Since she couldn’t afford a $250 washing machine, Jessica asked the seller for a discount. He agreed immediately, surprising her, but when she opened the machine at home, she found something much more startling.
Jessica and Edward realized parenting would be difficult after having Kathy, their first child. Young parents had financial problems and were always short on money.
Edward had a failing Texas textile business. Jessica was a weekend nanny while Edward watched Kathy. After having a kid, costs rose but income stayed the same or dropped some months.
Must be hard on them too. It may be harder. As she left work one weekend, Jessica glanced at her neighbor Sandra and her kids.
While her husband drove a truck, Sandra was parenting a third child. He was paid piecemeal but not millions. Sandra worked on a farm for years to support her husband; it was their only means to survive.
Jessica, Edward, and their neighbors were barely surviving. After Kathy’s arrival, Edward stopped going to bars with friends to save money, and Jessica gave up on the little items she had bought with her budget savings.
For one month, finances were good. Jessica saved money as Edward’s firm developed slowly. Her washing machine went down just as they were about to have a less hectic month.
Jessica decided against repairing the gadget after contemplating her choices. The labor and motor replacement cost was somewhat cheaper than a new machine, but the restored equipment might not last as long. After all, the machine needed repairs four times in a year.
Jessica sat down on the computer to find a cheap replacement machine, knowing she had no choice. Jessica found one perfect discovery after an hour of hunting, but it cost $250 and she could only afford $150.
She ended up visiting the store to seek a discount in person. Advertiser James Carter, 1216 East Madison Street, Brownsville, TX, stated it. Jessica wrote down the owner’s address.
A man Jessica’s age answered the door. He seemed calm, but his dark circles showed worry and tiredness. His voice was deep and mournful: “How may I assist you?”
“Hi, James Carter? I’m Jessica Turner. I messaged about the washer. May I examine it?
“Oh, Jessica. Yes, certainly. James said, “Come in,” and Jessica did.
Jessica figured out from the house’s disarray that the man was moving and selling the equipment. White washing machine greeted her as she entered the hall room. She thought it looked new, just like online.
“I hope you remember Jessica responded, “I want to talk about the price,” after viewing the machine from outside. “I can’t afford $250! I agree the machine seems new, but I can’t spend more than $150. Since we just had a baby and are struggling financially, could you perhaps offer me a discount?
James contemplated for a moment before nodding in accord. “Sure. No problem. $150 sounds okay to me,” he said absentmindedly, turning to lift the machine.
Surprised, Jessica widened her eyes. “Really? Thank you! Many thanks!”
James smiled at Jessica, and she could see his mind had drifted beyond the room, but she didn’t care since she was happy.
They huffed and sweated as they dragged the massive machine to Jessica’s car without gloves, belts, or loading belts after 5 minutes. She had paid James and was excited to take the machine home.
She extended her hand to say goodbye and requested James to meet her later, but he declined. I’m leaving this location forever, so I don’t suppose we’ll meet again. I hope the machine helps you, he remarked with a short but honest smile. Jessica smiled at the unexpected reaction and thanked him again before departing.
She checked the equipment immediately when she came home. She was surprised to find $150 in the dryer lint filter when she opened it.
It has a folded note paper in one corner. “It’s a gift for your newborn baby,” it said. “I didn’t think it was fair to ask someone who was struggling financially for money.
“So I returned it. Someone dear to me told me to aid the less fortunate if I can.” Shocked, Jessica. When did he put it in the machine?
Suddenly, she was struck. Maybe he put it there when she asked him to assist her transfer the machine to the yard while she got ropes from the vehicle trunk to bundle it properly.
He helped Jessica, therefore she wanted to thank him. He didn’t have a phone number on the internet, and returning to the house would take two hours, so she decided to visit him the next day.
It was too late—the man had left the house and a for sale sign was in the yard. Jessica left the house sad, thanking him again.
One year later…
Edward and Jessica eventually moved into a bigger house. Kathy got into an excellent school, and Edward’s business was successful.
Jessica looked around from her previous house’s balcony, where she spent most of her time. She has many memories there. Sandra and her husband were arguing about a new washing machine when she went to their house.
Jessica examined Sandra’s terrace’s damp linen-laden rope. That poor woman must have done all the washing. I should assist her.
Before departing, she rang Sandra’s doorbell and left the washing machine with a message saying, “With love from your neighbor, Jessica.”
Jessica observed Sandra’s joy as she opened the door and saw the machine on her doorstep.
James sensed this when helping me. Yes, it feels great. I wonder who motivated him to help the needy. Jessica thought as their car drove to their new location.
What can this narrative teach us?
Give to those in need if you can. The way Jessica and James supported Sandra and Jessica are excellent examples.
Learn to mimic your environment’ kindness. Jessica helped Sandra when James motivated her.
