Love in simple things

Love persists

"You see my brother, he works very hard, I wonder if he takes good rest."

"What do you mean by that?"

"I never see him rest for a while. I wake up and he has already gone to work. My mother is sick. He prepares food for us in the morning and I will go to school. When I come back, I see him for a brief 20 minutes and then he goes back to his second job."

"Oh, he works two jobs."

"He does."

"He is supporting your family."

"I know. I just feel so bad that he doesn't get to play basketball even on the weekends."

"Oh, I have seen him play with his friends in the court."

"You must have seen him long ago. He doesn't go out much. He always works and just keeps quiet when he comes home."

"He must be tired man. Don't be a nag."

"I am torturing him. I am always nagging him to come play with me. He never listens. I can only nag him for 20 minutes in a day."

"He must be working hard, man. I feel sorry for him. Does your mom know this?"

"She knows. She just doesn't talk much. She is so sick."

"Your brother pays medical bills, school bills, home bills everything. It must be very difficult for him."

"I want to quit school and join a grocery store or an electronics store. I can earn some money and support him."

"Yes, I think that would be good. But don't you think he would have asked for your support if he needed it?"

"I can't read his mind."

"You are just 15. Nobody's going to hire you, anyway."

"What do you mean?"

"It is illegal to employ children. Mrs.Bloom told us that day in our class."

"We are not children anymore. Do I look like a child?"

"Our high school seniors don't let us play with them because we are children. We might be children."

"At what age, I can be employed."

"I think 16 or 18. Wait. I think it is 18. I am not sure. Maybe 16. We have to ask our teacher."

"Tomorrow we will ask her. Now, do you think I should quit school?"

"Maybe. I don't know, man. You should talk to your brother about this. He might open up in that 20-minute time. I have to go now. Can we meet up tomorrow?"

"Sure, Bye"

After a while, I walked into my house, my brother was cleaning up the living room. I stood beside him for a while. He spoke to me.

"Why are you standing here like that?"

"I want to help you."

"Sure, move this table and vacuum under the couch."

"No, I meant, I want to help you with the bills."

"No need. I will take care of it."

"You seem so exhausted after two jobs. It is not good for you."

"I understand your concern. Just go to school. We can look into this later. Alright."

"It is not alright. I want to support you."

"You are just 15. You can support me in some other ways."

"Like what?"

"You can learn to cook and clean. Maybe reduce the burden at home."

"Sure. I can do that. I also want to support the bills."

"Okay, Now how are you planning to do that?"

"I want to quit school. I want to get a job and earn some money. Maybe become a manager of that store one day."

"Good goals. Now go study. You can support me once you get a job after your school and college. Yes, you are going to college. I want you to study well. See, I really want to see us do well in life even without our father. Now that he is not here, I have to take the responsibility. Mom is sick. She can't take the responsibility. One of us has to improve the family. I can help you study well and go to college. You can earn and support us after. Is that alright?"

"Okay"

He didn't argue after that conversation. He just went back to study as his brother started cleaning the space. Love persists beyond circumstances. 

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About the story

Welcome to "100 Days of Short Love Stories," where love comes alive! Each day, for the next 100 days, I will share a unique, heartwarming short story that explores the many dimensions of love. From sweet first encounters to bittersweet goodbyes, from fantasies to adventures, these stories will take you on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of love.

Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a daydreamer, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, there's something here for everyone. Join me on this adventure, and let's celebrate love! Love through my eyes.

About the author

📚 Fiction, YA, Romance, Fantasy, & Thriller Writer ✨ | Storyteller at heart ❤️ | Sharing my worlds, one tale at a time ✍️ | Follow for your next adventure!

Disclaimer

© Saranya G. All rights reserved. This story and its content are the intellectual property of the author. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief quotations in reviews. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

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