December 12, 2025
After a few more pleasant days at work following his conversation with Edi—and nearly twelve months filled with sacrifice, effort, and dreams…
The final day had arrived.
Ray, though exhausted from a month of nonstop work and studying, knew everything was about to come to an end. Regardless of Hana, he would finally be able to help his parents—and that alone made him happy.
He started his day early, in those quiet morning hours when shops slowly lifted their shutters and the city began to wake.His happiness was obvious to his family.
"Good morning, son," his mother said.
"Good morning, Mom. I've got a few things to do today, so I need to leave early. I won't be able to have breakfast with you… but I'll grab something later, don't worry."
He said it quickly before stepping out the door, leaving his mother watching him with a proud expression.
"That boy…" she murmured softly.
For the first time in a long while, Ray didn't feel nervous or anxious. His energy was different… lighter, almost contagious.
Before heading to school, he stopped by Rossi's shop, greeting Edi like an old friend, leaving behind all the bad memories.
"Hey, Edi! How are you?" Ray asked with a smile.
Edi looked at him, slightly surprised.
"Ray… you're in a good mood today. It's your last day, right? We're going to miss you around here."
He paused before adding:
"If you ever need a job after school, don't hesitate to come back. You'll always be welcome here. You're family, Ray."
Ray smiled and gave a small nod.
"Thanks, Edi."
He continued on his way… but after just a step, a voice called out.
"Hey, kid!"
Ray stopped for a moment, then turned around.
It was Mrs. Rossi.
"You don't need to come in today. Enjoy your last day before the trip," she said, handing him an envelope.
Ray hesitated as he took it.
"Ma'am… it's my last day, I should still come. And I think Edi's planning something… he's terrible at hiding things. I could see the balloons."
Mrs. Rossi let out a soft laugh.
Ray glanced down at the envelope. It felt thicker than expected. He opened it carefully.
"…This is more than what we agreed on. I can't accept this."
"It's a gift," she said warmly. "Use it to go out with your friends… and good luck with her."
She paused, her expression softening.
"I've grown fond of you, Ray. But don't even think about coming back to work here. Study, become a good man… and follow your dreams. You'll always be welcome—but as a special customer."
Ray nodded, deeply moved.
Without another word, he ran off toward home, his heart lighter than before.
He pushed the door open without thinking.
"Mom!"
He stepped inside, smiling.
"Look, I got paid and this is for—"
He froze.
His mother was crying.
"M-Mom… what happened?" he asked, worried.
She tried to speak, but her voice trembled.
"Ray… your father had an accident at work… he broke his leg. The expenses… they're too much…"
She couldn't finish.
Ray felt the weight of the envelope in his hand.
"Calm down… I'm here, Mom."
He gently handed it to her.
"This is for you. Use it for the hospital… for everything. It should be enough, okay? Without you and Dad, I wouldn't be here… it's the least I can do. But I promise I'll help even more."
"But Ray… your trip…" she whispered.
He stayed silent for a moment before answering calmly:
"It doesn't matter. This is more important. Your health… that's what matters most to me. I'll be fine."
His mother nodded, unable to say anything else.
Ray walked to his room.
He didn't cry.He didn't shout.
He just sat there… lost in thought.
A few minutes later, there was a soft knock.
"Son… can I come in?"
Ray snapped out of it and opened the door.
His mother was holding the envelope.
"I don't know why they paid you so much… but I did the math. After covering the hospital and bills, there's 75,000 left. It's yours. You earned it."
Ray lowered his gaze.
"Thanks, Mom… but it's still not enough…"
He paused.
Then something clicked.
The day they announced the trip.
The jar.
Without a word, he rushed to his things and began searching until he found it.
He opened it.
"MOM, THIS MAKES IT 100,000!"
"Yes, son…" she said, smiling through her emotions.
Ray hugged her tightly.
"Thank you, Mom… I love you."
She watched him run out the door.
"I love you too…" she whispered.
Ray didn't waste a second. He ran as if everything depended on it.
When he found Cris and Tai, he raised the envelope in the air, still catching his breath.
"I did it!"
"YOU DID IT!" they shouted, celebrating right there in the street.
From the outside, the scene looked both chaotic and strangely heartwarming.
At school, Ray handed the money to the teacher.
The teacher smiled and stopped the class.
"Well, everyone… the last student who hadn't paid has now completed the full amount. I'm happy to say that all of you will be going on the trip."
Excited murmurs filled the room.
"Enjoy your last day of school," he continued. "Starting tomorrow… make the most of your final week together."
Then, his tone shifted.
"Listen carefully… I'm truly proud of all of you. But remember this: life often takes people down different paths… and you never know when it might be the last time you see someone you care about."
Silence fell over the classroom.
Those words echoed in Ray's mind, filling him with a mix of excitement, anticipation… and a quiet sense of unease about what was coming next.