The TEACHER

Prologue

In a small, nondescript town in the Philippines nestled away from the bustling city life, there lived an ordinary 14-year-old kid. His name was unknown to most, just like the dreams he harbored, dreams of wealth and opulence that seemed worlds away from his modest existence. This boy, with a heart full of aspirations, was about to have an encounter that would set his life on a new course.

On a quiet, sun-kissed afternoon, the boy decided to visit his local park. His pocket money in hand, he yearned for a taste of his favorite snacks. The park, a sanctuary of tranquility amid the urban chaos, had always been his go-to spot for leisure.

As he strolled through the winding pathways, a sight that would etch itself into his memory unfolded before him. There, beneath the shade of a gnarled narra tree, sat a poor woman, gaunt and haggard, but barely in her late twenties. Her disheveled appearance and tattered clothing spoke of a life marred by hardship. She held out a trembling hand, her voice a whispered plea for assistance, begging passersby for even the smallest coins.

Drawn by curiosity and an innate sense of compassion, the boy approached her. His gaze met hers, and in that moment, he was struck by the utter desolation he found within her eyes. They were like two pools of emptiness, reflecting the harsh realities of her existence. It was a gaze that penetrated deep into his soul, immobilizing him, rendering him speechless and motionless.

His eyes drifted down to the battered cup at her feet, brimming with meager offerings from the passersby. It was then that he felt a tinge of guilt. The pocket money he clutched so tightly in his hand suddenly felt weighty, a stark contrast to the lady's lifeless gaze.

With a surge of determination, he reached into his backpack, his fingers brushing against a treasured possession—a book. This book had been his constant companion, a source of inspiration in his quest for wealth. It was filled with the wisdom of successful individuals, a guide to how rich people think.

Without hesitation, he gently placed the book beside the woman, who looked at it in astonishment. The cover bore the title, "How Rich People Think." His face flushed with embarrassment, but he quickly turned and left, his footsteps echoing softly on the park's cobblestone path.

The woman, bewildered by this unexpected gift, picked up the book. Its title beckoned her, promising a glimpse into a world she had never known. She knew not the boy's name, nor the reasons behind his generous act. But in that moment, as she clutched the book to her chest, it offered a glimmer of hope, a chance for her to explore the thoughts and aspirations of those who had achieved the wealth she so desperately sought.

And so, in the quiet park that day, two lives intersected in a brief, yet profound encounter. The boy, driven by dreams of riches, had shared a piece of his own aspirations, while the woman, in the depths of her despair, held in her hands the promise of a brighter future—a book, and perhaps, a new way of thinking.