Marcus returned to work the next day at 5:50 AM, ten minutes early. His body screamed in protest with every movement, but he ignored it. Pain was temporary. Losing this job would be permanent.Brian was already there, coffee in hand, reviewing the day's assignments on his clipboard."Reid. You're early.""Yes, sir.""Good." Brian studied him, noting the new boots, the better gloves. "Tommy says you did solid work yesterday. Keep it up and we'll talk about more responsibility.""Thank you, sir. I will."The day's work was just as brutal as the first hauling lumber, mixing concrete, digging trenches. But Marcus's new boots fit better with thick socks, and the leather gloves protected his ravaged hands.By lunch, Tommy brought him another sandwich. This time, Marcus tried to refuse."I can't keep taking your food.""My wife makes too much," Tommy insisted. "Besides, you need the calories. Construction work burns through energy fast. Trust me, you'll pay it forward someday."Marcus accept