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.
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“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…”
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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.”
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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.
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“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.
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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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?”
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“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.
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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?”
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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“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.”
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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.”
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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.
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“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!”
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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.”
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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.
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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.
YOU WON’T BELIEVE HOW STUNNING THESE 11 WOMEN LOOKED AT THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS
The 2024 Paris Olympics brought together the best athletes from around the world for an exciting event. Among the many incredible performances, 11 women stood out not just for their skills but also for their beauty.
The Olympics began in July in Paris, France, where athletes from all over the world competed. The games were filled with impressive achievements and thrilling moments.
However, 11 women stood out for both their athletic talent and their undeniable beauty. From Ukrainian stars to American champions, these stunning athletes captured hearts at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
11 – Iryna Gerashchenko
Iryna Gerashchenko from Ukraine made a big impression at the 2024 Paris Olympics as a top high jumper. Not only did she showcase her amazing athletic skills, but her striking beauty also caught everyone’s eye. Iryna has become a standout figure both on and off the track.
On May 19, 2022, Iryna Gerashchenko posted a beautiful photo on Instagram. She wore a red and white blouse with a Ukrainian flag fin. Her dark, straight hair framed her face gracefully, accentuating her high cheekbones and expressive eyes. With minimal makeup, her flawless skin and natural beauty really shone through.
On March 7, 2024, Iryna Gerashchenko showed off a different side of her beauty. She wore a stunning red strapless gown with feathered details, radiating confidence and sophistication.
The bold red color beautifully contrasted with her fair skin, and the strapless design highlighted her toned shoulders and collarbones. Her makeup was more pronounced in this photo, enhancing her striking features.
10 – Gabby Thomas
Gabrielle Thomas, better known as Gabby Thomas, is a top sprinter from the United States who made a big impact at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Known for her impressive speed on the track, Gabby also caught attention for her striking beauty and magnetic presence.
On November 6, 2023, Gabby Thomas shared a powerful and graceful photo on Instagram to announce her partnership with New Balance. Her captivating eyes and light brown wavy hair framed her face beautifully, highlighting her radiant complexion.
In the sleek black athletic outfit, her toned physique was on full display. The crop top accentuated her well-defined abs, and the fitted shorts showcased her strong legs, perfectly blending beauty and athleticism.
9 – Apsara Sakbun
Apsara Sakbun, representing Cambodia, made her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games as a swimmer. She quickly became a fan favorite with her impressive performances in the pool and her stunning beauty.
8 – Luana Alonso
Luana Alonso, a rising swimmer from Paraguay, made her Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. Competing in several swimming events, she drew attention for her impressive skills in the water and her striking beauty.
7 – Yaroslava Maguchih
Yaroslava Maguchih, from Ukraine, competed as a high jumper at the Paris 2024 Games. Renowned for her remarkable talent in the sport, Maguchih also drew global attention with her stunning beauty and graceful presence.
6 – Dina Asher-Smith
Dina Asher-Smith, from the United Kingdom, made a notable debut as a sprinter at the Paris 2024 Games. Renowned for her impressive speed and agility on the track, Asher-Smith also captivated fans with her striking beauty.
5 – Yulia Levchenko
Yulia Levchenko, representing Ukraine, competed as a high jumper at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Celebrated for her remarkable athletic talent, Levchenko also won admiration for her stunning looks and charismatic presence.
4 – Simone Biles
Simone Biles, the iconic gymnast from the United States, is widely considered one of the greatest gymnasts ever. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, she dazzled not only with her outstanding athletic achievements but also with her stunning beauty and magnetic presence.
3 – Daria Bilodid
Daria Bilodid, from Ukraine, competed as a judoka at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Renowned for her exceptional skills in judo, Bilodid became a standout athlete. Her stunning beauty also captivated many spectators and added to her popularity.
2 – Suni Lee
Suni Lee, representing the United States at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is a celebrated gymnast. As she showcased her exceptional skills on the gymnastics floor, Lee also drew global attention for her stunning beauty and vibrant personality.
1 – Alica Schmidt
Alica Schmidt, a standout track and field athlete from Germany, made waves at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Renowned for her impressive speed and dedication on the track, Schmidt also captured widespread attention with her striking beauty.
The 2024 Paris Olympics was a showcase of extraordinary talent and memorable moments. Among the athletes, 11 remarkable women stood out not only for their incredible skills but also for their striking beauty. These athletes demonstrated that strength and elegance can go hand in hand, captivating audiences around the world.
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