Episode 7: There must be light at the end of the tunnel.

Hophen was clear about the way ahead of him. One of his tasks was to find a job to earn money for his mother, sister and himself. He holed up in his room reading classified posts in print and recruitment advertisements on the Internet. When he found that some vacancies were suitable for him, he must apply for them as soon as possible before the deadlines. Very soon, the stamps were out of stock and he needed to buy some. While he heard the door next to his shut and the steps approaching his room, he opened the door to intercept his sister, Eliza. She wore a skirt and adorned herself pretty well. When seeing him pop out, she was a little surprised and reduced her walking speed. He awaited her coming near him and smiled at her.

“Are you going out, Eliza? Could you do me a favor?” he asked holding an envelope.

“Yes, I am,” she answered. She then looked into his room and asked, “What have you been doing in your room for the whole morning? Mom”s worried about you.’

“I”ve been looking for jobs. I’m all right. Can you help me, please?’ he asked again.

“Sure I can,” she replied confidently. “I always help my brother.”

“That”s good. Thank you very much. I need a dozen of stamps for posting. When you saw an envelope held in my hand, you knew what I needed. You’re so clever,’ he said.

“Oh! My God. I didn”t mean it, my dear brother,’ she grinned and said. “I don”t care what you’re holding in your hand. I said I could help you because I knew there was a job vacancy that might suit you. I didn’t tell you that before as I thought you had gotten a job already.’

“Really? What was it? Has it been occupied by someone yet?” he asked nervously.

“I don”t think so. My classmate told me a couple of days ago that her mother was expecting a baby and her father’s greengrocery needed a helper. The work is a full-time job and it is not a gainful employment. Are you interested in it?’ she answered his questions.

“Hold it. Hold it. Ask your classmate to hold it. I like to take the job,” he said happily.