He worked hard for his money...

The fatigue shows in his eyes...
He worked 16 straight hours...again.
He loves her and provides for her.
She is his everything!

His breathing is labored at times.
He thinks he is coming down with a cold.
He can't miss work. Too many bills!
He can't afford to miss work!

The job is strenuous. He is not young.
He runs a temp. Again, the probable cold!
He is sweating and needs a cool drink.
There wasn't much time today to hydrate.

His body hurts. Overwork or age?
He swallows another handful of asprin.
Aspirin always helps him get by.
He has taken many daily for years

He can smell the stench of his sweat.
It was a very hot day. He is grimy.
He was too tired to run a bath and wash up.
Tomorrow, he will clean and repeat it all.

The little girl, who relies on Daddy for everything -
finds him dead the next morning!