with the demands of long hours and late nights. One evening, as

re for a while now. You seem pretty co

" he introduced himsel

replied, sha

at the bar, and we struck up a

ut work. There are other ways to make money,

d, I asked, "Wh

've got a side hustle that can bring in some se

ion tugged at me. "What kind of

and pulled out a small bagg

red, holding it up t

ts. I knew the risks, the danger of getting caught, but the we

too risky," I stammered, tr

a sly smile for

y money, and we could really turn things around for ourse

f a way out. The financial burden weighed heavily on my shoul

grew. Finally, I sought out Mike at the bar

my voice steady but filled with a

grin spread a

ear, Justin. Together, w

dark path I never thought I'd take, but desperation had led me there. I

tomorrow!" And

after a particularly long shift, I caught sight of an old man sitting on a bench.

alled out, a smile

yes widening with surprise.

a familiar face. "Yes, it

eepening. "Oh, you know, getting by.

much to share. But the warmth in Mr. T

unexpected turn. I lost my job as a guard

st your father, he deserve

eart and you know very well, I am not used t

college instead of goi

g at the bar, and also I've found myself involved in some oth

curiosity evident. "Bar? A

some side business. It's not something I'm proud o

. "Justin, I understand the struggles you face. But remember, the

me, stirring a mix of emotions.

e through it all. I just hope I can find a way to pr

us with unexpected challenges, but it's how we face them that defines us. Keep pu

mpson! Did you m

al woman. Your father, wherever Mr. Tony Morretti is, is involved in the lion's share of he

n't worry about others inst

leys, thinking about the circu

rds keep wandering in my mind whenever I think about my father, and multiple questions linger around me.

s greeted warmly by my sweet littl