Little falling star

Once there was a little boy named Burt who spent most of his time at the forest where he enjoyed playing and climbing the trees at the same time helping his father gather the old branches of trees. He was an energetic boy at the age of 11. His parents are aware what he was doing because his father was also with him collecting some old branches and made for charcoals to make ends meet. Burt's father was a hard working man whatever he sees and if it is good he could sell them in the market he surely brought those things except for the animals living in the forest he never dare to sell them.

Burt stop his studies for his parents could not afford to sent him to school they only depend their income from collecting those branches. Only his eldest brother John who went to school. They never heard Burt complained when they told him the news he just nodded his head and tears falling on his face without a word. There was sympathy on his brother eyes as he was looking at Burt and he told his brother to be patient for one day he would be able to help Burt to continue his studies. Burt embraced his brother tightly and cried on his shoulders. They were both crying and they assured each other that someday they would over come the hardships they encountered.

One day, as Burt and his father walking on their way home, they saw a car parking besides the bamboo gate near their house and they saw a man talking with his mother and when he noticed that Burt and his father was coming near them, he smiled at them. It was Burt's Uncle from his mother side. He never saw him only he heard some stories from his mother that they came from a good family but his mother disobeyed their parents she choose to be with his father and her family hated her so much they never contacted her ever since she left the family house.

His Uncle was so happy to see him hold his hands with excitement. He cuddled Burt and kissed his cheeks. Burt was timid at that time and anxious to see the reaction of his Uncle. Then, his parents told him to play with his friends but he prefer to go in the backyard sitting in the ground looking at the rice field while playing his fingers and thinking deeply.

At night while their mother was preparing for their dinner, Burt and John sits outside waiting for their mother to call them. They do the star gazing and talking about life. John was a little bit lonely and asked Burt if he was okay just being with their father the whole day helping him to gather old branches of trees instead of going to school with his classmates. Burt smiled at him and told him. "Sometimes i am okay and sometimes not for i really wanted to finish my studies and help our parents but what can i do now? I need to follow what they told me besides i know someday i will continue my studies. I never lose hope, John. I just need to be strong and continue dreaming." John hold his hands and said. "You really a strong little young man my brother, you never give up even though we are poor but you put meaning to our lives to continue living. You inspired me more, you know that.?" Smiling each other then John brushed his brother hair for comfort.

John finished his high school with flying colors and his Uncle wanted him to pursue his studies at their home town which is far away from their home and family. Burt on the other hand was surprised when he heard the plans. His brother would be away from them not only by days but months and years. Inside his heart he had mixed emotions happy, excited and sadness all he felt. But what really matters most to Burt was his brother education. Their parents agreed to what their Uncle told them. John was so happy to heard the news and he was jumping with excitement.

As John preparing all the things he needed to bring, Burt knocked on his door and he let Burt to come in. "All things are ready now, John.?" Burt asked his brother. John stops packing his things, stared on his brother's lonely face. He could see sadness and longing to his eyes. He approached Burt with a hug, kissed his forehead and said. "I know it is hard for us to be away for a long time but we need to for our future. I am still your brother, buddy and best friend, Burt. Whatever happens, wherever i am my heart stays here with you and to our parents. You know, Burt...you are my little falling star.!" Burt looked at his brother wondering what he was talking. John put his both hands on his face and said. "Yes, you are my little falling star i am wishing for since you were at our mother's womb. I am always wishing to have a brother and a friend. But not only that my wishes granted the little falling star gives me more inspiration in my life and he was the one who supports me in my dreams. Thank you, Burt for coming in our lives."

Burt was crying with happiness as he heard what his brother told him. He was not only a brother but a boy with his tender age, he knows how to compromised for the sake of his brother's future. Burt understands their situation being in a low class was so hard but he accepts the reality. He always told himself never give up.

John and Burt was happy waving good byes to each other and crossing their fingers on the air as the day come that John needed to go with their Uncle. John turned his head smiling at Burt with a promise he kept on his mind and heart....a promise to behold for his brother Burt.