Kaya Odyssey: Mastering The Future

Chapter 16: Achievements and Turning Point

Chapter 16: Achievements and Turning Point

Kaya's days were increasingly filled with a busy yet productive routine. At school, he continued to show impressive achievements. With the new facilities he had, such as his laptop and books he couldn't previously afford, Kaya found it easier to follow lessons and understand the material being taught. He became one of the top students in his class, and this did not go unnoticed by his teachers.

"Kaya, your achievements are outstanding," said Mrs. Wulan, his English teacher, one day after class. "I remember when you used to struggle with lessons, but look at you now. You've truly changed." Kaya smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, ma'am. I'm just doing my best," he replied humbly. However, beneath his modest response, Kaya felt proud of what he had achieved.

But not everyone at school liked this change. Some students started to feel jealous of Kaya's success. "Look at Kaya," whispered one of his classmates. "He used to be the poor kid who had nothing, and now he acts all smart." Kaya heard these whispers, but he tried not to let them bother him. "Focus on your goal, don't let things like this distract you,"** he reminded himself every time he heard negative comments from others. But deep down, Kaya felt a slight sting from those comments, though he knew he couldn't let it stop him.

Meanwhile, outside of school, Kaya's routine grew even busier. After school, he would attend English lessons, then head to the flea market to hunt for vintage items, and in the evenings, he would sit at his laptop to learn coding and develop new game ideas. Kaya didn't have much time to relax, but he enjoyed it. "Every minute I spend now is an investment in my future," he thought.

Even though he was busy, Kaya always made sure to have time to help his family. His mother was now more at ease, thanks to the small stall they had set up with Kaya's help. The stall was beginning to get regular customers, and though it was still small, the income was enough to supplement the family's finances. "Thank you, Kaya," his mother said one night as they ate dinner together. "Without your help, I don't know what I would've done." Kaya just smiled and said, "It's all for us, Mom. I just want us to live better lives."

However, life didn't always go smoothly. One day, after school, Kaya received shocking news. His father had been in a work accident. He had fallen from a building under construction and had to be rushed to the hospital. Kaya felt his whole world collapse at that moment. He hurried to the hospital, where he found his mother crying in the waiting room.

"Mom, how is Dad?" Kaya asked, his voice trembling. "The doctors said he needs immediate surgery," his mother replied, tears streaming down her face. "But the cost of the surgery is more than we can afford." Kaya's heart sank upon hearing those words. "How much is it, Mom?" he asked quietly. "$2,000," his mother answered, barely able to speak.

Kaya knew he had $2,230 left from his efforts and savings. "I can pay for it, Mom," Kaya said firmly. "I'll use the money I have for Dad's surgery." His mother was surprised but also relieved. "Thank you, Kaya. You're truly an extraordinary child," she said, hugging him tightly.

However, while Kaya could pay for the surgery, he knew that his money would be gone afterward. He would have to start all over again, and this realization weighed heavily on him. "I have to stay strong," he thought. "This is for Dad, and I must do whatever I can for my family."

The surgery went well, but the recovery process was long. Kaya had to spend all his money on hospital bills and aftercare. His funds were depleted, and he had to start again from scratch. Yet, in this difficult situation, Kaya found a new resolve within himself. "I won't give up," he whispered to himself. "This is just another challenge I have to overcome. I will rise again."

After seeing his bank account empty, Kaya felt a mix of fear and determination. "This is my lowest point," he thought. "But I've learned so much, and that's an asset that can't be taken away. Money can be lost, but the knowledge and experience I've gained will always be with me." With that mindset, he began to plan how he could start again, this time with more strategy and careful planning.

During his father's recovery, Kaya and his mother worked together to care for him at home. His father lay weak in bed, and every time Kaya saw him, he felt an even greater sense of responsibility. "I have to become stronger, not just for myself, but for my family,"** he thought. Kaya knew he couldn't let himself be consumed by sadness because his family needed him now more than ever.

Kaya also discussed his situation with RetroWave, his new mentor in game development. "I lost all my money because I had to pay for my father's medical bills," Kaya said honestly. "Now I have to start from scratch again." RetroWave responded with empathetic support. "Kaya, you've already been through so much and you're still fighting. That's the mark of someone with great potential. Don't give up. We'll find a way to help you rise again."

RetroWave's words gave Kaya new strength. He knew that although he had to start from zero again, he wasn't alone. He had knowledge, experience, and the support of people who believed in him. "I will rise, and I will be stronger than before,"** he whispered to himself before finally falling asleep, ready to face the next day with renewed courage and determination.