Labour’s Day: A Tale of Hardship and Hunger by Amenah Manzoor

Labour’s Day: A Tale of Hardship and Hunger by Amenah Manzoor , I’m hungry,” little Maryam told her mother.

"Don’t worry, my girl. Soon your father will be home with food and candies for you," Sidra (Maryam’s mother) reassured her daughter.

In a small town, Maryam's innocent plea for food echoed the struggles of her family. Sidra, her mother, reassured her daughter, promising treats upon her father's return. However, when Akram, Maryam's father, arrived empty-handed, a wave of despair swept through their humble abode.The door knocked. Sidra opened the door,  "Didn’t you bring food? Sidra questioned, noticing Akram's empty hands.

"I stood near the main road square for 10 hours, but no one hired me today," Akram explained, tears rolling down his cheeks.

"Akram, I'm afraid we have nothing to eat today. Maryam is hungry. Why is it so? These days have always been busy working days. What happened today?"

"Today is a holiday in the town, or maybe in the whole country. Today is Labour's Day."Akram replied.

Realization struck them as the harsh reality unfolded. On this day, Labour’s Day, the town stood still, marking a holiday for the nation. Unbeknownst to Akram, his regular toil for the family's sustenance clashed with a day meant for recognition and rest for laborers.

As the day waned, hunger gnawed at the family's spirits, accentuating the struggle that many face daily. Labour’s Day, a time for honoring workers, inadvertently left some in dire need, a poignant reminder of the disparities in society.

The silence of their empty table spoke volumes about the unseen hardships of those whose labor fuels society's progress. This Labour’s Day, while celebrating the contributions of workers, let us also remember those for whom this day brings not celebration but a harsher struggle for survival.