That night, the wind blew hard, sending pieces of paper and trash flying all over the small street. Fire broke out from the old boarding house, thick black smoke billowed out, and red light shone on the panicked faces. Duy, the orphan boy who sold lottery tickets, stood under a tree, his eyes filled with tears as he watched the fire. Fear and helplessness rose in his heart, but then he recognized a figure staggering in the smoke and fire. A weak cry for help reached Duy, making him unable to hesitate any longer.

He rushed into the fire, his bare feet stepping on the hot pieces of wood, the smell of smoke making his eyes sting. “You… are you here?!” Duy shouted, his voice hoarse. A weak voice replied: “Here… help me…” Duy staggered towards the fire, his heart pounding as if it was about to jump out of his chest. He pulled the man’s hand, step by step leading him out, feeling as if every muscle was tensed to the limit.

When they got out of the fire, the man collapsed, gasping for breath, while Duy was trembling, his whole body covered in sweat. The people around rushed over, their eyes admiring him. Some people poured water on him, saying: “You are very good, you are really brave!” Duy crouched down, saying nothing, only feeling his heart still beating wildly. He never thought that his small action could save someone’s life.

The next morning, Duy returned to the familiar street corner, selling lottery tickets as usual. He was still shaking from last night, but a strange feeling arose in his heart: he had just done something important. A shiny car stopped right in front of him. The man he had saved got out, his eyes deep, looking at him intently. Duy was surprised, his heart pounding: “Grandpa… did you miss me?”.

The man smiled, his voice warm: “Of course, you saved my life. I want to see you again.” Duy felt his limbs go weak, not knowing how to answer. He placed his hand on his shoulder, his eyes filled with sincerity: “Do you want to follow me for a bit? I want to help you.” Duy was silent, both hope and fear rising in his heart. He had never been cared for like this by anyone.

In the car, Duy sat still, eyes looking out, not daring to take his eyes off the man. He said: “My name is Minh. From now on, I want you to not have to worry about food and clothing, I want you to be able to go to school, to live like other children.” Duy swallowed hard, his voice soft: “I… I’m not worthy.” Minh smiled gently: “I am worthy, because I dare to face danger, something that not everyone can do.” Duy was silent, tears welled up, but he tried to hold them back from falling.

That day, Duy entered the large house for the first time, a place he had only dreamed of since he was a child. The smell of new wood, the warm light and the paintings on the walls amazed him. Mr. Minh led him around the house, introducing his private room, desk and bed. Duy softly exclaimed: “I… have never seen a place as beautiful as this”. Minh smiled, his eyes full of affection: “This will be my home from now on”.

From then on, Duy began a new life, completely different from the small alley he lived in before. Mr. Minh not only provided for his education, but also became a real father, teaching him many things about life. “Duy, you have to believe in yourself. The past does not determine the future,” he said one evening as the two of them sat on the porch. The boy listened with a surge of emotion, feeling completely trusted for the first time. Those words seemed to open up a new horizon for him.

At school, Duy had to face many curious looks, even ridicule when his friends found out he used to be a lottery ticket seller. Some friends called him “lottery kid”, which made his heart ache. At night, Duy sat quietly in his room, his hands shaking, his heart heavy. Minh realized, sat down next to him, and gently said: “You don’t need to be ashamed. You are much stronger than them”. Duy looked at him, feeling strangely warm inside.

In the following days, Duy studied hard, gradually asserting his own value. Mr. Minh always encouraged him, not only in terms of knowledge but also in terms of how to live and how to face difficulties. One evening, Duy asked: “Uncle Minh, why did you choose me when there are so many disadvantaged children out there?”. Minh looked into the distance, his voice low: “Because you saved my life, but most of all, I see in you determination and courage. I believe you will go further than many others.”

Duy was silent, tears welling up in his eyes. For the first time, he felt his own worth, the feeling of being recognized and loved. The years of deprivation and loneliness seemed to disappear, giving way to hope and dreams. He was determined to study hard, not to let Mr. Minh down. Every night, before going to sleep, he whispered: “I will try my best, not to disappoint you.”

Many years passed, Duy went from an orphan to a confident, studious, and active young man. Mr. Minh proudly watched him grow up, his eyes filled with joy. The father and son gradually became close, no longer having any distance. Duy realized that Mr. Minh was not only a benefactor but also a real father, and that love filled the gaps of his childhood. Every time he looked back, Duy could only thank fate for bringing Mr. Minh to him at the right time.

One afternoon, Duy returned home after school and saw Mr. Minh reading a book in the living room. He sat down next to him and asked softly, “Uncle Minh, if I hadn’t dared to rush in to save you that day, I would probably still be a lottery ticket seller, right?” Minh looked at him, smiling, his eyes moist: “That’s right, but thanks to your courage, we both changed our lives. Life has fateful moments, and that day was our moment.” Duy leaned his head on his grandfather’s shoulder, feeling strangely peaceful.

In the following school years, Duy not only studied well but also participated in many activities, helped friends, and spread the kindness that Mr. Minh had taught him. He understood that the true value of life is not money or material things, but courage, love, and the opportunity to change. Whenever he encountered difficulties, Duy remembered the night of the fire, remembered the man’s eyes pleading for help, and felt that he had to live up to that opportunity.

When he grew up, Duy graduated with honors, was accepted into a large company, and continued to build his career. Mr. Minh was always by his side, watching his every step, but letting him decide his own path. One evening, father and son sat by the fire, Duy said: “I will never forget what you have done for me, and will always live up to that love.” Minh nodded, his eyes filled with tears: “I have done it, and I will do more.”

Duy looked out the window, the starry night sky, remembering the hard days, remembering the fateful night. He felt grateful, loved life more than ever. Courage, opportunity and love had turned an orphan boy selling lottery tickets into a confident adult, ready to face any challenge. He understood that every person can change their fate if they know how to seize the opportunity and dare to live life to the fullest. And Duy smiled, his heart filled with hope and love, ready to continue on his own journey.