Saved by a little penny

I was seated quietly at the steps of the college library, the weight of the world seemingly balanced on my shoulders. It was a balmy evening, with the sun dipping below the horizon, leaving a golden hue over the ancient stone buildings of the campus. The laughter of my fellow students, the clanking of cutlery from the College's G-gate, and the faint hum of distant conversations almost added salt on the wound. For me each sound served as a reminder of the fleeting and precarious nature of my journey through college. I had been so strong but this time , I couldn't just let it burn from inside me , tears were running through my cheek , my eyes decoding invisible words bitterly inscribed on the ground.
I remembered there was one name that was spoken with pride in my village - DICKSON. I was born into a humble family and I was in college. The first and only one in my village to ever attend a higher learning institution. My village people often look at me with hope, seeing a glimpse of a future where their children too could pursue education.
But behind the glowing facade of my academic pursuit, life is a tumultuous sea of worries and responsibilities. Walking 20 miles to college each day.

When I was still thinking about all this mind blowing predicaments , eyes blurred with tears , I received a notification from
the college finance department.

"Due to unpaid arrears of $470, you are at risk of being suspended from your current semester," read the ominous email.

I clenched my fists in frustration. Beneath the weight of my family's expectations, I felt like I was suffocating. My pretty wife, Delphin and our 9 months old son, Elijah all depend on me. Delphine works tirelessly on her online store , but business has been so challenging lately, with few or no customers at all due to some recessions in the country’s economy. The income is barely enough to meet our daily needs.

Delphin put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll find a way. We always do. You're nearly at the finish line, babe. It would be a waste to give up now."My heart ached knowing the sacrifices she has always been making for me. But this time, business , career , families all seem to be doomed!Delphin put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We'll find a way. We always do. You're nearly at the finish line, babe. It would be a waste to give up now."My heart ached knowing the sacrifices she has always been making for me. But this time, business , career , families all seem to be doomed!

The following day at the college library, I got my phone and signed onto Vocal Media and began typing my story pouring my heart out.
"Dear friends, my name is Dickson and I am writing to you from the library of my college. I am the first person from my village to attend college, an achievement that brings immense pride but also tremendous responsibility.
I have a family - My beautiful wife Delphin and our son Elijah wait for me, their hopes pinned on my education. But today, I find myself standing on the brink of despair. Despite our best efforts, we are falling short on paying my college fees. We have arrears to clear amounting to $470 and other bills are also overdue. It feels as if I'm standing on the edge of a precipice, my dreams of finishing college slipping away.
I am not one to ask for help, but desperate times call for desperate measures. If you find it in your hearts to spare even a penny, it would go a long way in helping me complete my education.
Your kindness could be the bridge between my struggles and my dreams.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
With hope and gratitude I hesitated for a moment before hitting the "Publish" button,
wondering if anyone would even read my plea.
A day passed, my spirit waned when I saw no responses. A few days later, I had a dream and it moved my heart.
" Dear Dickson , I came across your story and it really moved me. I come from a family who has faced similar struggles, and I know how difficult it can be to ask for help. I've made a small contribution to your cause. I hope it helps. Keep pushing forward; you're doing an amazing job.
Best regards- Sarah.
There were also some small contributions which began to trickle in from various people who had read my story.
As I woke up , tears welled up in my eyes.
So it was just a dream. I muttered to myself.
Surprised, Delphin woke up.
"What is it?
I had a dream where I saw people were willing to help.
She smiled, kissed my left cheek and affirmed with a whisper.
“ It is well honey. It is done! People are willing to tip and any little penny they assist with will forever be in the pages of our hearts as " A LIFE-SAVING PENNY".

Did you enjoy reading this story? Kindly send me a gift to help my clear my debts. Any little will go a long way.