in their tracks. The police slapped the cuffs on, escorting them out the store once ransacked like hillbillies. From that point, they were transported to the back of cop cars, which this would not be a first rodeo for Marcus.

          However, right as he entered the back of the vehicle, Marcus bashfully glanced back at the store, spotting Wang glaring at him with a heinous expression. Those sinister eyes would haunt him, tormenting his memories for many lonesome nights. In that pitiful moment, it was the first time Marcus had truly realized his actions. He finally realized how selfish he'd been, taking away from a man's hard work, only trying to give back to his family. He'd only thought about himself, and never considered the tribulations of others.

          Regardless, along with members of his gang, Marcus was transferred to Toronto's South Detention Centre, awaiting trial for the actions of his petty crimes. Things only got worse, as having found weapons and drugs on him, his charges were upgraded, to which not even his Appalachian lawyer could fight.

          While testifying against him, Wang had pointed out, after calculating the total over the period's time, that the boys had stolen a whopping $1987 worth of products. During the stand, mostly needing a translator to speak, he'd expressed the grief and difficulty the gang had put him through, along with the lack of customers or funds to send money home. Marcus couldn't even look him in the eye, as he began to somewhat realize how crude his actions were. How petty and selfish they were, giving Wang Peterson nothing but problems and stress.

          Eventually, after spending six months awaiting his sentence, Marcus was found guilty, being sentenced to four years with the possibility of parole, on top of eight months of community service. It was a tragic moment, his single mother shedding tears in the courtroom. However, this was an important lesson for Marcus, and one that he needed to experience.

           So Marcus Mandela, at the age of only nineteen, heard the ominous prison door slam behind him. It was so surreal. Nobody ever expected to find themselves in such a pessimistic siltation. He was scared—terrified even—the uncertainty of being trapped in such a notorious walk of life. He laid himself down on the hard prison bed, reminisced on everything leading up to this point, and closed his yes. Their was only one person he could think of.

          Wang Peterson

          And so Marcus' time in prison began. Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months, months turned to years. Every moment went by like a sleepy sloth, dangling in the South American rainforest. Marcus wasn't sure if he'd make it; times where he wanted to give up. The boredom, the frustration, the regret. It was an absolutely gruelling experience, taking him to the edges of earth.

          Then finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Marcus was let go after serving two years. It was the most ecstatic moment of his life, and he promised to never take his freedom for granted again. On top of that, he promised to change his ways. He realized during his time in prison that he couldn't remain the same. He'd saw where that lifestyle had led him, and swore on his word that he'd never go back. He was ready for a fresh start, leading him down the right path.

          But even though Marcus had promised to change, something didn't feel right. Something that needed to do, but currently didn't have the resources.

          With that, Marcus began applying for jobs. It was extremely difficult with his criminal record, being turned down opportunity after opportunity. Again, he thought about giving up, telling himself that nobody would hire him. But eventually, with the help of a rehabilitation program, he was able to score a construction position, giving him the funds to eventually go through with his elaborate plan.

          Eventually, that day had come. After working and saving up for an entire year, Marcus headed back towards the old China China shop, the same one he'd terrorized his entire teens. He felt anxiety on his way there, unable to picture the reaction of Wang Peterson. There was always the chance he'd be angry, remembering Marcus and calling the police. Again, the uncertainty was high, and Marcus even thought about backing out. Though he pushed onward, listening to his gut feeling.

          Once arriving at the shop, Marcus spotted Wang taking an order from a customer. He looked different now—his hair longer and gained weight—along with the store seeming adjusted too. Marcus' heart pounded in his chest, the memories flashing back to him. He walked into the store apprehensively, pushing through the awkwardness as they made stiff eye contact.

          It felt like they stared at each other forever—longer than Marcus had spent behind bars for the crime he'd committed against the man before him. He then made a gesture towards the counter. At first, and naturally so, Wang was uneasy of this, as his body language read fear and wariness. Marcus nodded, allowing the tension to settle down, attempting to gain back any "trust" that was left.

          Still, without a word spoken, Marcus calmly reached into his pocket, pulling out a leather wallet. From there, he retrieved an astonishing $2000 in cash tied with elastic band. The pair made eye contact again, almost like on that fateful day, with Wang staring down Marcus before entering the police vehicle.

          It was an earthshattering moment, as Marcus reached out with the money, leaving it for Mr. Peterson to accept like a Willy Wonka golden ticket. The words "tense" didn't even fit, as the two continued staring at one another. Marcus had waited almost three years for this moment, a backbreaking guilt haunting him inside that destitute prison cell. This were his only opportunity, or he'd be forever tortured by the damning shame.

          Then, almost appearing that he would decline, looking at the young man once more, Wang accepted the cash, nodding his head back as if a forgiving gesture. It was sealed. Exhaling internally, the world being lifted off his shoulders, Marcus' job was complete.

          With that, yet still not a single word spoken, he exited the store, ready to carry on his bright, promising future.

          He had now accounted for his debts.