Um garoto recebe um presente inesperado de um morador de rua em seu aniversário de quinze anos e isso vira toda a sua vida de cabeça para baixo, incluindo tudo o que ele achava que sabia sobre si mesmo.
Evan Masters nunca entendeu por que seu pai não gostava tanto dele. Ele tinha quatorze anos, mas sabia desde que mal conseguia andar que o papai não gostava de tocá-lo.
O pai dele nunca brincou com ele, e quando falava com ele, sua voz era fria, e ele nunca dizia o nome de Evan. Ele não era assim com o irmãozinho e a irmãzinha de Evan, nem um pouco. Ele era gentil, atencioso e adorável.
Evan sabia que tinha que haver algo errado com ELE ou seu pai o amaria. Ele teve sorte que sua mãe fosse tão boa. Ela quase compensou a frieza de seu pai. Quase.
Evan nunca imaginou que sua festa de aniversário viraria sua vida de cabeça para baixo. | Fonte: Unsplash
Evan às vezes tinha a sensação de que Christine Masters estava infeliz. Sua mãe olhava para longe com o olhar mais triste no rosto. Mas quando ele perguntava o que estava errado, ela sorria e dizia que estava tudo bem. Uma vez, ele até tentou falar com seu pai, e Jacob Masters apenas ouviu a tentativa gaguejante de Evan de se comunicar com ele e simplesmente foi embora.
Há poder na verdade.
Quando Evan falou com Christine sobre a antipatia de Jacob por ele, sua mãe apenas o abraçou bem forte e disse: “Querida, você é tão amada! Por favor, por favor, saiba disso!”
Quando Evan fez quinze anos, sua vida virou de cabeça para baixo, mas tudo começou no dia anterior. Ele estava voltando da escola quando viu um morador de rua andando pela rua.
Evan não conseguia entender por que seu pai não o amava. | Fonte: Unsplash
Ele ficou muito surpreso. O bairro dele era privilegiado e vagabundos eram raros. Quaisquer que fossem os fracassos de Jacob como pai, ele era um homem de negócios brilhante e mantinha sua família no colo do luxo.
À sua frente estavam dois de seus vizinhos que também eram colegas de escola, Greg e Halston. Os dois garotos estavam parados na frente do morador de rua, bloqueando seu caminho e provocando-o.
“Ei, lixeiro!”, disse Greg, dando um empurrão no morador de rua. “Não deixamos ninguém entrar neste bairro a menos que tome banho e faça a barba!”
O homem levantou as mãos. “Por favor,” ele disse. “Eu não quero problemas, estou apenas passando por…”
Jacó amava seus filhos mais novos. | Fonte: Unsplash
Halston deu um passo à frente e deu um empurrão mais forte no homem. “Você não quer problemas, mas você os encontrou!”, ele gritou. “Não queremos sua espécie fedendo na nossa rua!”
Evan não aguentou mais e deu um passo à frente. “Pare com isso”, ele disse. “Deixe esse homem ir!”
Greg e Halston olharam para Evan, e Greg zombou. “O que você vai fazer? Convidá-lo para sua festa de aniversário amanhã? Você ama sujeira?”
“Deixe-o”, Evan repetiu, e ele largou sua mochila e cerrou seus punhos. Greg e Halston podiam ver que ele estava falando sério, e Evan não era alguém com quem eles queriam se meter. Ele era um garoto forte e um atleta de ponta, não um mendigo faminto.
Evan viu um homem sem-teto em sua rua. | Fonte: Unsplash
Xingando o homem e Evan, os dois garotos saíram correndo. Evan se virou para o homem e perguntou: “Você está bem?”
O homem assentiu. “Sim,” ele disse. “Obrigado pela sua ajuda. Aqueles garotos… Tudo o que eu queria era encontrar o endereço de um velho amigo…”
“Você gostaria de um copo de água?” Evan perguntou ao homem.
“Não, não!” ele gritou. “Estou bem. Você é um garoto gentil! Qual é seu nome?”
Evan sorriu e estendeu a mão para apertar a do morador de rua. “Eu sou Evan Masters. Qual é a sua?”
Dois colegas de escola de Evan estavam intimidando o morador de rua. | Fonte: Pexels
“Masters?”, perguntou o homem. “Evan Masters, pode me chamar de Max.”
Evan foi para casa e todos os pensamentos sobre o morador de rua fugiram de sua mente. Sua mãe estava ocupada preparando tudo para sua festa de aniversário e seu pai estava resmungando que ela estava atrasada para fazer o jantar.
Jacob simplesmente odiava quando Christine fazia barulho com Evan e Evan sabia que sua festa de aniversário seria um pesadelo. Jacob encontraria uma maneira de estragar tudo para ele — ele sempre fazia isso. Evan subiu para seu quarto e ficou longe do barulho.
No dia seguinte, ele não conseguiu escapar. Afinal, ERA seu aniversário, seu décimo quinto aniversário. “Mais três anos e eu vou para a faculdade”, ele disse a si mesmo. “E o pesadelo vai acabar.”
O morador de rua deu um medalhão a Evan. | Fonte: Unsplash
No meio da tarde, os convidados começaram a chegar. Eram, em sua maioria, amigos de Jacob e seus filhos, e muito poucos amigos de Evan. Era quase como se a festa fosse para seu irmãozinho e irmãzinha.
Quando a campainha tocou, Jacob disse: “Evan, abra a porta! Provavelmente é o mágico que contratei para seu irmão e sua irmã!”
Evan não conseguia acreditar, mas foi até a porta e abriu. O morador de rua estava ali. “Oi”, ele disse. “Ontem aqueles meninos disseram que era seu aniversário, então eu trouxe um presente para você.”
Ele abriu a mão e ofereceu a Evan um lindo medalhão de ouro em uma corrente. Evan o pegou. “Olha”, ele disse hesitantemente. “É muito bonito, mas não posso aceitá-lo…” Ele começou a devolver o medalhão quando o fecho na lateral se abriu e ele viu a foto dentro.
Dentro do medalhão havia uma foto de sua mãe e do morador de rua. | Fonte: Unsplash
Era a mãe dele em um vestido de noiva, e ela estava parada ao lado de uma versão mais jovem do homem sem-teto! Evan engasgou. “Quem é você?” ele gritou, então ele gritou, “MÃE! MÃE! Venha aqui!”
Algo em sua voz deve ter transmitido sua urgência porque Christine correu para a porta. Quando viu o homem sem-teto, seus joelhos quase cederam. “Peter?”, ela gritou. “Peter, é você?”
O homem deu um passo à frente e seu rosto se iluminou. De repente, ele parecia exatamente como o homem na foto. “Chrissy,” ele sussurrou. “Eu estava procurando por você, tentando lembrar… Eu vim para a casa de Jacob… Você está aqui para a festa de aniversário do filho dele?”
A mãe de Evan ficou chocada quando viu o morador de rua. | Fonte: Unsplash
Christine estava em lágrimas e ela envolveu seus braços em volta de Peter e soluçou. Foi isso que Jacob viu quando chegou à porta para descobrir o que estava demorando tanto.
Christine estava mortalmente pálida. “Jacob, você me disse que Peter se afogou naquela viagem de pesca! Você me disse que ele estava morto!”
Jacob encolheu os ombros e não conseguia olhar a esposa nos olhos. “Ele caiu, bateu a cabeça no tronco de uma árvore…” ele disse. “Quando ele acordou, não conseguia lembrar do próprio nome… Eu sempre te amei, Christine, pensei que era minha chance. Eu não o machuquei. Eu o levei para um hospital a 600 milhas de distância e o deixei lá. Eu não o machuquei…”
Jacob admitiu que mentiu para Christine sobre a morte de Peter. | Fonte: Unsplash
“Você partiu meu coração!” Christine gritou. “Evan cresceu sem seu pai, e Peter sofreu Deus sabe o que!”
“Eu ainda sou seu marido!” Jacob disse com raiva. “Eu sou o pai dos seus filhos!”
Christine balançou a cabeça. “Você se casou comigo sabendo que meu marido ainda estava vivo e isso faz de você uma bígama!”
“Vá morar com seu marido sem-teto e seu pirralho debaixo da ponte!” gritou Jacob. “Você não tem NADA!”
Christine sorriu. “Você está errada”, ela disse calmamente. “Eu nunca vendi nossa antiga casa. Nós temos uma casa, e eu prefiro ser pobre com ele do que viver com você no colo do luxo. Amanhã eu volto para buscar as crianças!”
Evan finalmente teve a família feliz que sonhou. | Fonte: Unsplash
No dia seguinte, Christine levou seu filho e sua filha para casa e explicou tudo da melhor forma que pôde. Peter estava lentamente se lembrando de sua vida antiga e recuperando suas forças.
Quanto a Jacob, seus advogados ofereceram a Peter e Christine uma grande indenização para evitar acusações criminais e eles usaram o dinheiro para começar uma nova vida com seus três filhos, a quem Peter ama igualmente.
O que podemos aprender com essa história?
- Há poder na verdade. Jacob mentiu para Christine, mas a verdade foi revelada, e ele perdeu tudo o que havia planejado obter.
- Trate todo ser humano com respeito. Evan foi gentil e respeitoso com o morador de rua sem nem perceber que ele era seu pai.
Compartilhe esta história com seus amigos. Pode alegrar o dia deles e inspirá-los.
Disguised as a Cleaner, a Journalist Faces the Unexpected When a Millionaire Recognizes Her Pendant – Story of the Day
Laura believed that her writing could change the world. But reality turned out differently, and her boss pushed her to dig up dirt on famous people. Desperate to save her job, she disguises herself as a cleaner to get compromising details on a millionaire. However, she uncovers a life-changing truth in the process.
The office hummed with the familiar sounds of keyboards clicking, phones ringing, and the occasional burst of laughter from a distant corner.
Laura sat at her desk, papers scattered around her, but her focus was elsewhere.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Reggie, the editor-in-chief, stepped out of his office.
His eyes scanned the room until they landed on her. He looked tired—more tired than usual—and his face carried the weight of disappointment.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Laura… come to my office for a minute,” he said. His tone was calm but firm. He held the door open, waiting for her to follow.
Taking a deep breath, Laura rose from her chair and walked toward Reggie’s office, each step feeling heavier than the last.
“Sit down,” Reggie said, gesturing to the chair across from his desk.
“Reggie, I was just about to tell you about a new article I’m working on,” she began, trying to sound upbeat. “It’s about the chemical pollution in a nearby lake—”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“That’s exactly what I wanted to discuss with you,” Reggie cut in, sighing as he sank into his chair. He folded his hands and looked directly at her.
“Laura, pollution in forests, lakes, the extinction of… what are they called again?”
“California condors,” Laura said, her tone sharp.
“Condors, yes.” He nodded.
“People don’t care about this stuff, Laura. They don’t read it. And it’s not just my opinion—the data backs it up.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Laura’s brow furrowed. “But people should care, Reggie! This isn’t just about nature; it affects our health, our communities—everything!”
Reggie leaned forward, his voice hardening.
“It doesn’t bring in money. We all need to eat. Salaries need to be paid, and I can’t pay someone who isn’t generating revenue.”
Reggie softened his tone, removing his glasses and rubbing his temples.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I like you, Laura. You’re talented, and you care about your work. That’s why I’m trying to help you.”
“How?”
Reggie slid a photograph across the desk. It showed an elderly man with a stern expression.
“This is Mr. Weiss,” Reggie said. “You know who he is, don’t you?”
“A wealthy man,” Laura murmured, studying the image.
“The wealthiest man in the city,” Reggie corrected.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Rumor has it he’s been spending tens of thousands on private investigators. Years of it.”
“And?” Laura asked, confused. “It’s his money. Why does that matter?”
“Why would an old man need private investigators?” Reggie leaned back, a sly smile forming.
“Mistresses, scandals, maybe even crimes. Find anything—and I mean anything—about his expenditures, and spin it into a story. This could be the article that saves your career.”
Laura hesitated. “And if I can’t?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Reggie’s smile faded. “Then I’d recommend you start looking for another job.”
The cold air nipped at Laura’s cheeks as she stood in front of the grand estate, its towering gates and sprawling lawn exuding wealth and history.
Taking a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and rang the doorbell.
The heavy wooden door creaked open slowly, revealing an elderly man. His figure was slightly hunched, his face marked by deep lines of exhaustion.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Dark circles framed his eyes, and his scruffy beard looked like it hadn’t been groomed in days.
“Good morning, Mr. Weiss,” Laura said with a polite smile that she hoped masked her nerves.
“My name is Laura. We spoke on the phone about the cleaning position.”
“Good morning,” Mr. Weiss replied, his voice quiet and tinged with weariness. “Come in. Forgive the mess; there’s plenty of work to keep you busy.”
Laura stepped inside, her eyes widening as she took in the space.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
A thick layer of dust covered the once-pristine surfaces, cobwebs adorned the corners, and books and papers were scattered haphazardly across the rooms.
“As you can see,” Mr. Weiss continued, “I really need the help. Start wherever you’d like. I’ll be in my study.”
With that, he turned and shuffled away, closing the study door behind him.
“Thank you for the opportunity, Mr. Weiss,” Laura called after him, but he didn’t respond.
Through the brief crack before the door shut, Laura glimpsed his desk. It was cluttered with papers, photographs, and what looked like old receipts.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Her heart raced—this could be where the secrets were buried.
Laura spent the next hour cleaning the house, her movements mechanical as her mind churned with plans.
Finally, she approached the study door and knocked softly. “Mr. Weiss, I’m coming in to clean—”
“No!” His voice was startlingly sharp as the door opened just enough for him to peer out.
“The study doesn’t need cleaning. Thank you for your work today. If you’ve finished the other rooms, you’re free to leave.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“There are still a couple of rooms left,” Laura replied, feigning disappointment, but her mind was already racing.
The study was off-limits, and she was more determined than ever to find out why.
Laura crouched near the sofa, her heart racing.
She glanced toward the study door, still closed, as her mind raced through the plan one more time.
It wasn’t elegant, but it might work. Taking a deep breath, she screamed, her voice sharp and filled with faux terror.
“Aaaaah! Mr. Weiss! Help!”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. Moments later, Mr. Weiss appeared, his face a mask of alarm.
“What happened?” he demanded, clutching the edge of the doorway.
“There’s a rat!” Laura cried, pointing under the couch with a trembling hand. “It just ran under there! Please, I can’t stand rats—they terrify me!”
“A rat?” Mr. Weiss frowned, his brow furrowing.
“That’s impossible.” He grabbed a broom leaning against the wall and knelt to peer under the couch.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Where? I don’t see anything. Did it run out?” he asked, poking around with the broom handle.
“I… I don’t know!” Laura stammered, backing toward the hallway. “Just keep looking. I’ll hide in the kitchen!”
Mr. Weiss grumbled but continued his search, muttering to himself about how unlikely it was.
As soon as he was fully distracted, Laura moved quickly. She slipped into his study, closing the door as quietly as possible.
The room was dim, illuminated only by a small desk lamp. Papers were strewn across the desk—receipts, handwritten notes, and photographs.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Laura’s journalist instincts kicked in as she pulled a small camera from her pocket and took pictures.
Her hands trembled as she worked quickly, her breath shallow.
Then she saw it. Among the scattered documents was a detailed sketch of a medallion.
She froze, her pulse hammering in her ears.
Reaching for her necklace, she pulled the small pendant from under her blouse and held it next to the sketch. They were identical.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Laura.”
The low, heavy voice sent a chill down her spine. She turned to see Mr. Weiss standing in the doorway, his face shadowed.
“I told you not to come in here,” he said, his voice filled with a mix of anger and pain.
Her hand instinctively clutched the pendant. Mr. Weiss’s eyes widened as he stepped closer, his gaze fixed on the pendant.
“Where did you get that pendant?” he asked, his voice trembling. He reached out, his hand shaking as he touched the necklace.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“Tell me! Where?”
“It was my mother’s,” Laura snapped, pulling back.
“Your mother…” Mr. Weiss whispered, his face pale. “Was her name Dora?”
Laura’s breath caught. “Yes. How do you know that?”
Mr. Weiss’s knees buckled, and he sank to the floor. Tears welled in his eyes as his voice broke.
“Dora… my sweet Dora. She had a daughter…” He looked up at Laura, his expression filled with anguish. “Forgive me. Please forgive me.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Laura staggered back, her hand gripping the desk for support. “You knew my mother?”
“I’m your father,” Mr. Weiss said, his voice raw with emotion.
The words hit her like a blow. “You left her!” she cried, tears streaming down her face.
“You abandoned her—and me! She struggled every day because of you!”
“I know,” he said, his voice barely audible.
“I was a coward. I was afraid of responsibility, afraid of being a father. I’ve regretted it every day. I tried to find her, but she cut all ties. Tell me—where is she now?”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“She’s gone,” Laura spat bitterly.
“She died ten years ago. She got sick, and it’s your fault. She fought so hard to survive, but she was alone because you weren’t there.”
Mr. Weiss crumpled, his body wracked with sobs.
“I never stopped looking. I never stopped loving her. I’m so sorry, Laura. I’m so sorry.”
Laura stared at him, her chest heaving with anger and pain. She shook her head, grabbing her bag.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I can’t do this,” she said, her voice trembling as she turned and fled the room.
The sound of his sobs followed her as she ran through the grand house and out into the cold night.
Later, Laura sat in the newsroom, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.
The photographs lay beside her, their edges curling slightly under the pressure of her hand.
On her screen, the half-written article glared back at her. This story would blow up—it would ruin Mr. Weiss’s name, tarnish his legacy, and save her job.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
But as she stared at the photos, her chest tightened. Anger and doubt battled in her mind.
Could she really destroy him after everything she had learned? He wasn’t just a stranger anymore. He was her father.
Summoning her courage, Laura stood and walked into Reggie’s office. Her breath felt heavier with each step.
“Reggie, can I come in?”
“Of course,” Reggie said, leaning forward with anticipation. “Please tell me you’ve got something good.”
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
Laura placed a photograph on his desk. “The article is ready. I can send it over now.”
Reggie’s eyes gleamed as he examined the picture. “This is perfect, Laura! A millionaire’s dirty secrets—this is going to be huge!”
Laura’s hands trembled. Reggie’s words felt like nails on a chalkboard.
“No,” she said suddenly, grabbing the photo back. Without thinking, she ripped it into shreds and tossed them into the air.
“What are you doing?” Reggie roared, his face turning red.
For illustration purposes only. | Source: Midjourney
“I won’t ruin his life. If that’s what this job takes, I don’t want it,” Laura said, her voice steady.
“You’re fired!” he shouted.
Laura walked out, her head held high. She had lost her job, but she had found something far more valuable—her integrity.
And for the first time in years, she had a family worth fighting for.
Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.
If you enjoyed this story, read this one: “All men are liars.” With these words, Violet ended her radio program. Her life experiences and the countless stories she heard from her listeners had proven it. But, a date with a coworker made her question her belief. After a call from a stranger, she was convinced she had been right all along.
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.
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