Chapter 4

I asked tentatively, "H-How much does an air conditioner cost?"

"It's not much—just 2,800 dollars," Henry replied casually as he wiped his wristwatch.

I was absolutely stunned after hearing that amount.

I quickly suppressed the idea I had just formed, realizing that even if we sold all the family's pigs, we would only fetch around 7,000 dollars—and it was all money my family had worked hard for.

"It's fine then, Mr. Hudson. I'll be heading off now."

I kept my mouth shut and turned to leave, feeling thoroughly defeated.

Just then, Henry started chatting loudly with another teacher behind me. "You know, my dog has had an upset stomach lately. He won't eat any dog food I buy him, so I had to buy imported steak instead. I bought 20 slabs for only 2,800 dollars, which isn't expensive at all!

"That dog of mine seriously lives better than some people do!"

Hearing that, my eyes turned bloodshot, and a hollow ache settled in my chest, as if someone had stabbed a hole right through my heart.

Just one year ago, I was the top student back home in my village, but now, I felt like a pathetic clown who had completely lost all motivation.

I started giving up on myself and lost a lot of weight. Mom was the first person to notice. She broke into tears when she visited me, but I pretended that everything was fine and hurried back to my dorm room.

The following day, my deskmate suddenly called out to me. "Your parents are putting on quite a show at the teachers' office, Stinker Tucker. Do you not plan on seeing them?"

I instantly went pale. I broke out in a cold sweat as I stumbled toward Henry's office, only to find Mom and Dad carrying pack baskets on their backs, with a full crate of pork behind them.

They were bowing non-stop to apologize to Henry. "It's all Timothy's fault, Mr. Hudson. We're so sorry! We'll buy a new air conditioner for the class! We'll pay for everything!"

I felt a sharp pang in my chest. I tugged on Mom's and Dad's arms as tears streamed down my face. "I didn't do anything wrong. We shouldn't have to pay for this. I want to return home. I don't want to study here anymore."

In that instant, all the grievances and shame I had endured throughout the semester came pouring out with my tears.

"What on earth are you talking about, you silly boy?"

I couldn't bring myself to say it when I noticed Mom's calloused hands.

Dad, who was usually reserved, suddenly dropped to his knees. "Just tell us how much you want, and we'll give it to you, Mr. Hudson. Timothy is the only kid in our family who has a real shot at making it.

"It doesn't matter if he's not doing great in school; just please stop tearing the boy down all the time. I'm begging you, Mr. Hudson—please look after him in school!"

Dad pulled out his worn, peeling wallet and carefully counted out the money. There were tens and hundreds, tied into small stacks with rubber bands, and some of the bills were stained with grease.

That was the money they made working endless hours, butchering pigs and selling meat at their market stall. That was how they raised me step by step, sending me to the high school they believed was the very best.

Henry said, "You said it yourself. You'll have to pay for all the air conditioners in the class that are broken, so that'll be around 8,400 dollars."

Dad's hands trembled. He never expected a few air conditioners to cost around 8,400 dollars. He froze for a second, lifted his battered hat from his head, and pulled out another stack of cash from inside it.

"Here's 9,000 dollars. Please use the extra to treat yourself to some snacks, Mr. Hudson."

I broke down in tears.

That was every penny of my family's savings, and they had probably borrowed money from other people too. Mom and Dad actually brought all the money we had when they visited this time, all so they could stand up for me.

Henry exclaimed dramatically. "How could I keep the extra? I couldn't possibly accept this money, Mr. and Mrs. Tucker!"

Under Dad's constant pleading, Henry reluctantly stuffed 2,200 dollars into his pocket and said, "I'll do you a favor just this once and drop this matter, then. You'd better shower regularly from now on, Timothy. You—"

I watched Henry's mouth move, but I couldn't hear a single thing. I suddenly felt a warm sensation in my nose before everything went black.