After spending years working in his stepfather’s construction business, Sheldon is let go when David, his stepbrother, returns. Instead of getting back at them, Sheldon leaves with dignity and is soon recruited by a competing firm. But just a few months later, his stepdad calls him in desperation…
You know how life can be funny sometimes? That’s been my experience.
I started working at my dad’s construction company when I was 15. At first, it was easy stuff like organizing files and cleaning up the office. As I got older and finished school, more duties were handed to me. It wasn’t because I wanted to; it was because I had no choice.
My dad—well technically my stepdad—didn’t allow anyone to get by without contributing. He had one rule he always enforced: if I wanted to live under his roof, I needed to earn my keep.
“It is what it is, Sheldon. Take it or leave it,” he told me.
Of course, leaving wasn’t an option for me.
He married my mom when I turned 10 and from that point on claimed that I was his “responsibility.”
But honestly? It never felt like that since once I hit 16; suddenly rent became my responsibility too! So after school I’d work at the family business and weekends were spent scooping ice cream at a local shop.
But you know what? It didn’t bother me much; this was just part of what he called tough love.
Eventually, as time passed by—I climbed the ranks in the company! By the time high school ended; there was no way out but into full-time work with him!
“Sorry Sheldon,” he said one night during dinner. “There’s no chance for college now that you’re free—you need to join us properly.”
“That works for me,” I replied feeling oddly satisfied inside.
To me it seemed like maybe he actually wanted me there which meant something big!
So off we went! Starting with all those dirty jobs: cleaning sites and hauling materials until muscles showed up everywhere! Just doing whatever needed doing made sense since this place represented our family legacy after all!
By mid-20s—I became foreman thinking finally proving myself not only as an employee but also as a son too!
Then everything flipped upside down—David returned—the biological son!
David hadn’t been around forever! After Dad divorced—he sided with Mom blaming Dad for everything wrong happening ever since then…
“He said some awful things about your father,” Mom explained once when asked why we never saw David anymore…
“So basically it’s like how I’m not seeing mine?”
“Pretty much honey,” she replied gently “but your father really wasn’t nice.”
While David stayed away—I stepped up being ‘the son’ putting in hard work—but once David decided to show up again—it felt like all efforts vanished into thin air…
“I don’t understand!” One night talking with Mom “David hasn’t talked to Dad in ages—and now he’s back acting normal?”
Mom sighed while cutting banana bread for dessert…
“Your father misses him sweetie,” she whispered softly “trying fixing things.”
I sighed knowing where she came from but still didn’t feel right about any of this…
Days later—I found myself summoned into Dad’s office where without looking up from papers on desk cleared throat before saying—
“We have let you go Sheldon.”
“What?” Blinking trying processing words “You’re firing ME? Seriously?”
Finally glancing upwards refusing eye contact—
“David’s coming onboard—we can’t have both managing roles…he has degree remember?”
“So?” struggling keeping calm voice “I’ve worked here over ten years earned this!”
“It’s time help David stand on own feet” muttered quietly “He’s blood after all lost so many years…”
Stunned silence filled room momentarily before speaking again—
“I thought also considered your son.”
“You are—but not biologically related” came cold response
Just like that—it ended abruptly without severance or even thanks for hard labor put forth… Anger bubbled inside yet kept cool demeanor intact…
“All right then,” standing tall said calmly “Good luck.”
Walking out unsure future held next steps ahead…
“Just move in here,” suggested girlfriend Bea upon hearing news “No need seeing him daily anymore take break!”
Listening closely within hours packed bags moving her apartment instead…
Within week landed new job rival construction firm making solid connections over years they jumped hiring immediately!
“For project manager role Sheldon” owner stated confidently knowing unfamiliar territory yet followed projects overseen previously readying himself fully accepting offer instantly bringing better pay plus respect gained overall too!!
“You’ll love working here!” New boss exclaimed showing around office space provided benefits covering dental medical etc., smiling already sensing different atmosphere compared past experiences faced daily before!!
Settling quickly enjoyed every moment involved ranging projects including movie theaters malls theme parks excitement building ahead surely growing further beyond expectations set forth earlier times gone past!!!
“I miss home darling” mother mentioned meeting coffee shop weekend breakfast together catching moments shared recently apart
“I know mom missed you lots too understand reasons behind moving right?”
“Absolutely dear!” She smiled warmly encouragingly adding “Time spread wings fly higher than ever imagined possible!”
If honest though noticed something strange happening lately regarding father’s company stressed out situation between them two polite interactions only remaining visible signs left behind lingering tension unresolved still present today…
Rumors began swirling industry whispers suggesting downfall looming overhead concerning dad’s business failing miserably under pressure caused directly due mismanagement issues arising frequently lately leading clients abandoning ship signing contracts elsewhere instead joining forces alongside mine instead!!
One day sitting flipping through resumes stumbled across familiar name staring back shocked disbelief washed over face realizing same person who replaced position previously now seeking employment opportunity within new organization established recently!!!
Couldn’t resist calling interview setting arranged promptly scheduled meeting arriving shortly thereafter looking worn down beaten life itself knocking around badly unable recognize initially until realization dawned color drained face completely pale shock evident throughout entire exchange occurring next moments unfolding rapidly thereafter…
