Michael need not study under the lamp post.

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Life used to be good for him, his Mama & his 2 elder sisters. His Papa then was an overseas worker, as an electrician. But, an accident happened in his workplace. He injured his hand. At first, after hospitalization, he tried to function as if nothing happened. But, he'd been dropping tools & anything which he held, even a light set of pliers. After months of being considered, making him nonproductive anymore, his employer who came to like him for a good performance record, sadly sent him home. Eddie had quite an amount brought home. But, he knew it will not be enough to answer to all their needs, especially sending their children to school. Even if his wife was also working, she was earning just enough to put simple food on their table. That means, just rice. When they can buy fish, it doesn't last long. When there is a little extra, a soy sauce is savored among them. The next meals will just be rice & salt or rice & sugar. So, the couple planned on what to do with the money he brought home. They gave priority to the fees in school of the children. No new bags or shoes. The notebooks will be from last year's extra pages. The books? Either from the Linrary or from kind & considerate classmates & friends. Months after Eddie's coming home, their water supply was cut. So, they asked for water from caring neighbors. Next, was their electricity. It was a violation to tap from a neighbor's connection (even if some were all too willing to do that, just so to help the family). So, they used a gas lamp. This too doesn't last long. In a while, their house gets dark. So dark that when they needed to move, they have to call each other so as not to bump anyone. And they were sent early to bed. Too early, when there is not even light from the moon. This bothered Michael so much. He needed to study at night in order to prepare him for school the following morning. In case his parents were able to buy kerosene gas for their lamp, it is shared by his elder sisters. He can no longer read much as he sat far from them. He decided to do something. He took his bag & told his parents that starting tonight he will study his lessons under a lamp post far from their house. His Mama cried. But his Papa said, "ok son, I will go with you." From that night on, with Eddie giving him company, Michael studied under that lamp post. The father & son was a sight in that barangay. Neighbors start praising them for that sheer nothingness but great determination. Michael started bringing home great grades! Then, this April, he graduated from Grade 10. As he starts College next June, he need not study under that lamp post. Why? Because, 3 months ago, her Mama was hired in a Call Center. Maybe out of drive, she was able to close a deal with a client. And she was always on that zest! That started her good name in the company!