Mike lived in a mansion filled with everything a ten-year-old could dream of—shimmering marble floors, a glowing pool in the backyard, rooms so many he hadn’t explored them all. His closet held designer clothes, and his shelves were stacked with toys most kids could only wish for. But despite the wealth, Mike was missing something much greater than any of it: his father’s presence.
Tim, his father, ran a booming tech company, and his life revolved around endless meetings and international deals. Even when he was home, he was never really there—always on the phone, staring at screens, mumbling about mergers.
“Dad, want to see my science project?” Mike had asked once, poking his head into the office.
“Not now, Mike. Big deal with Tokyo,” Tim replied without looking up.
Mike had quietly closed the door and walked away. It was always the same. Missed games. Missed school events. Missed moments.
Christine, Mike’s mother, would try to soften the blow. “He works hard so we can have all this,” she’d say, gesturing to the luxury around them. But Mike would trade every toy for a simple afternoon playing catch.
With no one to share his days, Mike started venturing beyond the iron gates of his mansion. That’s how he met Tony, an elderly neighbor living in a weathered house at the edge of the street. The place stood out—old, modest, surrounded by the sound of barking dogs.
Mike had stopped his bike to peer through the fence. Tony, with his worn clothes and rough hands, was tossing treats to a pack of rescue dogs.
“Want to meet the crew?” Tony had asked with a warm smile.
Mike left his bike on the overgrown lawn and nodded. That visit became a daily habit. Tony didn’t have gadgets or luxury, but he had time—time to listen, to teach, to care. He showed Mike how to build things, shared stories about his dogs, and gave him the attention he longed for. It didn’t take long for Tony to become the father figure Mike never had.
When the school announced a Father’s Day celebration, Mike didn’t even mention it at home. Christine only found the flyer while checking his bag. That night, she confronted Tim.
“You need to be there. One day. That’s all I’m asking,” she said.
Tim tried to brush it off. “Work’s crazy right now. The merger—”