Colegas de classe zombam de garoto pobre por morar em trailer até vê-lo se mudando para uma cobertura — História do dia

Desde cedo, Sam aprendeu a manter a cabeça baixa e permanecer humilde. Ele nunca deixou os valentões da escola o deprimirem. Mas quando sua sorte muda para melhor, ele conseguiria manter seu coração puro?

Sam passou a infância fazendo limonada com limões. Seu pai faleceu quando ele ainda era um bebê. Desde então, ele ajudou sua mãe, Susan, a ganhar um dinheiro extra quando ele tinha folga da escola. Sam e Susan moravam em um parque de trailers porque não tinham dinheiro para comprar um apartamento ou uma casa.

Susan mal ganhava dinheiro suficiente para manter as luzes acesas e pagar as mensalidades escolares de Sam, pois ela era autista e lutava para encontrar um emprego estável. “Podemos não ter muito, mas sempre sejamos gratos pelo pouco que temos”, Susan dizia ao filho.

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

Na sala de aula, Sam era constantemente provocado. Os valentões da escola frequentemente o chamavam de nomes como “vagabundo” e “garoto falido”. Um valentão em particular, Jared, uma vez lhe disse: “Pessoas como você sempre ficarão presas vivendo em trailers”.

Sam nunca deixou que os insultos o derrubassem, pois sua mãe lhe ensinou que ele precisa ter pele grossa para sobreviver. Ele ainda sonhava em um dia possuir uma mansão para si e sua mãe.

Um dia, o senhorio deles, Tobey, veio cobrar o aluguel. Tobey também trabalhava como corretor imobiliário na área e tinha cartazes espalhados pela cidade. Durante a visita de Tobey, uma tempestade enorme atingiu a cidade, e ele tentou correr para casa, mas seu carro não pegava.

“Meu padrasto me ensinou que nunca encontrarei a felicidade se houver amargura em meu coração.”

“Não se preocupe, senhor. Vou olhar embaixo do capô e ver o que há de errado”, disse Sam. Sam era bem habilidoso e sabia consertar qualquer coisa que tivesse motor. Um de seus trabalhos de fim de semana era ajudar um mecânico na cidade. Em menos de uma hora, Sam consertou o carro de Tobey.

“Obrigado, garoto. Nunca vi ninguém consertar um motor na chuva antes”, disse Tobey. “Sem problemas, senhor. Mas você pode querer levá-lo para uma revisão”, respondeu Sam. Tobey ficou impressionado com a esperteza de Sam e ofereceu a ele um trabalho paralelo de lavar seu carro a cada duas semanas.

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

Sam aceitou e, com o tempo, desenvolveu um bom relacionamento com Tobey, que ele via como uma figura paterna. Sempre que Tobey levava seu carro para lavar, ele passava um tempo com Susan enquanto Sam estava ocupado. Ele logo descobriu que ela tinha uma coleção de desenhos notáveis ​​da cidade e rostos reconhecíveis.

Tobey perguntou se ela trabalhava como artista. “Não, eu só desenho coisas de memória”, respondeu Susan. Susan descobriu que Tobey também tinha ficado viúvo alguns anos antes, e os dois desenvolveram sentimentos um pelo outro. Tobey ajudou Susan a abrir um pequeno estúdio de arte, e ela começou a vender suas obras de arte.

Um dia, Jared notou que Sam estava ausente da escola. Ele sugeriu aos amigos que fizessem uma visita a Sam.

“Vamos ver o que o garoto falido está aprontando em sua cabana destruída”, brincou Jared.

Quando chegaram perto do trailer de Sam, viram que ele e a mãe estavam colocando caixas em um SUV chique. Perceberam que ele estava se mudando e ficaram curiosos.

Quando Sam, Susan e Tobey foram embora, Jared e seus amigos tentaram segui-los. O SUV era rápido demais para eles acompanharem em suas motos, e eles logo perderam o rastro.

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

No dia seguinte, Jared e seus amigos seguiram Sam depois da escola para ver para onde ele tinha se mudado. Acontece que Sam tinha se mudado para um complexo de apartamentos de luxo. Mais tarde naquela tarde, Jared viu que a mãe de Sam estava de mãos dadas com Tobey. Jared reconheceu Tobey dos cartazes espalhados pela cidade.

“Caramba, a mãe do Sam está namorando o corretor imobiliário!” Jared disse aos amigos. Eles não conseguiam acreditar que o mesmo garoto que eles vinham provocando há anos por ser pobre tinha se mudado para uma cobertura chique. O que eles acharam ainda mais estranho foi que Sam não se gabava disso. Era como se nada tivesse mudado.

“Eu era um verdadeiro sujeito desprezível naquela época, mas a vida fez um bom trabalho em me humilhar desde então.”

Daquele dia em diante, Jared nunca mais provocou Sam.

10 anos depois, Jared recebeu um convite pelo correio. “Você está cordialmente convidado para uma festa muito especial de 10º aniversário…”, dizia. Jared podia ver que a festa estava sendo realizada em um apartamento de cobertura, e o nome no convite parecia familiar.

Quando ele chegou, ficou surpreso ao ver que Sam tinha organizado o evento inteiro. Tudo foi providenciado, de bebidas a comida, e todos os colegas de classe de Sam e Jared estavam presentes. Todos estavam curiosos sobre como Sam vivia em um apartamento tão luxuoso e o que ele fazia para trabalhar.

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

Jared decidiu falar com ele para se desculpar pela forma como o tratou no ensino médio.

“Escuta, cara. Sinto muito mesmo por como eu costumava intimidar na escola. Não era legal. Eu era um verdadeiro pedaço de trabalho naquela época, mas a vida fez um bom trabalho em me humilhar desde então”, Jared admitiu para Sam.

Jared disse a Sam que sentiu que o karma o havia alcançado porque ele acabou morando no mesmo parque de trailers onde Sam costumava morar. Sam foi gentil com Jared e o perdoou pelo tratamento que recebeu na escola.

“Sei que os tempos estão difíceis para você agora, mas vou lhe contar algo que minha mãe me disse uma vez. Você pode não ter muito, mas seja sempre grato pelo pouco que tem”, Sam disse a ele. Alguns dos antigos colegas de classe de Sam perguntaram como ele conseguia pagar por um lugar tão bom.

Sam revelou que Tobey lhe ensinou os meandros da venda de imóveis de luxo e que ele havia assumido a empresa de seu padrasto. “Meu padrasto me ensinou uma lição valiosa muitos anos atrás. Ele me disse que eu nunca encontraria a felicidade se houvesse amargura em meu coração”, disse Sam.

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

Apenas para fins ilustrativos. | Fonte: Getty Images

Ele então revelou que ele e sua mãe atrasaram o aluguel várias vezes antes de Tobey se apaixonar por Susan. Em vez de expulsá-los, Tobey deu a eles várias oportunidades de pagar o aluguel.

Graças ao seu coração bondoso, Sam e Susan nunca ficaram completamente sem teto. Logo, Tobey e Susan se casaram e se tornaram uma família inseparável.

Todos os colegas de Sam o parabenizaram pelo seu sucesso e disseram que ele era o orgulho de toda a escola.

O que podemos aprender com essa história?

  • Nunca deixe a negatividade te derrubar. Sam não permitiu que Jared o derrubasse na escola. Ele permaneceu humilde e gentil, e um dia, Jared aprendeu com seus erros.
  • Um pouco de gentileza faz toda a diferença. O simples gesto gentil de Sam para Tobey acabou mudando a vida dele e de sua mãe.

Compartilhe esta história com seus amigos. Pode alegrar o dia deles e inspirá-los.

My Neighbor’s Teenage Daughter Wanted a Birthday Dress, but What She Really Needed Was a Mother’s Love — Story of the Day

After moving to a quiet town, I never expected my gruff neighbor’s rebellious daughter to shatter my window and my perception of their family. What were they hiding behind those cold, closed doors?

After my divorce, I moved to a small town, eager for a fresh start. My new house, while far from perfect, had charm. It had a weathered porch, blue shutters, and a neighborhood that seemed friendly enough.

Except for Andrew, my next-door neighbor. Gruff and aloof, he rarely spoke to anyone, and his only company was his teenage daughter, Cora.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Cora was hard to miss. With short hair, scraped hands, and an ever-present basketball, she seemed to live in her own world. One afternoon, I spotted her practicing in their yard, her sneakers squeaking against the pavement as she dribbled with fierce determination.

“Hi there,” I called, stepping closer.

Her glare hit me like a cold wind. Before I could say another word, she launched the basketball. I had no time to react as it sailed over the fence and smashed through my living room window.

“Great shot,” I said, biting back my frustration.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Cora smirked. “What can someone like you tell me anyway? You can’t even manage your own windows.”

And just like that, she turned and disappeared into the house.

Later, ball in hand, I knocked on their door. Andrew answered with annoyance on his face.

“Your daughter broke my window,” I said, holding up the ball.

He glanced at it and shrugged. “If she broke it, she’ll deal with the consequences. I’m raising her to handle herself when people stick their noses where they don’t belong.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

His tone left no room for discussion.

“Right,” I muttered, walking back to my house.

I glanced over my shoulder at Andrew’s door. Something about him felt impenetrable, as though every word he spoke was meant to keep people at arm’s length.

Whatever it was, it had shaped him and turned Cora into a sharp-edged reflection of that pain. There was more to their story, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The next morning, I wandered into the local bakery. As I browsed the shelves, debating between a crusty baguette and a cinnamon roll, my eye caught a familiar figure. Cora was crouched near the pastries, her backpack open. She glanced around nervously before stuffing a couple of turnovers inside.

The shop owner, a wiry man with sharp eyes, started moving toward her, suspicion written all over his face. Acting quickly, I stepped between them and raised my hand.

“Those pastries are mine,” I said cheerfully, pulling out some cash. “I’ll pay for them now.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The shop owner hesitated, his gaze flickering between me and Cora, before shrugging and returning to the counter. I grabbed a baguette for myself, paid, and headed outside.

Cora was sitting on a wooden bench nearby, hunched over, her knees drawn up. Her face was smudged with what looked like dirt or maybe tears. She wiped at her nose with the sleeve of her sweatshirt, clearly trying to compose herself.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Hey,” I said, sitting down beside her and handing her one of the pastries. “I hear these are pretty good. You should try one.”

She stared straight ahead, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her backpack.

“Why didn’t you just pay for them?” I asked casually, taking a bite of my pastry. “Doesn’t your Dad give you pocket money?”

She sniffed and muttered, “Don’t you have anything better to do? Just leave me alone.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I didn’t move. Instead, I nudged the pastry closer to her.

“I already paid for you. Next time, just ask if you need help. No big deal.”

Cora hesitated before taking a small bite, chewing slowly, still avoiding eye contact.

“Thanks for not telling on me,” she murmured after a long pause.

“You’re welcome,” I replied, giving her space to open up.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Finally, she sighed and said quietly, “I’m saving money for my birthday. I want to buy a dress. I’ve never had a party with friends before. Dad and I usually just go to the amusement park or get donuts and go fishing. He says dresses ruin character.”

“Well,” I said after a beat, “everyone deserves a party and a dress if they want one. You’d look great in it, I’m sure.”

She shrugged, brushing crumbs off her lap. “Maybe.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

After that day, Cora started coming over to my yard. At first, she pretended it was no big deal—just passing through or needing a quiet spot. But little by little, she let her guard down.

I invited her in for cookies one afternoon, teaching her how to roll dough and press cookie cutters into shapes. Another time, we sat in my backyard with an old jewelry box I’d kept, sorting through beads and ribbons to make bracelets.

She didn’t say much, but she didn’t have to. The way her shoulders relaxed and her face softened during those moments said enough.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

As we threaded beads onto strings, I ventured cautiously.

“Your mom… did she like making things like this?”

Cora’s hands stilled, her jaw tightening. “We don’t talk about her.”

“Why not?” I asked gently.

“Dad says it doesn’t help me to become stronger.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I couldn’t help wondering what secrets Andrew was trying to bury, so the next day, I swallowed my nerves and knocked on their door. When Andrew answered, I forced a smile.

“I thought Cora might enjoy going to the fair,” I said.

“We don’t do fairs,” he replied gruffly.

I pressed on, assuring him it could be good for her.

After a long pause, his jaw clenched, and he muttered, “Fine. But I’m coming too.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

At the fair, the atmosphere was lively—bright banners flapped in the breeze, music played from a carousel, and the smell of funnel cakes filled the air. Cora’s eyes darted around. We wandered through the stalls, and I spotted a booth where people were weaving flower crowns.

“Look, Cora,” I said, nudging her. “Want to give it a try?”

She shrugged, trying to seem indifferent. “I guess.”

She sat down at the stall, her fingers fumbling with the delicate flowers and stems. I could see her frustration building as her first attempt fell apart.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Andrew stood nearby, watching with a skeptical expression. When the second crown collapsed in her hands, he let out a low chuckle.

“Maybe this isn’t for you. Stick to things you’re good at.”

Cora’s face turned crimson. She stood abruptly and knocked over a nearby display of floral arrangements. Pots and vases crashed to the ground, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.

The vendor rushed over, her face red with anger. “Who’s going to pay for this mess?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Not me,” Andrew said. “This wouldn’t have happened if she wasn’t dragged into this nonsense.”

The vendor looked at me expectantly, and I sighed, pulling out my wallet to pay for the damages. I turned to Cora, but she was already storming off toward the edge of the fairground.

Andrew’s glare pinned me in place. “Do you really think you know better how to raise my daughter? Your so-called femininity has already caused enough problems.”

“All I wanted was to show her that life doesn’t always have to be so rigid.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He stepped closer, his voice lowering. “Do you know what it’s like to lose everything? To watch someone you love disappear because they weren’t strong enough to survive? I’m trying to make sure that doesn’t happen to her.”

The pain in his eyes caught me off guard, but before I could respond, he straightened, his face hardening again.

“Stay away from us,” he said, his voice cold, before turning and walking off in the direction Cora had gone.

I stood there, the weight of his words sinking in. Andrew wasn’t just angry. He was scared. He was building walls around himself and Cora, trying to shield them both from a world he no longer trusted.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

As I watched him disappear into the crowd, I wondered if there was a way to reach him. For that moment, though, I knew I’d only scratched the surface of whatever pain he was carrying.

***

For days, there was no sign of Cora. The silence from next door felt heavy, and I assumed that Andrew had tightened his grip, keeping her on house arrest.

I tried to focus on my tasks, but my thoughts always drifted back to her.

Late one evening, as rain poured in steady sheets outside, a knock startled me. I found Cora standing on my porch, drenched from head to toe.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Dad doesn’t understand me. It’s all fishing, basketball, and rules. You showed me that life could be different,” she said, her voice trembling as she stepped inside.

I led her to the kitchen, grabbing a towel to dry her. I placed a warm mug in front of her.

“I miss my mom. She’s been gone for years, but sometimes… it feels like it just happened.”

My heart ached for her. “I’m sorry, Cora. I didn’t know.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I feel like I’ll never be what my dad wants me to be,” she admitted, her fingers tracing circles on the mug. “He wants me to be tough, but I’m tired of being tough all the time.”

I reached out, placing my hand over hers. “Your father loves you, Cora. But I think he’s struggling too. Maybe he’s scared of losing you like he lost your mom.”

She didn’t reply, but her shoulders sagged as if letting go of a weight she’d carried for too long.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The next morning, I met Andrew at his door.

“I don’t have time for this,” he said, his tone clipped.

“Make time,” I said firmly. “Cora’s hurting. She needs you to hear her.”

He hesitated before finally speaking. “Cora’s mother drowned because she didn’t know how to swim. I’m trying to make sure Cora’s strong enough to handle anything,” he said, his voice tight. “I can’t lose her too.”

“I’m sorry, Andrew. But Cora’s already strong. Your fears shouldn’t keep her from being happy.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

He didn’t respond immediately but eventually nodded. After a pause, he sighed. “Her birthday’s coming up. I… I don’t know how to make it special for her. I’ve never been good at this. Could you… help?”

I smiled softly. “I think I know exactly what she needs.”

***

On Cora’s birthday, I organized a small party at my house, inviting a few of her school friends. She beamed when I handed her a wrapped box with the dress she’d been eyeing in the shop window. When she put it on, her joy was radiant, lighting up the entire room.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Andrew stayed back, watching from the doorway. After a while, he stepped closer.

“She looks so much like her mother. I think… she would’ve wanted this for her. Thank you. For everything. I think I’ve been holding on to the wrong things.”

“Maybe it’s time to hold on to her instead.”

Andrew suggested that the three of us spend more time together. It felt like a promise.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

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

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*