Career Day allowed Will to interact with his son Kevin.
After arriving at school, he understood his son was ashamed of him. Kevin played along with his son’s deception since Will’s honest trash truck driving wasn’t enough.
A creaky front door resonated through the peaceful house late at night. Will entered with slack shoulders and dragging boots. His clothes smelled of grease and metal, and his face was dirty.
Leslie, seated on the couch with a folded laundry basket, looked up as he arrived. She laid the basket down and walked over, calm but exhausted.
“You’re late again…” she said, wiping a strand of hair off her face.
Sighing, Will left his work bag beside the entrance.
“I apologize. One garbage truck broke down, so I covered their route. Couldn’t leave it undone, and we could use the extra money.”
Leslie nodded, folding arms.
Yes, I understand. I worry about Kevin…
Slightly straightened. What’s wrong? Something happen at school?”
“No, school’s fine,” she said, shaking her head. But he seldom sees you. He may not comprehend why you labor so much.”
Will’s face relaxed. I’ll talk to him. Don’t worry, Les. Everything I do is for his future.”
Leslie smiled softly, holding his arm. “I know, dear. I know.”
Will knocked Kevin’s door softly, hardly touching the wood.
The home was quiet save for the heater’s hum. He cautiously opened the door, smiling despite his big eye bags.
“Hey, kid! How’re you? He inquired softly but warmly.
Kevin sat cross-legged on his bed with a book, but he didn’t seem to be reading.
“Hi, Dad. I’m fine,” he said without looking up.
No sleep yet? Have time to chat? Will entered with a gently taunting voice.
“Sure…” Kevin hesitantly put down the book and looked at his dad.
Will leaned forward on the bed with his elbows on his knees.
“How’s school? Everything okay? Never fought with classmates?
Kevin shrugged. Yes, it’s fine.”
An eyebrow lifted by Will. Just that? Fine? You can offer me more.”
Kevin smiled but didn’t speak.
“Oh!” Will sat up straighter. I nearly forgot—your school’s Career Day is tomorrow! Taking the day off to come. No worries—I won’t miss it.”
Kevin lowered his face and looked away.
Dad, you don’t have to… Said gently.
Will cocked his head to view his kid.
He responded, “I want to,” firmly. “Don’t worry. I always make time for you. Rest up, buddy. Big day tomorrow.”
Kevin paused and whispered “Goodnight.” Turning sideways, he faced the wall.
Will moved to delicately ruffle Kevin’s hair before standing.
He looked back at his kid with a small grin and softly closed the door.
Will drove Kevin to school the next morning in the daylight. Will wore a blue suit and tie instead of his customary uniform, which felt stiff.
Kevin sat motionless in the passenger seat, facing the window. His fingers fidgeted with his backpack strap, and his normal banter became silent.
Will gazed at him, the quiet too loud to ignore. “What’s wrong, kiddo?” he inquired lightly.
Kevin shrugged but kept looking out the window.
Do not feel good. I don’t want to go to school today,” he grumbled.
Will scowled, scanning the road and his kid.
“You’re fine. Nervous about something?
“No…” Kevin said gently, losing his voice.
Will held back.
“Don’t worry. He claimed everything would be okay, but he wondered if Kevin was hiding something.
Kevin paused before entering the school.
Will waited, his fingers on the gear lever, watching his kid struggle with an unsaid feeling.
Kevin groaned, opened the door, and left. Will followed, his worry persisting.
In the classroom, rows of parents sat in folding chairs in the back as youngsters crowded at their desks.
Will sat down, straightening his tie as he surveyed the room. Chatter and enthusiasm filled the air.
Tall man in fine suit approached Will with polished smile. You must be Kevin’s dad, right?
Will nods. “Yes. How did you know?
“Our boys are pals. “Your son talks about you and your work,” he continued, folding his arms.
“Really?” Will raised his eyebrows. “I didn’t think he was interested in my work.”
The man laughed. He’s proud of you. Your garbage recycling business was publicized.”
Will freeze. “A recycling business?” he repeated, choked.
“Yeah! Did I misunderstand? His head tilted. Kids sometimes exaggerate. You understand.”
Will’s gut stiffened. Garbage truck driver—not company owner. Admitting so would reveal Kevin’s falsehood.
He saw his son’s apprehensive countenance and couldn’t handle the notion of Kevin being humiliated in front of his friends.
“Yes,” Will answered, trying a smile. “I’m not used to people knowing. I normally keep work private.”
The man nodded and left, seeming satisfied.
Though his chest felt heavy, Will attempted to shake it off as the teacher walked forward.
“Next, let’s hear from Kevin’s dad,” she said, calling him forward.
Will stood and anxiously smoothed his suit as he came forward. He looked at Kevin, who was stiffly looking at his desk.
Hi everyone. Will, Kevin’s dad. As some of you know, I operate a garbage recycling business,” he said, his voice steady despite the knot in his stomach.
Kevin opened his eyes with relief and raised his head. Looking at his father, he smiled slightly.
The children leaned forward, listening closely, and the parents nodded—except for the man in the fine suit, who seemed displeased.
Will grinned through it, proud and heartbroken. He was more concerned about protecting Kevin for now.
Chatter filled the classroom after the speeches. Kevin stood at his desk with classmates. They chatted happily and smiled.
“Your dad’s job is so cool!” exclaimed a child.
Yes, recycling business owner? That’s great, another said.
Kevin smiled softly but kept looking back.
Will stared at the floor from a seat with his hands on his knees. Kevin felt tight in his chest due to his exhausted and sorrowful stance.
Kevin left the gang and went home his dad. He hesitated before speaking.
“Dad, about your job:” Kevin said softly, uncertainly.
Will looked up, weary eyes finding his son’s.
“It’s okay, son,” he murmured kindly. “Hope everything went better than expected. I wanted to save your friends your shame. Sorry, my job isn’t prestigious. I try my hardest.”
Kevin shook his head swiftly. “Dad, your job is great. You rock.”
Will lifted an eyebrow, his lips curling into a tentative grin. “Why did you tell everyone I own a business?”
Kevin looked down, fumbling with his bag strap.
“It was Rob,” he whispered.
“He brags about his dad selling cars and making money. I lied. I mentioned your recycling company. I couldn’t take it back when everyone started talking about it. I didn’t want to seem dumb.”
Will nodded thoughtfully.
“No problem, son. He eventually answered, “I understand.” And who knows? I may make that falsehood truth. Maybe I can start a business.”
Kevin glanced at his dad, shame turning to determination. He turned and walked back to the front of the class without speaking.
Everyone, listen! Kevin’s voice boomed. The discussion stopped, and everyone looked at him. Watching his son made Will’s heart race.
My dad operates trash trucks! Kevin announced calmly.
Room got quiet. Kevin was watched by kids chattering and wide-eyed. Even parents stopped talking.
Kevin straightened and spoke steadily.
I don’t care that he’s not affluent or a company owner! Love my dad. His affection for me and my mom makes me proud!
The room was silent, and Kevin held his breath.
One parent applauded. Others joined gradually.
Nearly all the parents smiled and applauded, save Rob’s father, who sat stiffly with a grim countenance.
Kevin smiled at his dad.
Dad, I love you. I don’t care what others think.”
Will’s throat clenched as tears fell. He stood and hugged Kevin.
“Thanks, son. “I love you too,” he replied, overcome with passion.
Will didn’t care about championships or appearances then.
The love and pride of his kid were enough.
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