Poor Boy

Chapter 6: Drops of Sweat

With each passing day, Minh felt the weight on his small shoulders more acutely. After Grandma’s death, Minh poured all his strength into caring for Grandpa, helping his mother, and continuing his studies. He understood that there was no time for weakness or complaints, as his family needed him to be stronger than ever.

One morning, just as dawn was breaking, Minh woke up. The weak sunlight filtered through the cracks in the door, illuminating the small house, but it couldn't dispel the chill of poverty. Minh prepared some leftover rice and a bit of boiled vegetables from the previous night and quickly ate before heading to school. Meanwhile, Grandpa lay in bed, breathing heavily and weakly. Minh looked at him with a heavy heart, knowing that Grandpa’s health was steadily declining.

“Mom, I’m going to school,” Minh said to his mother before leaving the house. She was sitting by the stove, trying to light a fire to prepare breakfast for Grandpa.

“Be careful, Minh. Remember to take care of yourself and don’t overexert yourself,” his mother advised, her tired eyes still reflecting concern.

Minh nodded, but in his heart, he knew there was no other option. Every day going to school, Minh not only carried books but also the weight of worries and responsibilities. Yet Minh understood that education was the only path out of poverty.

At school, Minh remained a diligent and persistent student, even though sometimes he was so tired that he couldn’t concentrate. His classmates began to notice the change in Minh. He used to be lively and always helping others, but now he had become more reserved and quiet.

Hương, a classmate, saw Minh’s condition and couldn’t help but worry. “Minh, is something wrong lately? You don’t seem as cheerful as before.”

Minh looked at Hương, offering a smile that couldn’t hide the exhaustion in his eyes. “It’s nothing, Hương. I’m just a bit busy with work at home.”

Hương still felt uneasy but knew Minh didn’t want to share too much about his personal life. She simply encouraged him: “If you’re having any difficulties, just let me know. I’m always here to help.”

Minh was touched by Hương’s concern but didn’t want anyone to worry about him. “Thank you, Hương. I’ll be fine.”

After school, Minh quickly left and headed to the grocery store for work. The job wasn’t difficult but required him to work continuously, from carrying and cleaning to serving customers. Every time he lifted heavy boxes, Minh felt his shoulders wanting to give out, but he pushed himself to keep going.

The shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a stern face, had been observing Minh since he started working there. He couldn’t help but notice the boy’s diligence and perseverance. Every day, Minh arrived on time, without a single complaint or delay, even though the work was sometimes too much for someone so young.

One day, after Minh had just finished rearranging the shelves, the shopkeeper called him over. “Minh, sit down for a moment. I want to talk to you.”

Minh placed the last box down and sat on a worn wooden chair. “Yes, what’s up, sir?”

The shopkeeper sighed, his eyes thoughtful as if considering something. “I’ve been watching you for a while. I know your situation isn’t easy, but you don’t have to push yourself so hard. Your health is very important.”

Minh looked up, his eyes glistening, but his voice remained firm. “Thank you, sir, but I don’t have any other choice. I have to work to help my mom and Grandpa.”

The shopkeeper looked at Minh with a heavy heart. He knew Minh was speaking the truth, and he also understood that no advice could change the boy’s circumstances. “You’re a good child, but you also need to rest. Remember, you need to take care of your health so you can help your family for a long time.”

Minh nodded, but in his heart, he knew that rest was a luxury he couldn’t afford. With every penny he earned potentially helping his family through another difficult day, Minh couldn’t afford to stop trying.

Minh’s life continued with the burdens and responsibilities weighing him down. But he never stopped hoping, never stopped believing that one day, he would overcome everything. Minh believed that as long as he had determination and love for his family, he would be able to conquer all challenges.

On long nights, when Minh sat beside Grandpa’s bed, he often remembered the stories Grandma used to tell. Stories of heroes who overcame countless trials, never giving up. Minh reminded himself that he had to be like them, strong and persistent, because he wasn’t just living for himself, but for his family, for those he loved most.

With that determination, Minh believed that no matter how harsh life became, he would always find the light at the end of the tunnel. And even though the road ahead was long and full of obstacles, Minh would never give up, knowing that faith and love would always guide him in the right direction.