Book - The Tipping Point

Chapter Eight

Alister couldn’t forget the glint in Vera’s eye, her gaze fixated on the hurdles propped up by piles of rubbish. A former Olympian, it was almost impossible to find an Australian who wasn’t aware of Vera’s sporting achievements. Her career had spanned many years, however, it came to an abrupt halt once the pollution epidemic ravaged all the sporting arenas Sydney had to offer. Vera quickly became a remnant of the past generation, her extraordinary feats becoming less and less relevant in an evolving world. All that was left among the ruins of her once flourishing career was a myriad of environmental advertisements that played during daytime television. A grin began to creep upon Alister’s face as an idea formed in his mind. The sudden boost in mood was so unfamiliar, a testament to the fact that his tireless training was suddenly paying off. Chucking his stuff in a bag he rushed out of the door, armed with his newfound sense of determination. Rushing down the streets of Sydney, Alister made his way towards the large building, looming intimidatingly in the distance. Alister soon found himself standing in the center of the stadium that Vera had trained in during her professional sporting years. Without a moment’s hesitation he began filling his trash-bags to the brim with assorted types of litter. His mentor in grit and determination, she had taught him how to succeed as a council worker and now he wanted to help her. Hours turned to days as he spent every waking moment working on cleaning up the stadium. Piece by piece the synthetic track became increasingly more visible, the red material standing out underneath the piles of trash. Eventually the stadium was entirely free of rubbish, the building’s structure clean once more. Leading a blindfolded Vera through the entrance, Alister smiled in glee. He was beyond excited to see her reaction once she realised what he had done. Smiling at her he untied her blindfolded, the anticipation boiling up inside of him. Immediately Vera’s eyes widened in surprise, she had not expected for him to have dedicated so much time and effort to the stadium she held so dear in her heart. She turned and hugged him tightly, tears forming in her eyes. “Thank you Alister. I can’t believe this, I haven’t seen my home turf look like this in years. It’s all thanks to you.” His cheeks reddened, he never knew that helping others could be so rewarding.

“This gesture proves to me that it’s time for us to take it to the council. If they see even half of the passion you have for protecting the environment they’ll be sure to reinstate all council workers once more.”

Following her out of the newly cleaned stadium Alister couldn’t even try and suppress the smile forcing its way upon his face. Glancing over his shoulder he felt the warm feeling of pride fuelling his determination, it was time for him to change the world.