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 at night, the sound of the front door creaking open echoed through the quiet house. Will stepped in, his shoulders slumped, and his boots lightly dragging on the floor. His face was dirty, and a faint smell of oil and metal clung to his clothes.
Leslie, sitting on the couch with a basket of folded laundry beside her, looked up as he walked in. She set the basket aside and walked over to him, her expression calm but tired.
“You’re late again…” she said softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.
Will sighed and set his work bag near the door.
“I know… I’m sorry. One of the garbage trucks broke down, so I had to cover their route. I couldn’t leave it, and—well, you know—we could use the extra money.”
Leslie nodded, crossing her arms.
“I understand. But I’m worried about Kevin…”
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.”
Leslie smiled gently, placing a hand on his arm. “I know, honey. I know.”
Will knocked softly on Kevin’s door, letting his knuckles barely tap the wood.
The house was quiet except for the faint hum of the heater. He slowly opened the door, peeking in with a playful smile, despite the heavy bags under his eyes.
“Hey, buddy! How’s it going?” he asked, his voice warm.
Kevin was sitting cross-legged on his bed, holding a book in his hands, though he didn’t appear to be reading it.
“Hi, Dad. I’m fine,” he said without looking up.
“Still awake? Got a few minutes to talk?” Will stepped in, his voice gentle but teasing.
“Sure…” Kevin reluctantly set the book down and looked at his dad.
Will sat on the edge of the bed, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees.
“How’s school? Everything going well? No trouble with your classmates or anything?”
Kevin shrugged. “Yeah, everything’s fine.”
Will raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? Fine? Come on, you can give me more than that.”
Kevin smiled faintly but remained quiet.
“Oh!” Will said, sitting up straighter. “I almost forgot—tomorrow’s Career Day at your school! I’m taking the day off to go. 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.
Will tilted his head, watching his son closely.
“I want to,” he said firmly. “Don’t worry about it. For you, I’ll always make time. Now get some rest, champ. Tomorrow’s a big day.”
Kevin hesitated before murmuring, “Good night.” He turned on his side, facing the wall.
Will reached out and gently ruffled Kevin’s hair before standing up.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windshield as Will drove Kevin to school. Will had traded his usual work uniform for a navy-blue suit and tie, a combination that looked odd and stiff on him.
Kevin sat silently in the passenger seat, his face turned toward the window. His fingers fidgeted with his backpack strap, and his usual chatter was replaced by heavy silence.
Will glanced at him, the quiet too loud to ignore. “What’s wrong, buddy?” 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 murmured.
Will frowned, his eyes alternating between the road and his son.
“Come on, you’re fine. Are you nervous about something?”
“No…” Kevin answered softly, his voice trailing off.
Will didn’t press further.
“Don’t worry. Everything will be okay,” he said, though he couldn’t shake the feeling that Kevin was hiding something.
Inside the classroom, rows of parents sat on folding chairs at the back while the kids gathered at their desks.
Will found a seat, adjusting his tie as he scanned the room. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and chatter.
A tall man in an expensive suit approached Will with a polished smile. “You must be Kevin’s dad, right?”
Will nodded. “Yeah. How’d you know?”
“Our boys are friends. Your son talks a lot about you and your work,” said the man, crossing his arms.
“Really?” Will raised an eyebrow. “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 company.”
Will froze. “A recycling company?” he repeated, the words catching in his throat.
“Yeah, or did I misunderstand? Kids exaggerate sometimes, you know how they are.”
Will’s stomach tightened. He didn’t own a company—he drove a garbage truck. Admitting the truth now would expose Kevin’s lie in front of everyone.
Finally, Will forced a smile. “Yeah, something like that. I’m not used to people knowing. I usually keep work stuff private.”
The man nodded, seemingly satisfied, and walked away.
When the teacher called Will to the front, he took a deep breath, nervously smoothing his suit as he stood up.
“Hi, everyone. I’m Will, Kevin’s dad. As some of you might know, I work in waste recycling,” he said, his voice steady despite the knot in his stomach.
He glanced at Kevin, who looked up with wide eyes and a small smile of relief.
While Will had protected his son for now, he knew they would eventually have to face the truth. But for the moment, Kevin’s pride in his eyes was enough for him.
