Concerned Mentor

While I'm on my way to school this morning, I've seated on the back portion of the jeepney.
When I gave my fare, I took a glance of a high school boy sitting right on the side of the jeepney driver.
Then, the jeepney pulled over because a middle-aged man ride in. He's wearing a school uniform and identification card that gave me the cue that he is a teacher.
After giving his fare, the man suddenly said in a higher volume of his voice. .
"Mr. Juan Dela Cruz, could you mind of attending my class and the rest of your subjects today? It's been three months since I last saw you inside the classroom. I don't know that you're still up to school."
I was shocked after hearing what he said, telling my self 'what kind of teacher is this. Doesn't he know that it's a public vehicle he's riding on?.

"Yes sir. I will."
This words even shocked me and I turn my glance from where the voice came from. It's the high school boy sitting beside the driver.

"Don't you pity your parents? In three months time, you let them believe that you're attending school but sad to say you're not. You're spending the money your mother gave you in the computer shop, did it ever strike to your mind that the money you're wasting is from the blood, tears and sweat of your Mom, Mr. Dela Cruz?"

Then there was silence. .

"Look at to what you're wearing. Who laundry that? It's your Mom right? Your Mom is trying all his best to let you wear clean clothes and send you to school even if she's struggling hard enough. Attend your classes Mr. Dela Cruz."

"Yes Sir. . "
The only words uttered by the high school boy.

"If your heart and mind is as hard as the steels then this meeting on public is still useless.."
The last words said by the teacher.

The jeepney pulled over in the front of the school where the boy and the teacher attends.
Then the engine started again. I tried to look back, and a smile curve on my lips when I saw the teacher holding the boy's hand, not dragging him leading to the school gate.

Instead of negative comments, all of the feedback I heard from my co-passengers are positive. Saluting the teacher for being brave enough to sacrifice his pride and being the little fire that melts the steel within the boy.