Chapter 10: "The Burden of Responsibility"

Alex stood at the counter of the bar, clearing the glasses with practiced efficiency. His gaze was fixed on the clock on the wall, counting down the hours remaining for him to go home to his family. As the eldest son, he chose to assist his father, Anthony, by getting a job near the house to pay for their loans and also to take care of the family. Although Anthony's father got a new job at the college, it was not enough to settle the children's school fees and the loan.

From a young age, Alex understood the roles and importance of a family. Raised by his passionate and hardworking father, Anthony, after their mother Emma passed away, Alex quickly learned how to be supportive and stand for responsibility. Caleb and Unique, his siblings, count on him as their elder brother. Alex felt a sense of duty to help his father, Anthony, as he was the first born to provide for the family.

In spite of his humble job as a barman, Alex studied hard in school and also approached his work with seriousness and diligence. Each night, after he returned from school with his siblings, Caleb and Unique, he poured drinks as a bar man and listened to stories of patrons. While he silently calculated how much he could contribute to household expenses. The money he earned and brought home was little, but Alex never complained as the money went along with buying some textbooks for school.

As the evening passed, Alex's thoughts were of his father, Anthony, who had sacrificed a lot to provide for his children. Anthony had worked long hours on the field for years, and now he was lecturing at the college, his hand calloused and his back bent from years of labor practicing agriculture. Now, in his blue hours, he counts on Alex's support more than ever. Upon his own weariness, Alex promised to do whatever it takes to ease his father's burn.

"Another round, Alex?" called out one of the regulars from the other end of the bar.

Alex glanced up, offering a weary smile. "Coming right up, Frank."

As he poured another drink, Alex's thought of the future. He dreamed of a better life for his family, but his focus remained on the present, ensuring he performed well in his studies. Alex and his siblings have come together lately every night at the kitchen table to read their books and do their assignments. It was not that easy for Alex as a barman, but it was a price to pay for keeping all things straight.

Closing time finally arrived, and Alex waved to his co-workers before making his way to the farm house. The familiar streets of his neighborhood were silent at late hours, illuminated with streetlights. With each step, Alex felt the burden of his responsibility on him, which reminded him of the sacrifices he made for his family.

Upon getting to the farm house, Alex shared with his father and siblings how he had been putting himself together at work. He was happy that he earns little to support their education and pay back their loans. The sight of Anthony sitting in his favorite armchair at the kitchen table, a tired but content expression on his face, filled Alex with joy. Despite the hardships they passed through, there was love and comfort that bound them together as a family.

"Long day, Dad?" Alex asked, his voice soft with concern.

Anthony nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "But knowing you're here to take care of us makes it all worth it, son."

Alex smiled, his pride swelling in his chest. As the night settled in, Unique engaged himself in tidying up the living room after her night studies, making sure everything was properly in order. Alex and Unique were already in a bed , their soft snores a backdrop to the quiet of the house. Unique paused for a moment, observing before her the warmth of the cozy room, the faint smells from the dining spread in the air, and the sound of his family sleeping peacefully.

With their night studies, Alex, Caleb, and Unique continued to excel in their studies with all seriousness; their hard work and dedication earned them accolades and praise from their teachers and peers alike. They dreamed of futures filled with opportunity and possibility, believing that, with their education, anything was possible.

Despite all the difficulty, Alex felt a sense of contentment wash over him. This was what mattered most to him: the love and unity of his loving family, bound together by shared struggles and steadfast support.

With a fatigued sigh, Alex settled opposite his father, delighted in the moment. They sat, keeping each other's company, in silence, lost in their own thoughts, yet they were connected by understanding. In their quiet moments, Alex found peace and strength, drawing upon the deep well of love that surrounded him.

"Thank you, Alex," Anthony said suddenly, his voice rough with emotion.

Alex looked up, meeting his father's gaze with a mixture of surprise and affection. "For what, Dad?"

"For everything," Anthony replied, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "For being the rock that holds this family together, for your constant devotion and selflessness. I couldn't ask for a better son."

Tears rolled out of Alex's eyes, and in that moment, he was overcome with a great depth of appreciation from the man who had raised him for all the sacrifices he had made to ensure his siblings' happiness.

"Thank you, Dad," Alex murmured, his voice choking with emotion. "For believing in me, for always being there, no matter what."

As the night passed on, Alex eventually rose from his seat, bidding his father Anthony goodnight before moving to his own room. Alex had to go to sleep to wake up early and prepare for school with his younger brother the next morning. In the quiet darkness, he lay awake for some time, lost in thoughts as he examined the journey ahead of him.

With so many thoughts running through his mind, Alex finally allowed himself to sleep. The steady rhythm of his breathing serves as evidence of the quiet courage that burned within his heart. And as he drove into dreams, he believed in himself that no matter what happened, he would stand firm to face it, with the unbreakable bond of his family.