In the dimly lit underpass, the constant hum of footsteps echoed around 14-year-old Martin, who sat quietly by the wall with his shoe-shining kit spread out in front of him. His eyes scanned each pair of shoes that passed, hoping for a customer.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust a few today,\u201d he whispered to himself, \u201cjust a handful.\u201d<\/p>\n
The day wore on, and Martin\u2019s stomach growled in protest. His meager breakfast of two bread slices felt like a distant memory. He took a small sip of water, trying to calm his hunger.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can do this, Martin. For Mom and Josephine,\u201d he murmured, reminding himself of why he was here.<\/p>\n
Martin\u2019s mother was paralyzed, and his little sister, Josephine, was waiting for him at home. Their survival depended on what he could earn. He forced a smile, ready to face whatever the day would bring.<\/p>\n
\u201cShoe shine, sir? Ma\u2019am?\u201d Martin called out, but his voice was barely audible above the noise of the underpass.<\/p>\n
Hours passed, and not a single customer stopped. His spirits were sinking, but he refused to give up. Just as he reached into his worn leather bag for the small orange that was to be his lunch, a pair of scuffed brown leather shoes dropped heavily in front of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cHurry up, kid. Clean these, I\u2019m in a rush,\u201d a gruff voice ordered.<\/p>\n
Martin\u2019s heart raced as he looked up. The man standing before him was sharply dressed, exuding wealth. This could be his chance to make good money.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, sir! Right away!\u201d Martin set aside his orange and reached for his supplies, eager to do his best.<\/p>\n
As Martin worked, the man\u2019s impatience grew. \u201cWhat\u2019s taking so long? I don\u2019t have all day!\u201d<\/p>\n
Martin\u2019s hands shook, but he kept his focus, determined to give the man the best shine possible. \u201cJust about done, sir. It\u2019ll look great, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
The man scoffed. \u201cAt your age, I was already earning more than my father. I wasn\u2019t out here shining shoes like some beggar.\u201d<\/p>\n
The words hit Martin hard. It had been three years since his father died in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, leaving their family in pieces. The memory of that night haunted him still\u2014the screech of tires, the crash, and the heart-wrenching news. After his father passed, Martin\u2019s mother had a stroke, leaving her paralyzed. At just eleven years old, Martin had become the provider, stepping into his father\u2019s shoes as a shoe-shiner.<\/p>\n
But he couldn\u2019t dwell on the past now. He had to finish his job.<\/p>\n
The man inspected his shoe and sneered. \u201cThis? My dog could do a better job with his tongue!\u201d<\/p>\n
Martin\u2019s face flushed with shame. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, sir. Let me try again\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cForget it,\u201d the man snapped, pulling out his phone. \u201cYeah, Sylvester here. Reschedule the meeting to four. I\u2019m going to be late because of this useless kid.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"