Daniel was expecting to receive a watch, but what he saw inside the box left him in confusion. He pulled out a folded flyer with the words 'Job Wanted' written in bold yellow letters.
"There, now you can save up to buy yourself that watch," his father did not even look at his face. He kept scrolling his phone. Daniel was surprised because he had been promised a new watch by his father since his previous one was stolen. He was deeply disappointed but what else could he do? His family was poor and his father really needed to make ends meet.
The flyer stated a waiter position for a new Mexican restaurant that had just opened up in town.
"I can do this!" Daniel took a deep breath before entering the manager's office. It was nerve-wrecking for him as it was his first interview for a job. Surprisingly, the interview went smoothly. He got the job on the spot. His first day was normal. There were a few mistakes made but he quickly got the hang of it. After a month, he was already recognised as the most hardworking employee of the month.
"At this rate, you'll have your pay soon enough," the manager patted on his back. Daniel was elated to hear this. He had already saved up some tips from the customers he served. Soon, he would have his dream watch in a box wrapped in a black and gold glossy paper with a silver ribbon on it.
Daniel came home after a tiring month feeling delighted. "Mom, Dad. I've got my first paycheck."
Daniel was proud of himself. He wanted to show it to his parents. The balance of his first salary was sufficient to buy the watch. Plus, with the tips he gained, he could even buy the limited edition Casio 222. Out of the blue, his mom called him from the master bedroom. He immediately jolted upstairs and found his parents on the bed. He wanted to share his happiness with them but he realised his father was sobbing.
"What happened?" He wondered, trying to read the room. He had never seen his father in such condition.
"It's your Aunt Mary," his mom startled.
"She was attacked with a stroke this morning at the office." Daniel was shocked with the news.
"She needs an urgent surgery to remove the blood clot from her brain but the surgery costed her an arm and a leg. None of us have the money right now," his father explained. His eyes were red and puffy. Daniel's parents kept thinking on how to earn more money to help Aunt Mary but Daniel knew it was also his responsibility to chip in.
Daniel sacrificed his first paycheck for his aunt's surgery. He was determined to work harder so that he could earn more next month. He even took extra shifts to help. Although it was exhausting, he felt glad to do so.
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