It was the crystallization of my sweat and tears.

The nightscape visible from the office window seemed lonelier than usual.

A janitor’s sister.

The phrase echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain.

I am proud of my job. I support people’s lives and maintain the environment. It is by no means a job to be ashamed of.

In days of sleeplessness filled with anger came, followed with sadness.

The next day, I received a brief message from Tiffany.

“I’ve decided to break up with Kevin. I cannot be with someone who dismisses my mother’s life like that. Michelle, thank you for everything.”

Perhaps deep down, I had sensed this outcome. But I hadn’t expected it to come so soon.

That night, I made a difficult decision.

I stopped paying Kevin’s tuition fees.

A few days later, a notice of unpaid tuition arrived at the university for Kevin. Confused and angry calls came from both my parents and Kevin.

“What is this? Didn’t you promise to pay for the tuition fees?” my mother’s voice was frantic.

“Michelle, what happened? Kevin’s future depends on this!” my mother cried, and my father yelled at me.

But my resolve was firm.

“If having a janitor for a sister is embarrassing, then you don’t need assistance from me,” I responded calmly. “Let Kevin find his own path. It will surely be a good experience for him.”

Kevin, in a panic, called me.

“Michelle, please pay the tuition fee.”

“Why?” I asked calmly. “Am I not just a shameful janitor?”

“That’s not it. I was wrong. I’m sorry.”

“Kevin,” I said quietly, “you were ashamed of my job, of my existence, yet you still want to accept my money.”

Our parents called every relative, but no one offered to help Kevin. Ever since Kevin had entered medical school, our parents’ haughty attitude had exhausted our relatives’ patience.

Eventually, Kevin decided to apply for a scholarship and started a part-time job.

A month later, Kevin visited my workplace. He had lost a lot of weight.

“Michelle, I’m truly sorry,” he said, apologizing deeply. “I’ve applied for a scholarship and started a part-time job. I’m going to continue my studies on my own.”

His voice lacked its former arrogance.

“The situation with Tiffany made me realize. She told me how important and honorable cleaning work is, how wonderful the job you do is. Someone who doesn’t understand that shouldn’t be a doctor.”

I listened silently to his words.

“Your company, it’s really impressive. I didn’t realize it before. I’m truly sorry, and entering medical school made me think I was better than others.”

His eyes surveyed my office.

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of anymore. Rather, I’m proud. Seeing the smiles of the people working at your company made me understand,” he said.

I spoke after a moment’s thought.

“From now on, you stand on your own. But if you’re really in trouble, you can come to me.”

Kevin nodded, tears in his eyes.

“Thank you. But I’ll try to do it on my own as much as I can. I think that’s how I can apologize to you.”

Months passed, and Kevin truly changed. He worked part-time at a local clinic on weekends and as a tutor on weekday evenings.

Kevin began to visit sometimes to talk about his experiences in medical school and his future dreams.

“I want to open a clinic in the community in the future. Not one for the wealthy, but a place where everyone can feel secure.”

His eyes no longer held vanity or pretense, but a firm resolve.

From time to time, my mother called.

“Michelle, I’m really sorry for trampling over your feelings,” her voice laden with deep regret.

My father sent a letter.

“Michelle, my daughter, I am proud of your strength. We were wrong. If you can forgive us, let’s be a family again.”

I’ve put off responding. I need time, but I believe that one day we can come together as a family again.

A year later, Kevin started an internship at a local clinic, which, incidentally, my company was contracted to clean.

“Dr. Kevin really understands the patient feelings,” a nurse commented one day.

Kevin chatted amiably with the janitors and became a doctor who empathized with his patients’ anxieties.

Now, our sibling bonds might be stronger than before. Not based on ideals or pretenses, but on a reality where we understand each other. And Kevin came to understand the true value of cleaning work.

It’s not just cleaning. It’s a job that proudly supports people’s health and peace of mind.

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