Light at the Edge of Dusk

The evening sky turned orange as Arman walked toward the small rented house where he lived with his mother and younger siblings. His school uniform was worn, his bag heavy with books and a few crumpled bills from his part-time job. He took a deep breath before stepping inside.

Inside, his mother sat on the floor, counting small coins with a tired expression. Despite her exhaustion, she smiled when she saw Arman.

“You’re home, son?” her voice was soft, but the worry in her eyes was clear.

Arman nodded and handed her the money he had earned from working at the food stall. “Here, Mom. It’s enough to buy some rice and milk for Dita.”

His mother took the money, her eyes welling with tears. “I’m sorry, son. You shouldn’t have to work this hard. You’re still in school.”

Arman forced a small smile, though his heart ached. “If not me, then who else, Mom?”

Ever since his father passed away a year ago due to illness, Arman the eldest of three siblings had taken on the role of the family’s breadwinner. His mother took on odd jobs as a seamstress, but the pay was barely enough. Meanwhile, Arman juggled school with multiple part-time jobs working as a waiter, delivering goods, and even managing a parking lot on weekends.

Every night, when his siblings were asleep, Arman sat under the dim lamp, finishing his schoolwork. He knew education was his only way out of poverty. But sometimes, he felt exhausted truly exhausted.

One night, as he stared at his exam paper filled with scribbled notes, his mind swirled with doubts. “Can I really keep going?” he whispered to himself.

His mother suddenly appeared with a cup of warm tea. “Arman, take a break,” she said, sitting beside him.

Arman smiled faintly. “I’m scared, Mom. I’m afraid I won’t be able to lift our family out of this situation.”

His mother held his hand tightly. “Son, you’ve already done more than enough. But remember, you are not alone. I am here, and we will get through this together.”

Her words gave him newfound strength. He knew the road ahead was long, but he refused to give up.

The next day, Arman went back to work, back to school, and back to his fight. Because even though his shoulders were weary, he believed that one day, he would lead his family to a better life
At the edge of dusk, a light awaited him. And he would keep walking toward it.