Jack, a 10-year-old boy, was deeply worried about his mom, Debra. She worked non-stop every single day to provide for them. As a single parent, Debra had to be both mother and father. She worked hard as a cleaner at a big company and never took a day off. Even though her job was really tough, she never complained.
One day, Jack saw his mom sitting on the front porch, crying. He peeked through the window and heard her talking to her friend Emily on the phone. “I’m just so tired, Emily,” Debra cried. “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 made Jack’s heart ache. He felt responsible for his mom’s exhaustion and decided to do something about it. The next day, after school, he went to her office with a plan.
When Jack arrived at the building, the receptionist smiled and said, “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 talk to her boss, Mr. Jefferson.”
The receptionist was surprised but agreed to call Mr. Jefferson after Jack insisted. He agreed to meet with Jack. As Jack walked into Mr. Jefferson’s office, he felt nervous but determined.
“To what do I owe this visit, young man?” Mr. Jefferson asked, pointing to a chair.
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 her some paid time off. She’s too tired but won’t take a break because she says we need the money.”
Mr. Jefferson looked surprised. “I know your mom works hard, Jack. We’re very grateful for her dedication. But I didn’t know 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 hurts, and it makes me feel really sad.”
At that moment, Mr. Jefferson’s young daughter, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. “Dad, I get what Jack is saying. You’re always at work and hardly spend time with me. Jack just wants more time with his mom, like I want with you.”
Mr. Jefferson realized his daughter was right. He had been so focused on work that he had neglected his own family. He promised Jack he would help his mom and sent him home with the office chauffeur.
The next day, Mr. Jefferson called Debra into his office. “Debra, your son visited me yesterday and said some surprising things.”
Debra’s heart sank. She was worried about what Jack might have said that would lead to a meeting with the CEO.
“There’s no easy way to say this, Debra,” Mr. Jefferson began, “but you’re fired.”
Debra’s face turned pale. She began 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 gently. “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 important to spend time with them.”
“I’ve decided to take my family on vacation, and I want you and Jack to come with us. The whole trip will be paid for,” he said. “What do you think?”
Debra was shocked. She had just been told she was fired, and now she was being invited on vacation? She worried about not having a job to return to and how they would manage financially.
“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 softly. “Debra, I’m not offering you another corporate job. I want you to come 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 handed Debra a bouquet of flowers. “These are from your son. Go home and enjoy your day with him.”
Debra was stunned. For the first time in years, she and Jack could go on 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 dreamed of.
Debra couldn’t believe their good fortune. 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 longed for.
