Unseen Hero

 

"What have you done for us?" Oliver said loudly. "You don’t give us good food, the education we get is poor, and now you’re even neglecting my pocket money! I’m a college student, Dad — I need a comfortable life, but you..."
He stopped mid-sentence, but his expression said everything.

Joseph staggered, feeling as if his legs had no strength left. He gathered himself and sat down near the chair. He couldn’t believe his son had spoken to him so rudely. He was left speechless — no words, no sound.

His wife, Sophia, came quickly, looking worried. “What happened, Oliver?” she asked. But Oliver ignored his mother and walked away angrily.

“Are you alright, Joseph?” Sophia asked, bending down beside him.
“Yeah,” Joseph replied weakly and with pain in his voice.
“I’ll get you a glass of water,” she said quickly, hurrying away.

Joseph slowly gathered his tired, aging body and leaned back into a resting position. He closed his eyes — and his mind drifted thirty years into the past, to when he was a 21-year-old young man with strong shoulders and a smart, confident frame.
Back then, he had to give up his college education to take care of responsibilities at home.

He lived with his responsibilities quietly, never complaining. Then one day, he met Sophia at a wedding function, and soon after, his mother chose her to be his life partner.
With Sophia’s arrival, his life turned joyful and cheerful.
Though he didn’t have much money, he continued to work hard at a warehouse, lifting heavy boxes day after day to support his family.

After one year, Sophia gave them the greatest joy of all — Noah was born. That innocent little angel filled their home with laughter and warmth. Everyone felt a new sense of happiness and purpose.

A few years later, Oliver was born, and with him, Joseph’s responsibilities grew even more. Determined to give his sons a better future, he began working overtime at the warehouse. He dreamed of seeing his children receive a good education, hold respectable positions, and bring honor to the family.

After one year, Sophia gave them the greatest joy of all — Noah was born. That innocent little angel filled their home with laughter and warmth. Everyone felt a new sense of happiness and purpose.

A few years later, Oliver was born, and with him, Joseph’s responsibilities grew even more. Determined to give his sons a better future, he began working overtime at the warehouse. He dreamed of seeing his children receive a good education, hold respectable positions, and bring honour to the family.

As Noah and Oliver grew up, so did Joseph’s hard work and sacrifices. He worked day and night, never thinking of himself — only of their future.

In his effort to keep the family happy, Joseph forgot everything — even time itself. The years passed quickly, and with them, his age. Hard work aged him faster than the calendar ever could, and now he looked older than his years.

But he held no sorrow in his heart. All he ever wanted was to secure his sons’ future — and for that, he was willing to go to the very end of hard work and sacrifice.

“Take your water,” Sophia's words reached his ears, and he sat up straight on the chair.
Just then, Noah's voice echoed from outside — loud and full of joy.

After some time, Noah entered the room, his face glowing with happiness. He sat cheerfully near Joseph’s chair and said with pride,
“Dad, I’ve been selected as a Manager in one of the most reputed companies in the city! I had given the exam and interview a while ago and was waiting for the result — and now it’s here. I’m selected!”

He spoke with childlike excitement, then added softly,
“Dad, it’s your hard work and blessings that made me successful. Now it’s your turn to rest completely.”

A tear rolled down his cheek.

“Oh, my child,” Sophia said with pride, “you’ve made us so happy.” She kissed him lovingly on the forehead.

Joseph, who some time before had felt like a lifeless body suddenly felt alive again. Noah’s words gave him strength — proof that his sacrifices and dedication were not in vain.

 

By : Danish

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