When Tomorrow Never Comes

AINS RECORD INFORMATION

Title: When Tomorrow Never Comes
Category: Short Story
Author: Ening Collection
Publisher: Ening Collection
Language: English
Number of pages: 1
Year published: 2026

DESCRIPTION

A thoughtful story about a busy boy who keeps delaying time with his grandfather until an unexpected loss teaches him to value the people he loves today.

STORY

“Tomorrow, Grandpa,” Faris always said.

When Grandpa asked him to play chess, Faris wanted to finish a game on his tablet.

When Grandpa invited him to walk by the river, Faris wanted to watch another video.

When Grandpa offered to teach him how to make a wooden kite, Faris promised, “We can do it tomorrow.”

Grandpa never became angry. He simply smiled and placed the unfinished kite on a shelf.

One Monday morning, Grandpa was taken to hospital. His heart had become very weak. Faris visited after school and held his hand.

“Can we make the kite when you come home?” Faris asked.

Grandpa smiled tiredly. “If tomorrow comes, we will. But do not forget to live kindly today.”

That night, Grandpa passed away.

Faris stared at the empty chair in the living room. He wished he could return to every afternoon he had wasted. The tablet that once seemed exciting now felt cold and unimportant.

For days, Faris refused to touch the unfinished kite. He believed he did not deserve to complete it.

Then Mother sat beside him. “Regret cannot change yesterday,” she said, “but it can teach us how to use today.”

Faris took the kite from the shelf. With Father’s help, he tied the frame and covered it with bright blue paper. On the tail, he wrote: Today matters.

He invited his younger sister to the field. Instead of telling her to wait, he patiently taught her how to hold the string.

The kite rose high into the wind. Faris imagined Grandpa smiling.

After that day, Faris still used his tablet, but he no longer allowed it to take every free moment. He ate dinner without a screen. He listened when Mother spoke. He visited his elderly neighbour and learned chess from him.

Whenever Faris was tempted to delay a kind word, a visit or an apology, he remembered the unfinished kite.

Tomorrow is a hope, not a promise. The love we can give today should never be left waiting on a shelf.

SUMMARY

Faris repeatedly postpones spending time with his grandfather. After Grandpa passes away, Faris completes their unfinished kite and learns to give attention, kindness and love without always waiting for tomorrow.

MORAL LESSONS

We should value time with loved ones today. Regret can become a lesson when it changes our actions. Technology should not replace meaningful relationships.