Chapter 3: The search

I did not bother going to look for work in the company my dad used to work for, because the company works more with heavy machines that demolish buildings, dig trench and clear lands.

I needed a job that requires low or no skills at all because I have to start earning money as fast as possible.

Finding a job was harder than I thought.

I went to a lot of places like bars, fast food joints and electronic stores. but none of them agreed to hire me.

I went to a big supermarket. Figured they always need help.

The manager just shook his head. 'No vacancies,' he said, leaving me very disappointed.

I felt like giving up.

I was about to start heading home to try again tomorrow.

When I looked across the street, these guys were building a new apartment block. Looked tough, real tough.

Sweat pouring down their faces, lifting heavy bags of cement. Construction work.

Not exactly my dream job, but hey, it was work. So, I walked over there, heart pounding.

The foreman, this big guy with a very deep voice, was giving them directions on what to do.

He looked very busy at the moment so I sat by the side and waited.

Till he was standing alone looking at his phone. That's when I went and met him.

I told him I'm looking for work. He looked me up and down.

'You look strong enough,' he said. 'Come back tomorrow morning, early. We'll see what you can do.

Then, he continued pressing his phone.

He looked up again and I was still standing there.

If you are ready, you can start working now, but we pay you for half a day,' He said.

Man, I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.

We discussed the pay and I started working immediately.

My job was mostly heavy lifting.

I carried bricks, cement bags, and other materials from one place to another.

I helped mix cement, cleared debris, and cleaned up the site after the workers were done for the day.

Sometimes I even dug trenches or moved piles of sand with a shovel.

The work was tough, hard on my hands, back, and feet. but I kept going because the pay was better than anything I'd earned before.

With the money I made, I could finally buy more food, pay for all of Mom's medicine, and keep up with the rent. It felt good to bring home a little more and not worry as much about how we would get by. However, even with the better pay, my day didn't get easier.

After work, I would still rush home. First, I'd check on Mom to see how she was feeling.

Then I'd make dinner for Emilio and her. Some nights, Emilio and I would eat together while I listened to him talk about school.

Afterward, I helped him with his homework or made sure he had clean clothes for the next day.

Then I cleaned the house, sweeping the floors, washing the dishes, or ironing clothes. I didn't want to leave things undone just because I was tired.

Weeks passed, and one evening while I was helping Mom sit up to eat, she suddenly asked, "Luis, why don't you wear your school uniform anymore? Did something happen at school?"

I froze for a moment, not knowing how to answer. I didn't want to worry her, but I also couldn't lie to her. "Mom," I started, sitting down beside her, "I stopped going to school."

Her face changed, she looked so upset. "Why, Luis? You were doing so well. School is important! How will you finish and have a better life if you stop now?"

I sighed, trying to keep my voice steady. "Mom, it's not because I don't want to go. I had to. The money I was making before wasn't enough.

I needed to take care of you and Emilio. This way, I can work more hours and make sure we have what we need. It's for the betterment of the family."

"But Luis," she said, her voice shaky, "your education is important. You're too smart to give it up. What about your future?"

"I know, Mom," I said, taking her hand gently. "I'm not giving up on school forever.

I promise you, once you're better, I'll go back and finish high School.

This is just for now. Right now, you and Emilio need me more."

She looked at me, her eyes filled with worry and sadness, but also understanding. "Just don't forget your dreams, Luis," she whispered.

"I won't," I said, squeezing her hand. "I'm doing this for us, but I'll go back. I promise."

After that, we didn't talk about it again, but I knew her words stayed with me.

They stayed with me to push me to keep going no matter how hard things got. I didn't want to let her down. Someday, I will finish school. But for now, I had to be strong for my family.