Proved his parents wrong

Alex had loved animals since childhood. From the age of seven, he begged his parents to get a dog, but they were firmly against it:

— Alex, a dog needs care, walks, grooming, and training! Your father and I are at work from morning till night, and you’ve just started school, — his mother told her young son.

— Yes, Alex… A puppy would be alone all day, whining, feeling lonely. It’d be sad for him, — his father added, supporting his wife.

— Fine, fine… but when I grow up, I’ll definitely get a dog… or at least a kitten, — the disappointed boy replied.

At school, Alex’s favorite subject was biology, where the teacher talked about different animals, their habitats, characteristics, and behaviors.

After classes, he often visited the pet store, where all the staff already knew him and were always happy to see him. The boy would stand for a long time in front of the cages with puppies, kittens, parrots, and rodents.

When Alex turned sixteen, he firmly decided to become a veterinarian. His love for animals only grew stronger over the years. He fed stray dogs and cats, rescued fledglings that had fallen from nests, and scattered breadcrumbs for ducks.

His parents didn’t want their son to pursue such an unpromising career:

— Alex, you should study law. Trust me, if in five years you still want to be a veterinarian, you can master that profession in a year. But becoming a lawyer takes much longer, — his mother said.

— Mom, why can’t I do what I love? Half the kids in my class are applying to law school—do we really need that many lawyers?

— Alex, don’t argue with your mother! She’s thinking about your future. In ten years, you’ll thank her for not giving in to your teenage hobbies. You’ll need to support a family, pay for an apartment, for food, and a veterinarian earns no more than a janitor, trust me.

— Where did you even get that idea? That’s nonsense!

Frustrated, Alex stormed off to his room, slamming the door. He was tired of the daily arguments with his parents, their pressure, and their advice. He realized trying to prove his point was useless and made a decision: to leave home.

He called his friend Nick, whom his parents didn’t know about:

— Hey, Nick. I’ve got a situation… I need a place to stay temporarily. Can I crash at your place for a week? I’ll figure out where to go after that.

— Hey, Alex. Wow… Yeah, no problem at all. My parents are off vacationing in Miami, so you’re welcome to stay!

That night, Alex packed all the essentials. He wasn’t planning to abandon his parents forever, but he knew that only by succeeding in his chosen career could he return and prove they were wrong.

At six in the morning, while everyone was still asleep, he left the house and headed to the bus stop. Doubts crept in—was he making the right choice? Could he get into college without his family’s help? Would he find a job quickly? These thoughts troubled Alex, but there was no turning back.

Fifty minutes later, he arrived at Nick’s place and knocked on the door, but no one answered. He knocked for about three minutes until his sleepy, yawning friend finally opened it.

— What, did you forget I was coming?

— Hey, good to see you too. Didn’t forget, just overslept. Come on in. Coffee and breakfast?

— Yeah, I won’t say no. Thanks, Nick.

Five minutes later, the kitchen was filled with the pleasant aroma of coffee and frying eggs.

— Alright, Alex, spill it. What’s going on?

And Alex told Nick everything.

— Man… I’m lucky, I guess. I want to go into business, so no one’s pressuring me. I think you’re doing the right thing, chasing your dream.

— Yeah, that’s what I think too. Exams are in a month—I need to study hard.

Alex began studying biology, chemistry, English, and math every day—the subjects required for admission to veterinary school.

Nick’s parents decided to extend their trip after learning their son had a friend staying over:

— Son, we’ll stay away until you both finish your exams, so you can study without us getting in the way.

Nick had three tutors and wasn’t worried about his admission. Even if he didn’t get in on merit, his parents could afford to pay for his education.

But for Alex, it was tougher. He often wanted to ask for help, but his schoolteachers weren’t knowledgeable enough beyond the basic curriculum.

Not far from Nick’s house was a veterinary clinic. Alex decided to visit, talk to the doctors, and, if permitted, observe their work.

At the entrance, a young woman at the reception greeted him:

— Good afternoon! How can I help you?

— Hello. I’d really like to talk to the doctors here and get some advice. You see… I want to become a veterinarian, and it’s important for me to speak with someone in the field.

— Hmm, well… All the doctors are busy today, and their schedules are full. Maybe someone could talk to you after work, — she said uncertainly.

— Could you ask if anyone has time? I won’t take long.

— Alright, I’ll check.

Alex waited about ten minutes. Finally, the receptionist returned and said:

— You know, no one’s free today. But one doctor, Dr. George Harris, said you can come back on Saturday at noon, and he’ll have plenty of time to answer your questions.

— Great, I’ll be here. Thank you.

Alex headed back to Nick’s place.

With four days until Saturday, he decided to prepare thoroughly for the meeting. He wrote down questions, researched the clinic, and learned more about Dr. Harris. When Alex returned, Nick greeted him:

— Alex, I saw your mom in town today. She’s beside herself, going to everyone she knows, looking for you. Call her, let her know you’re okay.

— Alright… I’ll call her.

That evening, Alex dialed his mother’s number:

— Hello, Mom.

— Alex, oh, Alex! How could you do this? You left without even telling us where you were going, — his mother’s tearful, trembling voice came through.

Alex’s heart sank with guilt.

— Mom… please, calm down. It had to be this way. If I’d stayed, we’d have fought every day. I’ve made my decision, and I’m not backing down. If you’re ready to accept it, I’ll come back.

— Sweetheart… I’m ready, but your father… He won’t hear of you going to veterinary school. He said if you enroll there, he won’t let you back in the house. Alex, maybe you’ll reconsider? We could get a dog, a cat, anything you want.

— Then I’m not coming back. We can meet in town, Mom. This is my life, and I want to choose who I become. I love you.

— I love you too… Take care of yourself, and call sometimes.

— I will, don’t worry.

Alex hung up. It hurt to hear that his father wouldn’t take his choice seriously. Now, more than ever, he wanted to prove he could achieve great things.

On Saturday, Alex arrived at the clinic on time. Dr. George Harris was a kind-eyed, stocky man in his forties.

— Ah, young man, you’re here for me? I remember, I remember. So, tell me, what’s on your mind?

They had a long, three-hour conversation about the profession, the challenges Alex would face, and the behaviors of animals.

— Alex, believe me, the key is to truly love animals. If you have a genuine desire to heal them and dedicate your life to them, you can make it in this profession. But you need to be ready for tough moments. Often, you’ll have to tell owners their pet didn’t make it, and they’ve lost them. And most of the time, they’ll blame you. You need to think hard—can you handle that?

Alex thanked Dr. Harris and left the clinic. The doctor’s words stayed with him, but they only strengthened his resolve.

Exam season arrived. Alex passed biology, English, and math, but he failed chemistry. It felt like his world had collapsed. The college offered him a spot in the paid program, but without his parents’ support, it was impossible.

For three days, Alex lay on the floor, staring at the ceiling, unable to even eat. To make matters worse, Nick’s parents were returning soon, and he’d need to move out.

“How… how could this happen? What do I do now?” he thought.

He kept in touch with Dr. Harris. When he shared the bad news, the doctor said:

— Alex, come see me. We’ll figure something out.

He gave Alex an address.

Alex arrived at the old two-bedroom apartment on the third floor, where Dr. Harris lived alone with two dogs, Jessie and Rex, and a chubby orange cat named Tim.

— Come in, they won’t bite. I’m making tea.

Over tea, Dr. Harris said:

— Alex, why don’t you stay with me? I’ve got two rooms, and I’m alone, so there’s no issue. As for college… well, you’ll need to work. Come to the clinic. I’ll teach you myself, and you can work as my assistant. You’ll earn money and learn at the same time.

Alex was thrilled by the offer:

— Thank you, Dr. Harris! I won’t let you down!

Within a couple of days, he moved his things to the new place. He also decided to call his mom and tell her he hadn’t gotten into college. It was hard to admit, knowing she’d try to convince him to study law again:

— Mom, it happened. But I’m not giving up. I’ll try again next year. For now, I’m gaining experience working at a real veterinary clinic.

— Alex… maybe you should—

— No, Mom! No.

Alex hung up.

For two weeks, Alex worked with Dr. Harris. He assisted during surgeries, learned to give animals injections, held them when they were nervous or tried to escape, and spoke with pet owners.

The only thing that weighed on him was the lack of contact with his father and the rare meetings with his mother. He longed to share his experiences and stories about the animals with his family, but his father remained silent.

His mother was struggling too. Her relationship with her husband had soured slightly, and his stubbornness upset her.

— Why are you so fixated on law? Our son is more important.

Her husband said nothing, gazing sadly at their family portrait.

Soon, Dr. Harris began entrusting Alex with simple procedures, which he handled with ease. Alex was almost glad he hadn’t gotten into college—he felt a year at the clinic would teach him more.

One day, when he arrived at work, Dr. Harris greeted him with a smile. Before Alex could ask what was going on, a Labrador puppy with a shiny new collar ran up to him. Then, his father stepped out:

— Dad? What are you doing here?

— Alex… I… Look, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how serious you were about this. I thought if you lived without our support, you’d come to your senses, but I was wrong. I won’t stand in the way of your dreams anymore. This is your new friend, and we’re both waiting for you at home. We haven’t named him yet—I thought you’d want to choose.

And one more thing. I’ll pay for your college. It’s not too late to submit the paperwork.

— Dad!

Alex walked over and hugged him tightly.

— Thank you… I’m so happy. I’ll pack my things tomorrow and come home. I’ve missed you so much. As for college… no need, Dad. I’m getting invaluable experience here, and next year, I’ll get in on my own. That’s the right way.

Dr. Harris, smiling at the heartwarming reunion, said:

— Looks like I’m losing a roommate.

He shook Alex’s hand.

— You made the right choice. Your son’s a great kid, and don’t worry—he has a bright future ahead.

— Even among veterinarians, there are successful people, — Dr. Harris added, and everyone laughed. The little Labrador, later named Sam by Alex, ran around them, happily wagging his tail.