Sheldon had been working at his stepfather’s construction company since he was 15. “It is what it is, Sheldon. Take it or leave it,” his stepfather told him, leaving him with no choice but to accept. Though his stepfather claimed Sheldon was his “responsibility,” it never felt that way. By the time Sheldon was 16, he had to pay rent, working both at the construction company and a local ice cream shop.

Sheldon started with small tasks like filing, but gradually more responsibilities piled up as he continued through school. This wasn’t out of choice; his stepfather’s rule was clear: if you wanted to live in his house, you had to earn it.

Despite the years of dedication, Sheldon was discarded when his stepbrother David returned. Instead of retaliating, Sheldon left quietly. Soon, he was recruited by a rival company, but a few months later, his stepfather called, desperate for help.

Things had come full circle in Sheldon’s life.