Poor Boy

Chapter 8: Transportations

As summer approached, the sweltering heat and arid breath of the season arrived. The rains had diminished, but the scarcity remained evident in every corner of Minh's family's life. The harsh heat made outdoor work even more grueling, and Minh's family felt the exhaustion with each passing day.

One early morning, Minh woke up as usual, before the sunlight could filter into the small room. Minh quickly prepared for the day. As Minh stepped out of the house, his mother had prepared a simple meal of rice and boiled vegetables—simple but enough to keep him energized.

“Go to school now. Try your best,” his mother advised, her voice filled with worry and hope.

Minh smiled and nodded. “Yes, Mom. I’ll do my best.”

Minh knew that in addition to studying, he had to work part-time to help his family cover expenses. Today, Minh would need to work extra hours at the shop, so he couldn’t stay at school any longer.

When Minh arrived in class, everything was as usual. Studying and more studying—this was Minh's daily routine. But his family's poverty didn't allow him much time to enjoy his youth. Homework, exams, and afternoon classes were all parts of his life that Minh had to navigate.

During a break, Hương approached Minh, pulling a chair next to him. “Minh, you look tired. Is something wrong?”

Minh sighed, his tired eyes trying to maintain a smile. “I’m fine, Hương. Just a bit worn out from work and studies.”

Hương looked at Minh with concern. “You need to take better care of yourself. Don’t let your health suffer.”

Minh only smiled lightly, knowing that Hương's advice was sincere but couldn’t change his situation. “I’ll try, thanks for caring.”

After school, Minh hurried to the grocery store to work. Summer was the busiest time of the year, and the store was usually crowded. Minh had to work continuously, from carrying goods, serving customers, to cleaning up. Despite feeling heavy and tired, Minh couldn’t stop.

One evening, after finishing his shift and preparing to head home, the store owner called him over. “Minh, you work very hard. I know you have many responsibilities, but I want you to know that your work is very important to us.”

Minh nodded, unsure of what to say. He could only thank the owner for the encouragement. “Thank you. I will continue to work hard.”

Returning home under the dim light, Minh saw his mother busily preparing dinner for Grandpa. She seemed exhausted, but she still tried to keep everything normal.

“You’re back,” his mother said, her eyes partly closed from fatigue. “I’ve made some porridge for Grandpa. He has eaten, but his health is still not good.”

Minh sat down beside her, his eyes following her every move. “Mom, can I help with anything?”

His mother smiled weakly, though her hands didn’t stop working. “You’ve worked hard all day. You should rest; I’ll finish up.”

Minh shook his head, not wanting to add to his mother’s worries. “I’ll help you. We need to work together to get through these difficulties.”

After helping his mother prepare dinner, Minh went into Grandpa’s room. Grandpa was lying in bed, his face haggard and tired. Minh gently sat beside him, feeling his frailty.

“Grandpa, I’m back. How do you feel?” Minh asked softly, trying not to add to his worries.

Grandpa opened his eyes and looked at Minh with affection. “Minh, you’ve done very well. Despite the hardships, you’ve persevered. Both Grandma and I are very proud of you.”

Minh felt a wave of sadness. “I’m just doing what I can. I want my family to be happy.”

Grandpa smiled, his eyes still full of love. “Minh, you’ve grown a lot. Keep your faith and strength. No matter how tough life gets, as long as we stay united and love each other, things will get better.”

Minh felt a new strength from his grandfather’s words. No matter how harsh life was, the belief and love of his family were the motivations that kept him from giving up.

The next morning, when Minh woke up, the sky was clear, and the summer heat had begun to blanket everything. Minh knew that a new day had begun, and he would have to face the challenges ahead.

As Minh arrived at school, he felt the eyes of his friends around him. Hương and others always showed concern for Minh, but he didn’t want to trouble them. Minh always tried to maintain an optimistic demeanor, even though he was struggling internally.

At the end of the school day, Minh went back to the shop. Despite the fatigue and heat, he continued to work hard. The extra hours and unending tasks were all essential parts of Minh’s life.

When night fell, Minh returned home, tired but content. His mother had prepared a simple but warm meal. The family gathered around the table; even though the meal wasn’t lavish, the love and bond of the family made everything meaningful.

“You’ve worked hard all day. Thank you for working so diligently,” his mother said, her eyes filled with pride and affection.

Minh smiled, feeling warmth in his heart. “Mom, I’ll always do everything for the family. We will get through these hardships together.”

After the family had eaten and prepared for bed, Minh sat at his desk again, the dim light on the table being the only source of illumination in the room. Despite his exhaustion, Minh remained determined to study, knowing that every piece of knowledge learned was a step closer to his dreams.

On long nights, with the wind howling outside the window, Minh felt that no difficulty or challenge could make him falter. He always remembered his grandfather’s encouraging words, his mother’s hopes, and the love of his family. These were the sources of motivation that kept Minh fighting and never giving up.

No matter how harsh life became, Minh believed that with perseverance and determination, he would overcome every challenge. And one day, Minh would not only help his family escape hardship but also realize his own dreams.