Poor Boy

Chapter 5: The Burden on Small Shoulders

Life continued in the unchanging poverty-stricken surroundings. Minh was accustomed to working late into the night and then waking up early to go to school. Sometimes he felt like his body was being drained of all energy, but Minh's mind remained steadfast with the promise he made to his mother: "I will not give up."

During school days, Minh often struggled to keep his eyes open due to exhaustion. He sat at the back of the class, quietly working on his assignments. Despite this, Minh always made sure to complete all his homework, not wanting his teachers or classmates to discover his difficult circumstances.

Meanwhile, at home, Minh's grandparents continued to weaken. The ailments of old age began to torment them, making everyday tasks increasingly challenging. Minh’s grandmother was often bedridden, unable to perform any tasks by herself. Every time Minh returned home after his shift, he had to take care of her, from feeding her to helping with personal hygiene. Minh didn't shy away from any task, but fatigue accumulated in every breath he took.

One evening, as Minh sat beside his grandmother's bed listening to her recount old stories, she suddenly sighed, her voice hoarse from weakness: "Minh, I know you’ve had to endure so much. I’m sorry I can’t help you, and instead, I’ve become a burden."

Hearing those words, Minh's heart ached. He grasped his grandmother’s hand tightly, speaking softly but with resolve: "Grandma, don’t say that. I do everything because I love our family. Without you, I wouldn’t know what to do. You are my greatest source of strength."

Minh’s grandmother smiled weakly, the wrinkles on her face more pronounced under the dim light. "Minh, you are a good and devoted child. I only hope you never lose faith in life. No matter how hard things get, you must believe that tomorrow will be better."

Minh nodded, but his heart was heavy with unspoken fears. He worried that he might not be able to bear all the responsibilities and that his health would not hold out much longer.

As time passed, his grandmother's health continued to deteriorate, causing Minh great concern. One morning, as Minh was preparing to go to school, his mother burst into the house, her eyes red from crying. "Minh, Grandma..."

Minh abandoned everything and rushed to his grandmother’s room. On the bed, his grandmother lay motionless, her breath faint. Minh felt his heart racing, as if it wanted to escape his chest.

"Grandma, what’s happening?" Minh cried, tears streaming down his face.

His grandmother struggled to open her eyes, giving a faint smile. "Minh, I don’t have much time left. But I don’t want you to be sad. You must stay strong and live well for yourself."

Minh shook his head, unable to accept this painful reality. "No, Grandma, don’t say that. I need you; I can’t live without you."

His grandmother gently held his hand, her voice soft but firm. "Minh, you are the hope of our family. I believe you will achieve great things. Don’t let this pain bring you down. Continue on your path for a better tomorrow."

Minh could find no words to express his feelings, only sitting beside his grandmother, feeling the warmth of her hand slowly fading. He knew he had to accept the truth, but the pain remained persistent.

Later that afternoon, Minh’s grandmother passed away, leaving an infinite void in his heart. Minh felt as though the world around him had suddenly become darker and colder. But at the same time, his grandmother’s final words were like a torch lighting up his heart, reminding him not to give up, to continue living and striving for the future.

After the funeral, Minh returned to his daily life, but everything seemed different. Every time he saw his grandmother’s bed, Minh felt a heaviness in his heart. But he did not let sorrow control him. Minh reminded himself that his grandmother did not want him to be sad, nor to give up. He had to continue studying and working hard, to honor her wishes.

In the days that followed, Minh became even more determined. He woke up early, completed household chores, and then went to school. After school, he worked at the grocery store. No matter how exhausted he was, Minh continued to study because he understood that only education was the way to lift himself and his family out of poverty.

Minh’s mother looked at her son with a mix of sorrow and pride. She knew that Minh had lost a crucial part of his life, but it also made him more mature and resilient. Every evening, she quietly sat by the window, watching her son diligently study under the dim light. She prayed for Minh to have enough strength and resolve to overcome all challenges.

And so, Minh continued his life, shouldering great responsibilities, but never forgetting his grandmother’s teachings. He knew he had to live well, not just for himself, but for those he loved. With that determination, Minh believed he would overcome all obstacles, no matter how harsh life might be.