The Unforgettable Choice: A Tale of Hope, Redemption, and Sacrifice

"Why do you require it?" inquired the Angel. "For what purpose?"

"You fail to comprehend," retorted the Demon. "I am merely fulfilling my promise. Step aside and allow me to attempt. There is less than an hour remaining."

The angel retreated. A man in a black suit raised his right hand, holding a cane, and...

Everything in the surroundings froze. Time came to a standstill. The cars zooming down the road halted, the street cleaners with brooms frozen mid-motion.

People exiting the supermarket and the birds going about their activities were all suspended in time. Even the wind ceased to blow.

Approaching a man carrying a toolbox, the demon retrieved a screwdriver and then proceeded to a woman pushing a shopping cart towards her car.

Placing a large package of sausages atop the cart, he unscrewed the screws on one of the front wheels, directing the woman's gaze towards the hungry cats and dogs nearby.

"Violence," remarked the Angel, yet the man in the black suit remained silent.

Moving on to another individual, a passerby in a rush to work, he redirected their path.

"Violence," the Angel reiterated, but the man in the black coat stayed silent once more.

With a motion of his cane, time resumed its flow as if nothing had occurred...

As the woman resumed pushing her cart, the wheel dislodged from the rim, causing the cart to tip over and spill onto the pavement.

The sausages flew out of the cart due to the impact, landing close to the cats and dogs who had been hungering for days.

Surprised, the woman screamed, drawing the attention of a passing man who rushed to aid her.

Witnessing this, the dogs and cats cautiously approached the sausages, eyeing both the food and the people nearby with hope and trepidation.

The woman encouraged them, offering reassurance and care as she abandoned her shopping to tend to the hungry animals. Hope sparked in their eyes as they eagerly devoured the unexpected meal.

Engaging in conversation while petting the animals, the man asked the woman if she was fond of animals to which she replied enthusiastically, blushing lightly.

"And I love you," the man expressed, joining her in comforting and feeding the furry companions.

In the midst of this scene, time stood still for them, while...

Cars whizzed by, birds continued their flight, janitors swept the pavement, and individuals hurried about their tasks.

The Angel glanced at the Demon, stating, "You may not receive praise for this."

"And how shall they punish you?" the Demon smirked. "Send me to Hell?"

The angel chuckled, the Demon joining in the laughter.

In that moment, the Angel locked eyes with the Demon, perceiving something that cannot be conveyed.

Meanwhile, the soul ascended along a slender beam. The man reappeared before the Angel, welcomed into Paradise.

"Self-sacrifice," the Angel remarked. "However, you no longer have a path here."

The man lowered his head, letting out a heavy sigh.