Left Behind

    By J. H. Jones

    Left Behind cover image

    12 Apr, 2024

    a young boy standing in a room with plants and a door to a shed with a window and a door, a character portrait, promotional image, environmental art, August Lemmer

    Sam was alone in the house, his family having moved away. They had left in a hurry, leaving Sam behind. Despite the situation, Sam was determined to survive.

    a young boy standing in front of a house with plants growing around him and a dog in the yard, a character portrait, promotional image, northwest school, Clark Voorhees

    He took on odd jobs around the neighborhood, earning enough to get by. It was hard work, but Sam was resilient. He didn't want pity, he wanted independence.

    a man in a suit and tie standing on a street corner with his hands out to the side of the street, a stock photo, promotional image, harlem renaissance, Derold Page

    In town, Sam met Mr. Thompson, a stern businessman. He offered Sam a job at his store. It was hard work, but Sam took it gratefully.

    a man in a suit standing on a brick street in front of a market place with people walking around, a matte painting, promotional image, arts and crafts movement, Bertram Brooker

    Sam learned a lot from Mr. Thompson. He learned about business, about people, and about life. His determination and hard work didn't go unnoticed.

    a woman standing in front of a group of children in a classroom with a teacher holding a piece of paper, a flemish Baroque, promotional image, heidelberg school, Constance Copeman

    Sam also started attending school. His teacher, Mrs. Baker, took a special interest in him. She saw his potential and was determined to help him succeed.

    a boy smiling in front of a group of children in a classroom with a teacher in the background smiling, a computer rendering, promotional image, hyperrealism, Bob Byerley

    Despite his circumstances, Sam was a bright student. He worked hard, studied well, and never let his situation affect his schooling. His determination was truly inspiring.

    a young boy is reading a book in a library with many books on the shelves and a clock on the wall, a storybook illustration, promotional image, arts and crafts movement, Anson Maddocks

    During his free time, Sam would visit the library. He loved reading, losing himself in the stories and learning about the world beyond his small town.

    a boy sitting at a table with a book in front of him and a pile of books behind him, a character portrait, promotional image, academic art, Daniel Lieske

    The books became his escape, his solace. They fuelled his dreams, his ambitions. He dreamed of a better life, of making a difference.

    two women in graduation gowns and caps smiling for the camera with a group of people in the background, a stock photo, promotional image, american barbizon school, Bourgeois

    Years passed. Sam, now a young man, graduated from high school. Despite the challenges, he had achieved so much. Mrs. Baker beamed with pride.

    a group of people standing in front of a crowd of people wearing graduation gowns and holding hands together, a stock photo, award-winning photograph, heidelberg school, E. Simms Campbell

    Mr. Thompson was there too. He had watched Sam grow, had seen his hard work and determination. He was proud of what Sam had achieved.

    a man and a woman standing in an office setting looking at something on the computer screen and a man in a brown shirt and khaki, a poster, promotional image, northwest school, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons)

    Sam started working in an office in the city. His colleague, Rachel, quickly became a good friend. She admired Sam's tenacity and his story.

    a man in a tie is sitting at a desk with a computer and a monitor on it in an office, a stock photo, professional, american barbizon school, derek zabrocki

    Despite the new environment and the challenges it posed, Sam adapted quickly. He worked hard, just like he always did, and soon became a valued member of the team.

    a man in a suit and tie standing in front of a building with a crowd of people behind him, a poster, movie still, heidelberg school, Alexander Runciman

    Sam also enrolled in a university. He wanted to learn more, to expand his horizons. He juggled work and studies, determined to make the most of his opportunities.

    a group of people standing in front of a building with a clock on it's face and a crowd of people behind them, a poster, promotional image, neoism, Armin Hansen

    It was tough, but Sam was tougher. He worked hard, studied hard, and never gave up. His determination was truly commendable.

    a woman in a graduation gown and cap smiles for a picture with other people in the background in front of a building, a stock photo, promotional image, heidelberg school, Elke Vogelsang

    Years later, Sam graduated from university. Once again, he had achieved something incredible. Mrs. Baker, now retired, attended the ceremony, her pride evident.

    a group of people standing next to each other in front of a crowd of people wearing graduation caps and gowns, a stock photo, promotional image, heidelberg school, Brothers Hildebrandt

    Mr. Thompson was there too, his stern expression replaced with a smile. He had watched Sam grow from a young boy to a successful man. He was truly proud.

    a boy in a jacket standing in front of a house with a dog in front of him and a dog in the background, a photorealistic painting, highly detailed digital painting, photorealism, Bob Byerley

    Sam returned to his old house, the place where he had been left alone. It was now renovated, a symbol of his journey from a forgotten child to a successful man.

    a young boy standing in front of a house with a car parked in front of it and a house behind him, a character portrait, promotional image, american realism, Ejler Bille

    He had come a long way, had overcome so much. Despite being left behind, Sam had grown, had succeeded. His determination and resilience were truly inspiring.

    a young boy standing in a hallway with a backpack on his back and a group of children in the background, a stock photo, promotional image, vancouver school, Ben Zoeller

    Sam also visited his old school. He saw the children, their eager faces, their dreams. It reminded him of his own journey, of his own dreams.

    a boy with a backpack standing in front of a group of children in front of a building with a clock on it, a character portrait, promotional image, northwest school, Diego Gisbert Llorens

    He realized that he had not only survived, but thrived. He had turned his life around, had made a difference. His story was a testament to his determination and hard work.

    a young boy standing in the middle of a crowded street with people walking around him and a crowd of people walking around him, a character portrait, cinematic photography, hyperrealism, Etienne Delessert

    Sam walked through the town, taking in the changes, the progress. He was a part of it, a part of the town's growth. His journey was a part of its story.

    a painting of a boy in a leather jacket on a city street with people walking around him and a building in the background, a photorealistic painting, highly detailed digital painting, photorealism, Bob Byerley

    Despite being left behind, Sam had grown, had succeeded. He had faced the challenges, had overcome the odds. His story was not just of survival, but of triumph.