I was powerless to stop myself. I asked him if he was alright, assuming he would nod shyly or not at all. He said, “Yeah, I’m just going to work,” instead of looking up. I need to get some cash so I can support my sister. I was surprised by how matter-of-fact his voice was. He informed me that only he, his younger sister, and their grandmother remain now since their parents left when he was born. Since Grandma is ill, he helps out wherever he can, whether it’s sweeping up at the market or carrying groceries, to make sure his sister has everything she needs.

To be honest, I had no idea how to react. Even though his words were straightforward, they carried far more weight than a child should have to carry. His face conveyed a tale of responsibility and adversity well beyond his years, as it was tattered by a fatigue that didn’t fit someone so young.

I paused, uncertain of what to say, but the young boy didn’t seem to mind. After a moment of staring at me, his eyes softened and he turned to face the toddler who was sleeping next to him.

His voice was barely audible above a whisper as he said, “She’s always sick.” I do what I can because Grandma can’t always help. All I want is for her to get better. He stopped and used the back of his hand to rub his eyes. “I believe that if I continue working, I might be able to save enough money for the doctor.

I was taken aback. My heart hurt because of the entire situation, the maturity he displayed, and the way he spoke. His eyes were filled with fatigue, and I could see how his shoulders drooped under the weight of the world. Here was a young boy who was doing everything he could to support his loved ones while attempting to bear the weight of his family.

I had no idea how to console them. With a man like him, what could I say? What could be said to ease the intense anxiety that lingered in his eyes?

I took the little cash I had available from my bag and gave it to him. I said, my voice trembling a little, “Here.” “Take this. For whatever you need, for your sister.

He shook his head while glancing at the cash in my hand. He replied, “Thanks, but I don’t need money for myself.” All I want is for her to be alright. All I need is that.

I swallowed the lump in my throat because of the humble sincerity in his voice. I was at a loss for words and just sat there looking at him for a while. Although I knew there was no simple solution, I wanted to give him everything—comfort, a solution, a way out of the difficulties he was facing. What was truly at the core of it all was beyond the reach of money.

The subway abruptly stopped and the young boy shook his sister awake before I could come up with anything more. The toddler, obviously perplexed by the sudden change in movement, rubbed her eyes and looked up at him. He brushed a lock of hair away from her face and grinned at her.

His voice was gentle and comforting as he said, “Hey, it’s okay, we’re almost there.”