Simple Man Learns Everyone at Career Day Thinks He’s Rich & Decides to Play Along – Story of the Day

For Will, Career Day was a chance to spend more time with his son Kevin and strengthen their bond. However, when he arrived at the school, he realized his son was ashamed of him. Will’s honest work as a garbage truck driver wasn’t enough for Kevin, so he decided to play along with his son’s lie.

Late in the evening, the sound of the front door creaking open echoed through the quiet house. Will stepped inside, his shoulders slumped and his boots dragging slightly on the floor. His face was smudged with dirt, and the faint scent of oil and metal lingered on his clothes.

Leslie, sitting on the couch with a folded laundry basket beside her, looked up as he entered. She set the basket aside and walked over, her expression calm but tired.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“You’re late again…” she said softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

Will sighed and dropped his work bag near the door.

“I know… sorry. One of the garbage trucks broke down, so I had to cover their route. Couldn’t leave it undone, and—well, you know—we could use the extra money.”

Leslie nodded, folding her arms.

“I understand. But I’m worried about Kevin…”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Will straightened slightly. “What’s wrong? Did something happen at school?”

“No, school’s fine,” she replied, shaking her head. “But he barely sees you anymore. You’re working so much, and I’m not sure he understands why.”

Will’s expression softened. “I’ll talk to him. Don’t worry, Les. Everything I do, I do for his future.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Leslie smiled gently, placing a hand on his arm. “I know, dear. I know.”

Will knocked gently on Kevin’s door, letting his knuckles barely tap against the wood.

The house was quiet, except for the faint hum of the heater. He pushed the door open slowly, peeking in with a playful grin despite the heavy bags under his eyes.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Hey, kiddo! How are you?” he asked, his voice soft but warm.

Kevin sat cross-legged on his bed, a book in his hands, though it didn’t look like he was reading it.

“Hi, Dad. I’m fine,” he said without looking up.

“Not asleep yet? Got a few minutes to chat?” Will stepped inside, his voice teasing but gentle.

“Sure…” Kevin set the book down reluctantly and glanced at his father.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Will sat down on the edge of the bed, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

“How’s school? Everything going okay? No fights with your classmates or anything?”

Kevin shrugged. “Yeah, it’s fine.”

Will raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? Fine? Come on, you can give me more than that.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Kevin smirked a little but stayed quiet.

“Oh!” Will said, sitting up straighter. “I almost forgot—tomorrow’s Career Day at your school! I’ll take the day off to come. Don’t worry, I won’t miss it.”

Kevin’s face fell slightly, and he looked away.

“You don’t have to, Dad…” he said softly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Will tilted his head, watching his son carefully.

“I want to,” he said firmly. “Don’t worry about it. For you, I’ll always make time. Now get some rest, buddy. Tomorrow’s a big day.”

Kevin hesitated, then mumbled, “Goodnight.” He turned onto his side, facing the wall.

Will reached out, lightly ruffling Kevin’s hair before standing.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

He paused at the door, glancing back at his son with a faint smile, then quietly closed the door behind him.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windshield as Will drove Kevin to school. Will had traded his usual work uniform for a navy suit and tie, a combination that felt unfamiliar and stiff.

Kevin sat silently in the passenger seat, his face turned toward the window. His fingers fidgeted with the strap of his backpack, and his usual chatter was replaced by a heavy quietness.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Will glanced at him, the silence too loud to ignore. “What’s wrong, kiddo?” he asked, keeping his tone light.

Kevin shrugged but didn’t turn away from the window.

“I don’t feel well. I don’t want to go to school today,” he muttered.

Will frowned, his eyes darting between the road and his son.

“Come on, you’re fine. Are you nervous about something?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“No…” Kevin replied softly, his voice trailing off.

Will didn’t push.

“Don’t worry. It’ll be okay,” he said, though he couldn’t help but wonder if Kevin was hiding something.

When they arrived at the school, Kevin hesitated before opening the door.

Will waited, his hand resting on the gear shift, watching his son wrestle with some unspoken emotion.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Finally, Kevin sighed, pushed open the door, and got out. Will followed, his concern lingering like a shadow.

Inside the classroom, rows of parents sat in folding chairs at the back while the children clustered together at their desks.

Will found a seat, adjusting his tie as he scanned the room. The atmosphere buzzed with chatter and excitement.

A tall man in an expensive suit approached Will, offering a polished smile. “You must be Kevin’s dad, right?”

Will nodded. “Yes. How’d you know?”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Our boys are friends. Your son talks a lot about you and your work,” the man said, crossing his arms.

“Really?” Will said, eyebrows rising. “I didn’t think he was that interested in what I do.”

The man chuckled. “Well, he’s proud of you. Told everyone you own a waste recycling business.”

Will froze. “A recycling business?” he repeated, the words sticking in his throat.

“Yeah! Or did I get that wrong?” The man tilted his head. “Kids exaggerate sometimes. You know how it is.”

Will’s stomach tightened. He wasn’t a business owner—he drove a garbage truck. Admitting that now would mean exposing Kevin’s lie.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The image of his son’s anxious face flashed through his mind, and the thought of Kevin being humiliated in front of his peers was too much to bear.

“Yeah,” Will said finally, forcing a smile. “I’m not used to people knowing about it. I usually keep work stuff private.”

The man nodded, seemingly satisfied, and walked away.

Will’s chest felt heavy, but he tried to shake it off as the teacher stepped to the front of the room.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Next, let’s hear from Kevin’s dad,” she announced, motioning for him to come forward.

Will stood, smoothing his suit nervously as he walked to the front. He glanced at Kevin, who sat stiffly, staring at his desk.

“Hello, everyone. I’m Will, Kevin’s dad. As some of you already know, I own a waste recycling business,” he said, his voice steady despite the knot in his stomach.

Kevin’s head shot up, his eyes wide with relief. A small smile crept across his face as he looked at his father.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

The children leaned forward, listening intently, and the parents nodded approvingly—all except the man in the expensive suit, whose expression soured.

Will smiled through it, feeling a mixture of pride and sadness. For now, he had protected Kevin, and that was what mattered most.

After the presentations, the classroom was abuzz with chatter. Kevin stood near his desk, surrounded by a group of classmates. They grinned and chattered excitedly.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Your dad’s job is so cool!” one kid said.

“Yeah, owning a recycling business? That’s awesome,” another added.

Kevin smiled faintly, but his eyes kept darting toward the back of the room.

Will sat alone on a bench, his hands resting on his knees, staring at the floor. Something about his posture—a mix of exhaustion and quiet sadness—made Kevin’s chest feel tight.

Excusing himself from the group, Kevin walked over to his dad. He hesitated for a moment before speaking.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“Dad… about your job…” Kevin’s voice was soft, almost unsure.

Will looked up, his tired eyes meeting his son’s.

“It’s okay, son,” he said gently. “I hope everything went better than you expected. I didn’t want to embarrass you in front of your friends. I’m sorry my job isn’t… prestigious. I really try my best.”

Kevin shook his head quickly. “Dad… your job is awesome. You’re awesome.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Will raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint, skeptical smile. “Then why did you tell everyone I’m a business owner?”

Kevin looked down, fidgeting with the strap of his backpack.

“It was Rob,” he admitted quietly.

“He’s always bragging about his dad selling cars and how much money he makes. I… I lied. I said you owned a recycling business. Then everyone started talking about it, and I didn’t know how to take it back. I didn’t want to look stupid.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Will nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful.

“It’s okay, son. I understand,” he said after a moment. “And who knows? Maybe I’ll make that lie true someday. Maybe I can start my own business.”

Kevin stared at his dad, his guilt giving way to a sudden determination. Without another word, he turned and strode back toward the front of the classroom.

“Listen, everyone!” Kevin’s voice rang out, loud and clear. The chatter stopped, and all eyes turned to him. Will’s heart skipped a beat as he watched his son.

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

“My dad drives a garbage truck!” Kevin announced, his voice steady.

The room went silent. Kids stared at Kevin, some whispering to each other, others wide-eyed. Even the parents stopped their conversations.

Kevin straightened his back and continued, his voice unwavering.

“He’s not a business owner, and he’s not the richest, but I don’t care! I love my dad. He loves me and my mom, and I’m proud of him!”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For a moment, the room stayed quiet, and Kevin held his breath.

Then, one of the parents applauded. Slowly, others joined in.

Soon, most of the parents were smiling and applauding as well—except Rob’s father, who sat stiffly, his face sour.

Kevin turned back to his dad, beaming.

“I love you, Dad. And I don’t care what anyone else thinks.”

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney

Will’s throat tightened as tears pricked at his eyes. He stood, pulling Kevin into a hug.

“Thank you, son. I love you too,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

In that moment, Will didn’t care about titles or appearances.

His son’s love and pride were more than enough.

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: Margaret loved her husband and did everything he asked of her, which was a lot. But for years, she hadn’t been on the receiving end of that love. She had resigned herself to the idea that her life would always be this way—until she opened a strange box beneath the Christmas tree. Read the full story here.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

My Grandpa Pretended to Be Deaf to Test Us before Dividing the Inheritance, I Couldnt Help but Laugh at the Will Reading

My grandpa’s will revealed a shocking secret: for months, he had been pretending to be deaf, quietly listening to everything we said about him. When the truth was finally revealed in the lawyer’s office, it exposed our family’s hidden greed and genuine love, leaving us all forever changed.

My grandpa, Harold, was one of a kind. From the time I was a little girl, he was my favorite person. He could light up any room with his laughter and mischief, always full of love for his family. His twinkling eyes were a constant source of joy, and he had a way of making life feel special.

When Grandpa passed away, I felt a deep void. I missed our long talks, his wisdom, and, most of all, his playful spirit. One prank of his, from April Fool’s Day, became legendary in our family: he told us he’d hidden a $100 bill somewhere in the house. We searched for hours, only to find a note in the cookie jar that read, “Fooled you! The best treasures are the moments we share.” We all laughed, and Grandpa’s eyes sparkled with delight.

Now, sitting in the lawyer’s office, I couldn’t shake the sadness. Grandpa was gone, and his will was about to be read. I expected that he had left something for everyone, as he was always generous. But what followed shocked us all.

The lawyer cleared his throat and began reading Grandpa’s letter:

“Hello, my dear family! Today, many of you will leave this room very disappointed because you won’t get what you expected. In fact, only one of you will leave here with a smile. For the past two months, I’ve been pretending to be deaf. I heard every word you said about me. Let’s begin with my son, John.”

My Uncle John’s face paled as the lawyer continued, “John, you have always been a dutiful son, but recently, I overheard you complaining about how much of a burden I had become. You said you couldn’t wait for the ‘old man’ to pass so you could get my money. Well, John, you’ll be disappointed to know you won’t be receiving a single penny.”

John’s face turned beet red as he slumped in his chair, visibly embarrassed.

Next, the lawyer turned to my Aunt Susan. “Susan, I heard you on the phone many times, talking about your debts and how you couldn’t wait for me to die so you could pay them off with your inheritance. Well, Susan, you’ll be receiving $1. Hope that helps.”

Susan gasped in disbelief. “This can’t be true! I never said that!” she protested, but the lawyer remained unfazed, continuing, “This is what your father wrote, Susan.”

The tension in the room was unbearable. Everyone shifted nervously, unsure of what revelation would come next.

The lawyer moved on to my cousin, Emily. “Emily, you were always sweet to my face, but behind my back, you made bets on how long I’d live and joked about inheriting my money. Emily, you will receive nothing.”

Emily’s jaw dropped in shock. The room grew thick with disbelief, some family members devastated, others secretly relieved. But the biggest surprise was yet to come.

“And now, to my beloved granddaughter, Jane,” the lawyer read. My heart pounded in my chest as I held my breath. “Jane, you spent hours talking to me, sharing your life, and listening to my stories. You never made me feel like a burden. Your love and kindness were always genuine, and for that, I am leaving you everything: my houses, my business, and all that I own. My deputy, Peter, will help you manage the company until you finish college, after which you’ll take over.”

I was stunned. Grandpa’s company was worth a fortune. I had loved him for the person he was, never for his wealth. As tears welled up in my eyes, the lawyer continued, “Jane, I trust you to run the company with the same love and integrity you always showed me. Make me proud.”

I couldn’t believe it—Grandpa had orchestrated the ultimate test, revealing everyone’s true colors. It was more than just a will reading; it was a lesson about love, greed, and what truly matters in life.

After the will was read, Peter, my grandpa’s trusted deputy, came up to me. “Jane, I had no idea Harold planned this. But I’ll be here to help you with the company whenever you’re ready.”

“Thank you, Peter,” I replied, still trying to process everything. “I’m going to need a lot of help.”

My Uncle John, fuming, muttered, “This is so unfair! I was his son—I deserved more!”

Aunt Susan, still crying, added, “We all deserved more. This is cruel.”

Surprisingly, Emily, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke up. “Maybe this is what we needed—a wake-up call. Grandpa always knew how to make us see things differently.”

With that, the lawyer packed up his papers, saying, “If anyone has questions, feel free to contact my office. But remember, these were Harold’s final wishes.”

As my family left the office, some grumbling, others lost in thought, Emily approached me with a sad smile. “Jane, Grandpa saw something special in you. He knew you’d handle this with grace.”

“I hope so,” I said quietly. “I just want to make him proud.”

“You will,” Emily reassured me, giving me a hug. “You always have.”

As we walked out into the sunlight, I reflected on Grandpa’s final lesson. His legacy wasn’t just about his fortune—it was about love, integrity, and the lessons he had imparted on us all. True wealth isn’t measured by money but by the relationships we nurture and the respect we give and receive. Grandpa’s clever plan reminded us all of that.

With Grandpa’s memory guiding me, I felt ready to face the challenges ahead. And in that moment, I knew he would always be with me, helping me every step of the way.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*