David has always wanted to play football for his country. He is young and very good at it. He worked hard even though he was only 12 years old because he was driven to reach his goal. He also had a dream about shoes with spikes.
He would sometimes imagine while riding the school bus in the window seat that he was winning a big game and thanking his mom for everything she had done for him. He would say in a low voice, “That would be a great speech.”
David had been putting money aside for months to buy new shoes. He really liked those shoes a lot. He helped his neighbors with chores and sold lemonade every day from a stand he built himself. This way, he could get the money without putting too much stress on his mom, who was already raising him and his twin sisters.
David went to the shoe shop and told the owner that he had been putting money aside for new shoes. Mr. Manning smiled and said, “Young man, your shoes will be here waiting.”
Someone asked David if he could take the place next to him on the way to school one day. David said, “Of course.”
Guillermo liked David a lot. Just like David, he wanted to be well-known among his classmates.
That day, Guillermo told David that he liked his shoes. David replied that they were too old and that he was putting money aside to buy new ones.
It made Guillermo feel bad, so he hid his feet under the seat. It was really his shoes that were old and worn out, not David’s.
David and Guillermo became good friends over the next few days. David told his friend Guillermo one day, “Guillermo, I finally did it.” There’s money in my cash bank. Today I’m going to get my dream shoes.
It made Guillermo very happy for David. As they talked, the bus hit a bump and one of Guillermo’s shoes fell to the floor.
David was shocked. The bottom of the shoe was holed. While he was talking about his new shoes, his friend’s were really old, the canvas was coming apart, and there was no sign of a lace. This made him feel bad for his friend and a little embarrassed.
David asked Guillermo to go to the store with him the next day.
When they got inside, Mr. Manning told David, “Good job, kid. You paid for those shoes yourself.” They’re set up just right in a box and ready for you.
David told Mr. Manning, “I want the shoes, but please make them smaller.”
Mr. Manning didn’t understand. He told him, “But these are your size, young man.” That’s when David told Guillermo, “I want them in his size.”
The shock hit Guillermo. “No, David, you don’t have to…” David stopped him before he could finish, though. “Guillermo, you’re a great friend.” You call me your hero and your leader. Let me get these shoes for you, please.
Mr. Manning knew David was a unique kid, but he was still amazed at how kind he was.
He pulled out a pair of shoes that fit Guillermo and gave them to him.
The two friends were glad to be together and went home.
David’s mom asked him if he got the shoes when they got home, though. He said quietly, “Mom, I bought them for my friend Guillermo.” He looked at the floor and thought she was going to scold him. I believed he required them more than I did because they were very old.
His mom hugged him. “Oh, son, you’re such a helpful and kind young man.” I’m very proud of you.
A truck pulled up in front of their house while they talked about Guillermo.
The man was Mr. Manning. He brought David, his sister, and his friend a lot of shoes.
“I saw you selling lemonade and delivering newspapers, and I know how badly you wanted those spiked pumps.” Your kindness to a friend in need made me want to surprise you today.
David learned that day that being kind always makes a difference, no matter how small.
