On the 3rd day of January every year is Julius's birthday. His father had promised to give him a special gift on his 16th birthday.
Mr. Dumoski worked with the railway corporation as a casual staff. He was being paid just enough to survive. However, he was a passionate and responsible father, who loved and cared for his three children alone, after their mother died from an ailment several years ago.
Julius woke up early as usual, preparing for school in a hurry. He had a 5km walk from home to school. He hurriedly had a bath and rushed to the dinning to fix breakfast.
"Happy birthday son"! His father said, as his sisters followed suit. "Thanks dad. I'm so happy today, but I need to rush". He replied.
"You have no need to rush today. Unlike before, you'll need only about half the time to get to school" His father said, unveiling the gift he had got for Julius.
"You got me a bicycle!" Julius exclaimed excitedly as he dropped the cereals pack he was carrying, and rushed over to his father's side. "Thanks dad. You are the best".
The bicycle wasn't a new one, but it was beautiful, and it's carried a feel of glorious history to it. Julius knew that his father had to save to buy this gift, so he loved it immediately.
"Ok! son. Get yourself ready and hurry off to school". "Please be careful on the bicycle, and always wear the crash helmet to save yourself from a fatal fall".
As Julius remembered that day, he took another look at the man standing in front of him, as determination could be seen in his eyes. "I appreciate your generous offer, but it was a gift from my father, and I dare not sell it off".
"Oh! I understand now. How about this; I'll drop you at home myself, and I'll meet with your father". Joseph offered, not giving up on this opportunity to acquire the bicycle he has always loved.
"I'm not sure that is an acceptable offer either".
His father could read meanings to the visit. Could it be that his son was going to sell the bicycle to raise money for them, but couldn't get to do so without his consent, thereby inviting the buyer into their home to convince him?
"Why is that"? Joseph asked, as he wondered why he couldn't follow the young man home.
"I'm sorry, but my father had an accident at work, and is presently on his sick bed. I cannot take a stranger home to meet him without a prior notice".
"I'm sorry to hear this. However, my wife is a physician, and could be of assistance to your father. I'll get her to come with us" Joseph said, as he hurried into the house to fetch his wife, not wasting time, nor giving room for the boy to refuse this offer too.
"I'll still have to go home with my bicycle" Julius said, as the couple came out of their apartment.
" I understand" Joseph replied. "We will carry the bicycle in the back of my truck, while we drive over to your place".
Julius gave a nod, as he waited for the bicycle to be loaded onto the 4x4 luxury truck.