A Better Life

He broke the news to his beloved wife.
"I have to leave. It's for us, our child, our future.", he said.
Tears welled up in her eyes. Her lips trembled. She wanted him to stay. But for the sake of a better life, she had to let him go.

With only one luggage, he flew a long way to a foreign land with dozens of fellow workers. He didn't know any of them but it was comforting to know that at least they spoke the same language. A man in his late thirties, picked them up from the airport and they were transported to their living quarter. He was assigned to share a room with 3 others. It was a small shabby room with only four single beds and a wardrobe placed in it. That night, he couldn't get to sleep. He had never felt so alone in his entire life.

He was a hardworking man. He never once complained about work. Everday, he buried himself in his work. He only rested when it was time to do so. Keeping himself busy was the only way to take his mind off his family. But work only provided a temporary respite. As night fell, the pain of missing his family began piercing through his heart again and again.

5 years slipped by. But it seemed like eternity to him. The day he had longed for had arrived. Tomorrow, he would be going back to his homeland - a place where he called home and a place where his heart belonged. He couldn't wait to embrace his beloved wife and son. He wondered how much his son had grown. Had he put on weight? How tall was he now? Would he still be able to recognise me? He couldn't stop smiling thinking about his one and only precious son.

Finally, it was the end of his last working day. He was eager to head back to the living quarter to pack his luggage. But he never made it back that day. He fell into a deep hole and was pronounced dead. He could never hold onto his beloved wife again. He could never get to kiss his precious son again. The promise of a better life had taken away his life.

Whoever you are and wherever you are, I wish you and your family well.
May you rest in peace.