Nancy was 17, when she was dreaming of becoming a doctor. Her father, Dave, was working hard and sacrificing too much for his daughter. He was everything for Nancy. She lost her mother when she was three. Dave stayed single and focused only to his daughter.
She would oftenly hear her father talk about his boss, Mr. Johnson with respect. As Nancy never met with the man, she knew much about him.
She wanted to become a doctor, but she was nervous about the financial struggle she would have. Her father had covered Nancy’s education. But she was not aware of what was happening. But the stories about Mr. Johnson’s effect on their financial situation were going on.
As it was a “bring your child to work day,” Nancy went with her father to his office. As Nancy was in her father’s office, Dave said, “I’ll be right back, honey. Just wait here for me, okay?”
Few minutes later, a man stepped into the office. “You must be Nancy,” the man said. “I’m Mr. Johnson, your father’s boss.”
“Mr. Johnson? But why am I here? Isn’t this supposed to be a work event?”
“I’m afraid there’s been a serious issue, Nancy. It’s about your father… and the money for your college.”
“What about the money? Dad said everything was taken care of.”
“Your father made a grave mistake. He lost the college fund to a scam and… he took money from the company to replace it.”
“Stole? My dad? That can’t be right. He wouldn’t do that!”
“I wish it weren’t true. But we have evidence. He confessed, Nancy. He was trying to protect your future, but he broke the law.”
“So, what happens now? To my dad… to us?”
“Your father will face legal consequences,” Mr. Johnson said. “But I want you to know, despite everything, I understand why he did it. And I’m here to help, Nancy.”
Nancy was devastated with the things she learned. The meeting with the boss of her fahter, Mr. Johnson, was shocking for her, as she learned that there were many things she didn’t know what her father did to provide for her medical school. She was crying now as she was lost in her thoughts.
“Nancy, I’m so sorry you had to find out this way,” Dave said to his daughter. “I thought I could fix everything before it came to this.”
“Dad, how could you let it get this bad? You promised me… You promised Mom you’d always do the right thing!”
“I did it for you, Nancy. When the scammers took the money, I panicked. I couldn’t bear to see your dreams crushed.”
Mr. Johnson started, “Dave has been more than an employee to me; he’s been a friend and a loyal companion in this company for over two decades. What he did was wrong, but I understand his desperation to protect his daughter.”
“Mr. Johnson, is there anything we can do to make this right?” Nancy turned to the boss.
“There is no justification for breaking the law, Nancy. Your father will have to face the consequences of his actions. However, I’ve decided to take care of your education expenses.”
“But why? After everything that’s happened?”
“Because I believe in second chances,” Mr. Johnson smiled. “And I know how much Dave has sacrificed for you. This is not just an investment in your future, Nancy, but also a way to honor the hard work your father put into this company, despite his recent lapse in judgment.”
As Dave knelt before Nancy, he took his daughter’s hands and said, “Nancy, I made a terrible mistake, and I will pay for it. But Mr. Johnson’s offer gives you a chance to fulfill our dream. I’m begging you to accept it.”
“Nancy, I never wanted to hurt you,” Dave said to his daughter one evening. He was sad for making his daughter living through such tragedy.
“I know, Dad,” Nancy said, “But the thought of losing you, of facing everything without you, it’s just too much.” she said and tears started to flow.
Dave was going to spend some time in prison for what he did to let his daughter go to medical school. “Make the most of this chance, Nancy,” he said. “Do it for both of us.”
When it was time for Dave to go. “I’m so proud of you, Nancy,” he said to his daughter. “And I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused. Remember, I love you more than anything.”
Nancy remembered their last day, as they went to a hike together, where they talked about the past. “Remember how you used to climb that big oak tree, Nancy?” Dave said to his daughter. “You were always so brave, so determined.”
As they sat under the oak tree, “Dad, how do I do this without you?” Nancy said. “You keep going, Nancy. You chase your dreams with the same courage you had climbing this tree. I’ll be with you, in here,” Dave held his daughter’s hand.
“I’m so sorry for everything, Nancy. I love you, more than you can ever imagine.”
As tears started to drop from her eyes, “I love you too, Dad. I’ll make you proud, I promise.” Nancy said.
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