Chapter 2 Two

I woke up groggily, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Another day, another struggle. I glanced at the clock and realized I had overslept. I hurriedly got out of bed and quickly got dressed, trying not to wake my mom and siblings.

As I made my way to the kitchen, I could hear my mom's soft snores coming from her room. She had been ill for a while now, unable to work or provide for us. I silently made breakfast for my siblings, trying to be as quiet as possible.

"Morning, Emma," I said as I placed a plate of pancakes in front of my little sister.

"Morning, Justin," she replied, smiling at me with her toothy grin.

"Hey, Andy," I said to my younger brother who was already sitting at the table, his face buried in his phone.

"Meh, morning," he mumbled without looking up.

I quickly ate my own breakfast and checked the time. I had to leave soon if I wanted to catch the bus and get to work on time.

"I'm heading out, guys. Make sure you finish your breakfast and get ready for school," I told them.

"Okay, Justin. Good luck with your day," Emma said cheerfully.

"Thanks, Em. Take care of Mom for me, okay?" I said, tousling her hair before grabbing my bag and heading out the door.

The morning air was crisp as I made my way to the bus stop. I kept replaying yesterday's events in my mind, trying to figure out how to make more money to pay off our debts. My job as a bartender was helping, but it wasn't enough. I needed something more.

As I arrived at the bar, Andrew, my boss, was already there, setting up for the day.

"Morning, Justin. Ready for another day of pouring drinks?" he asked with a smirk.

"You know it, Andrew. Gotta pay the bills somehow," I replied, mustering a smile.

The day went by in a blur of mixing cocktails and serving customers. I tried to be friendly and engage in small talk, hoping for better tips. The customers seemed to appreciate my efforts, and the tips were slightly better than usual.

Finally, it was closing time. Andrew called me over to the counter.

"Not bad, Justin. You're really starting to get the hang of this," he said, counting the cash from the register.

"Thanks, Andrew. I'm doing my best," I replied, trying to hide my exhaustion.

"I can see that. Here, take this," he said, handing me a wad of cash. "Consider it a bonus for your hard work."

I was taken aback by his generosity. It was more than I expected.

"Wow, thank you so much, Andrew. This will really help."

"No problem, kid. Just keep up the good work. You're a valuable asset to this place."

I thanked him once again and made my way home, clutching the cash tightly in my pocket. I couldn't wait to put it to good use.

On the way home, Emma's ridiculous worn-out shoes just crossed my mind and my hands involuntary reached out to my pocket, engulfing the cash I had as a tip today. It was the best time to fulfill my promise so I made my way to a shoe shop directly.

"This one is cheaper than the one you are holding in your hand right now." The shopkeeper's voice got my attention.

"Yes, but I like this one! Exactly, I want to buy this one for my Emma."

"Okay, sir! Kindly confirm the size then!" I walked behind him to the counter.

Grabbing the shoe bag and heading way home, an excited smirk covered my lips, I knew Emma has always been loving these shoes whenever she walked by this shop but she never speak of it since she is mature enough to not speak out of her wishes ever.

As I entered the house, I found my mom sitting in her usual spot on the couch, a tired smile on her face. She looked up as I walked in.

"Justin, you're back. How was your day?" she asked, her voice weak but filled with concern. "What is this in your hands?" She asked.

"Hey, Mom. It was a busy day, but I managed." I said, giving her a gentle hug.

"This is for Emma! Her worn-out shoes have always been putting her to be ridiculed, so I bought a new one for her, as I promised her." I retorted. "How are you, mum!?"

"I'm hanging in there, sweetheart. I am really for the shoes and for both of you. It's not your duty but you are doing it wisely, I am proud of you. Did anything interesting happen at work today?"

I hesitated for a moment, knowing I had to keep my secret from her. I couldn't let her worry or disapprove of my choice.

"Just the usual, Mom. Nothing out of the ordinary," I replied, forcing a smile.

She nodded, her eyes filled with a mixture of exhaustion and gratitude.

"Well, as long as you're safe and doing your best, that's all that matters to me," she said, her voice filled with motherly love.

I hugged her a little tighter, knowing that I was doing what I had to do to take care of her and my siblings.

"Thanks, Mom. I'll always do whatever it takes to make sure we're okay," I whispered, my determination shining through.

"Hey, Emma! Where have you been? How are you, dear?"

"Hey, Justin! I am better today, I was just doing my homework, I was in my room!"

"Look, what I bought for you? There is something inside this box."

"What is this?" She grabbed the bag immediately, with excitement overloaded.

"Ah! New shoes! This is so beautiful!" She cried out happily. "You know, I love these shoes, it has been my favorite always"

"Are you happy? Did you like it?"

"Indeed! You are the best brother ever!"

"I am glad I made you happy!"