Jack, a 10-year-old boy, was really worried about his mom, Debra. She worked all the time to support them because she was a single mom, juggling both parent roles and working as a cleaner at a big company. She never took a day off, even though she was exhausted. She was determined to make enough money to cover their bills and take care of Jack, but it was clearly wearing her out.
One day, Jack saw his mom sitting on the front porch, crying. He peeked through the window and heard her talking on the phone with her friend Emily. “I’m just so tired, Emily,” Debra was saying between sobs. “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.”
Jack’s heart sank when he heard this. He felt terrible for making his mom so tired, so he decided he had to do something to help. The next day, right after school, he headed to her office with a plan.
When Jack arrived at the building, the receptionist greeted him. “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, who decided to meet with Jack. As Jack walked into the office, he was nervous but determined.
“To what do I owe this visit, young man?” Mr. Jefferson asked, inviting Jack to sit down.
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 my mom some paid time off. She’s too tired but won’t take a break because she says we need the money.”
Mr. Jefferson was taken aback. “I know your mom works very hard, Jack. We’re grateful for her dedication. But I didn’t realize she felt she couldn’t take a break. Is everything alright at home?”
Jack nodded. “It’s just my mom and me. She’s been working so hard for years, and I heard her crying yesterday because she’s in pain. It makes me feel really bad.”
At that moment, Mr. Jefferson’s young daughter, who had been quietly sitting in the room, spoke up. “Dad, I understand what Jack is saying. You’re always at work, and you hardly ever spend time with me. Jack just wants more time with his mom, like I want more time with you.”
Mr. Jefferson thought about what his daughter said. He realized he had been so focused on work that he had ignored his own family. He promised Jack that he would help his mom and sent him home with the office chauffeur.
The next day, Mr. Jefferson called Debra into his office. “Your son visited me yesterday, Debra, and he said some surprising things.”
Debra’s heart dropped. She was worried about what Jack might have said that would make the company’s CEO want to see her.
“There’s no easy way to say this, Debra, but you’re fired,” Mr. Jefferson said.
Debra’s face went pale, and 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. “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 crucial to spend time with them.”
“I’ve decided to take my family on vacation, and I want you and Jack to join us. The whole trip will be paid for,” he said. “What do you think?”
Debra was stunned. She had just been told she was fired and now was being invited on a vacation? She worried about not having a job to return to and how they’d manage their expenses.
“I appreciate your kindness, sir, but I can’t afford to be without a job. If you could give me another chance, I’d like to keep working,” Debra pleaded.
Mr. Jefferson shook his head gently. “Debra, I’m not offering you another corporate job. I want to invite you to 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 in disbelief. For the first time in years, she and Jack were able to go on a vacation. They traveled to the Bahamas with Mr. Jefferson’s family, all expenses paid. When they returned, they moved into the luxurious cottage on Mr. Jefferson’s estate—a place they had only ever dreamed of.
Debra couldn’t believe their luck. 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 wished for.
