In class one day, 11-year-old Marcus became the target of laughter. His clothes were worn, and when the teacher asked about his parents’ jobs, he quietly said, “They don’t work.”
The class burst into laughter — even the teacher joined in. Marcus lowered his head and cried.
Then the door opened. A tall man in a military uniform stepped in, his presence instantly silencing the room. He looked at Marcus and said calmly, “Son, you left your notebook in the car.”
The teacher froze. “Of course, Commander Jenkins… we were just talking about parents’ professions,” she stammered.
Commander Jenkins smiled slightly. “Every child should be proud of those who raise them,” he said before leaving.
The classroom stayed silent. No one laughed again — they only watched Marcus with new respect.
