"If something's bothering you, why not have some candy? It might make you feel better!"
With his messy hair, he scratched his head shyly and unwrapped the candy, popping it into his mouth.
Perhaps it was my concern or the sweetness of the candy, but gradually he calmed down and began to share his story.
Kyle was the eldest at seventeen, with younger siblings below him.
Despite their poverty, his family was filled with love and warmth.
I could sense the happiness in his voice and expression when he spoke about them.
However, the family's expenses were overwhelming. To help lighten their load, he had secretly come to work at the factory with his uncle, keeping it from his parents.
But yesterday, his father had fallen from scaffolding at work and was now home recovering, leaving Kyle feeling guilty.
"Some accidents are unavoidable," I said. "But we have to look forward. As long as we work hard, the future holds endless possibilities."
These words were meant to comfort him but also served to motivate me.
Even though my parents had passed away, as long as I held them in my heart, they would always be with me—my source of strength to keep going.