In the story, a young boy named Eric faces challenges at school due to his family's financial struggles. He's ridiculed for wearing an old backpack and clothes, which leads to feelings of embarrassment and sadness. Meanwhile, his mother, Kathy, is dealing with the stress of recently losing her job, making it difficult for her to provide for Eric. Despite these hardships, Kathy tries to support her son emotionally. The narrative highlights themes of resilience, empathy, and the impact of socioeconomic issues on children and their relationships. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of kindness and understanding in tough situations.