The husband and wife never had the chance to go to school, so they focused on farming instead. Farming, specifically hair cultivation, is the main way many underprivileged communities in the region make money. Something seems off about this situation.
The parents are feeling unhappy due to their son’s health condition, a giant tumor on his neck which has caused them to lose years of sleep. Little eight-year-old hero Emmanuel attends primary school but may have to drop out if the condition is not treated soon. A neighbor even remarked that the boy looks like he has two heads due to the size of the tumor. This condition prevents him from getting a good night’s sleep, as he is in constant pain, and his parents are doing everything they can to alleviate his suffering. The father shares that his son was not born with this condition.
He was born perfectly healthy, but at six months old, a small bump appeared on his neck. The bump became painful, causing the little boy to scratch it constantly. With each scratch, the bump grew larger and turned into a huge tumor. Concerned about their child’s deteriorating health, the parents rushed him to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The boy faces constant discouragement, bullying, and teasing that highlight his differences and make him feel like he needs to harbor hatred. But as a father, the opposite should be true. He believes that the boy needs to be shown love and care instead. The father encourages his son to stay strong, assuring him that things will get better and ensuring he remains focused despite the challenges.
Despite the hardships, the boy continues to bravely face each day with the goal of building a brighter future for himself. That determination is why he never misses a class, making sure to attend regularly and stay focused. However, the hurtful words from others sometimes cause him to lose focus in class.
Along with the bullying, the boy’s tardiness is also a problem due to the long distance between home and school. Sometimes, he even hesitates to attend class, prompting his father to remind him of the importance of education. The parents, who are farmers relying on agriculture for their livelihood, have only a small piece of land for planting crops. This limited yield means they struggle to afford treatment for their son.
The child requires advanced medical treatment, but there is uncertainty about the quality of care he will receive. Despite facing health challenges, the boy is respectful and dreams of becoming a doctor to help others for free. His parents are hopeful that his aspirations will come true one day. When asked about the boy’s condition, his father admits to knowing very little about his illness.