Jack, a 10-year-old boy, was deeply worried about his mom, Debra. She worked every single day to support them because she was a single mom, taking on the jobs of both parents. She worked as a cleaner at a big company and never took a day off.
Even though she was exhausted, she kept pushing herself to make sure they had enough money for everything they needed. The stress of her job was wearing her down, but she never showed it.
One day, Jack saw his mom sitting on the front porch, crying. He peeked through the window and heard her talking on the phone with her friend Emily. “I’m just so tired, Emily,” Debra said, sobbing. “I want to rest, but I can’t. I barely make enough to take care of Jack and pay the bills. I can’t afford any days off.”
Hearing this broke Jack’s heart. He felt guilty for his mom’s exhaustion and decided he had to do something to help her. The next day, right after school, he headed to her office with a plan.
When Jack arrived at the building, the receptionist greeted him with a smile. “Hello, Jack. Are you here to see your mom?”
Jack quickly shook his head. “No, ma’am. Please don’t tell my mom I’m here. I need to speak with her boss, Mr. Jefferson.”
The receptionist was surprised but agreed to call Mr. Jefferson, who agreed to meet with Jack. As Jack walked into the office, he was nervous but determined.
“To what do I owe this visit, young man?” Mr. Jefferson asked, gesturing for Jack to sit down.
Jack took a deep breath and spoke up. “Sir, I’m Jack, Debra’s son. She works here as a cleaner. I came to ask if you could give my mom some paid time off. She’s too tired but won’t take a break because she says we need the money.”
Mr. Jefferson was taken aback. “I know how hard your mom works, Jack. We’re grateful for her dedication. But I didn’t realize she wanted time off but felt she couldn’t take it. Is everything alright at home?”
Jack nodded. “It’s just my mom and me. She’s been working so hard for years to take care of me. I heard her crying yesterday because her body aches, and it makes me feel bad.”
At that moment, Mr. Jefferson’s young daughter, who had been quietly sitting in the room, spoke up. “Dad, I understand what Jack is saying. You’re always at work, and you hardly ever spend time with me. Jack just wants more time with his mom, like I want more time with you.”
Mr. Jefferson thought about his daughter’s words. He realized he had been so focused on work that he had ignored his own family. He promised Jack that he would help his mom and sent him home with the office chauffeur.
The next day, Mr. Jefferson called Debra into his office. “Your son visited me yesterday, Debra, and he said some surprising things.”
Debra’s heart sank. She was worried about what Jack might have said that would make the company’s CEO want to see her.
“There’s no easy way to say this, Debra, but you’re fired,” Mr. Jefferson said.
Debra’s face went pale, and she started to panic. “Sir, no! I don’t know what my son said, but he’s just a boy. Please don’t fire me—I really need this job!”
Mr. Jefferson smiled kindly. “Debra, you’re one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met. I’m not firing you without reason. Yesterday, your son and my daughter made me realize something important. Our children won’t be young forever, and it’s crucial to spend time with them.”
“I’ve decided to take my family on vacation, and I want you and Jack to join us. The whole trip will be paid for,” he said. “What do you think?”
Debra was confused. She had just been told she was fired and now was being invited on a vacation? She worried about not having a job to return to and how they would manage their expenses.
“I appreciate your kindness, sir, but I can’t afford to be without a job. Please, if you could give me another chance, I’d like to keep working,” Debra pleaded.
Mr. Jefferson shook his head gently. “Debra, I’m not offering you another corporate job. I want to invite you to work for my family instead. You and Jack can live with us in the cottage on our estate. You’ll only need to work a few hours a day, and the rest of the time, you can spend with your son. You’ve raised a wonderful young man who cares deeply for his mother—you should cherish that.”
He then handed Debra a bouquet of flowers. “These are from your son. Go home and enjoy your day with him.”
Debra was in shock. For the first time in years, she and Jack were able to go on a vacation. They traveled to the Bahamas with Mr. Jefferson’s family, all expenses paid. When they returned, they moved into the beautiful cottage on Mr. Jefferson’s estate—a place they had only ever dreamed of.
Debra couldn’t believe their incredible luck. Thanks to Jack’s bravery and Mr. Jefferson’s generosity, they started a new chapter in their lives, filled with more time together and the security they had always wished for.
