David worked at the financial firm for over two years without taking a single sick day.
He arrived before everyone else each morning.
He stayed late every night to organize the messy client files.
His boss, Mr. Sterling, was a cruel man who loved power.
Mr. Sterling took credit for all of David's hard work.
He never gave the young man a raise or a compliment.
David stayed quiet because he needed the health insurance for his sick mother, Sarah.
Sarah had been in and out of the hospital for months with severe heart trouble.
Medical bills were stacking up quickly on the kitchen table.
David paid every dollar he earned toward her treatments.
One Tuesday morning, the hospital called David with urgent news.
His mother needed an emergency operation that afternoon.
David walked into Mr. Sterling's corner office with shaking hands.
David: Sir, I need to take three hours off today for a family emergency.
Mr. Sterling: Absolutely not, because we have the quarterly report due by five o'clock.
David: My mother is having heart surgery, and I need to be there with her.
Mr. Sterling: That is not my problem, so get back to your desk immediately.
David felt tears burn his eyes as he stood his ground.
David: Family comes first, and I am leaving for the hospital now.
Mr. Sterling: If you walk out that door, I will ruin your entire career forever.
Mr. Sterling slammed his heavy oak desk with a loud bang.
He stood up and towered over the young employee.
Mr. Sterling: I will tell every executive in this city that you are a thief and a lazy worker.
David: You cannot lie about my character just because I am helping my mom.
Mr. Sterling: I have the wealth and connections to ruin you with one phone call.
David turned around and ran out of the tall glass office building.
His heart beat fast against his chest as he drove to the regional medical center.
He sat by his mother's bedside, holding her frail hand tightly.
Sarah woke up from the anesthesia and looked at her tired son.
Sarah: Why are you here during work hours, sweetie?
David: It does not matter, Mom, because your health is the only thing that counts.
Sarah noticed the deep worry lines etched into his forehead.
She knew her son was hiding something terrible from her.
Sarah: Tell me what happened at your office today, David.
David sighed and finally confessed everything about Mr. Sterling's cruel threats.
Sarah's eyes grew cold and sharp with quiet anger.
She pulled out her phone from the small bedside table.
She dialed a private number that she had not called in years.
Sarah: Richard, it is time for you to fly home right now.
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