It’s strange how kindness can come back when you least expect it. For an old teacher, a small act of kindness on a cold winter day began a story that would continue for years.
Soft snow fell on the city, making it a little quieter and covering the streets in white. An old teacher named Mr. Harrison sipped his hot coffee and read his worn-out copy of To Kill a Mockingbird in a small, cozy diner. He had kind eyes and gray hair that was starting to fall out.
That place was nice to him. It felt safe, warm, and quiet. When he turned the page, he heard the sharp jingle of a bell coming from the diner’s door. A boy came in, shaking from the cold and kicking his feet to get warmer.
The boy was not more than 13 years old. His thin jacket was too big for him, and his shoes looked like they were a size too big. It was cold, and his cheeks were red. His dark hair was stuck to his face and wet from running snow.
Mr. Harrison put his book down a little and looked at him. Before slowly making his way to a vending machine in the corner of the diner, the boy paused near the door. While his hands were shaking, he dug in his pockets and carefully counted out a number of coins. He looked sad when he realized he didn’t have enough money to buy even a small snack.
Before calling out, Mr. Harrison put down his book and took a sip of coffee.
— Excuse me, young man.
The boy jerked and looked at him with a face that showed he didn’t trust him and was embarrassed.
“Yes?” was his cautious answer.
— Would you like to sit down with me for a while? Mr. Harrison said with a smile, “I could use some good company.”
The boy paused and moved around awkwardly.
He whispered, “I just…” as he looked at the vending machine.
“Don’t worry,” Mr. Harrison told him, using a soft but strong tone. — It’s too cold to stay there. I’m not going to bite.
It took a while, but eventually hunger and cold won out over pride. The boy slowly walked up to the table with his hands in his jacket pockets and nodded.
As the boy sat down, Mr. Harrison asked, “What’s your name?”
“Alex,” he answered softly, not making eye contact.
He put out his hand and said, “Well, Alex, my name is Mr. Harrison.”
Alex thought for a moment before shaking it. His grip was very tight and very cold.
Mr. Harrison waved to the server and asked, “Now, how about a hot meal?” What do you think about a sandwich and soup?
Alex started to say, “I don’t need…” but Mr. Harrison cut him off with a hand.
— No problems here. It’s my fault. Also, I’d really like to talk to someone.
Soon, the waitress came over with a sandwich and a hot bowl of chicken soup. Alex was careful as he ate at first, but as the food warmed him up, he started to feel better. He told Mr. Harrison little bits and pieces of his life over time.
He said in a whisper, “My mom works a lot.” — I’m by myself after school because she has two jobs.
Mr. Harrison said, “That must be tough.”
Alex said yes.
— She tries her best, but it’s not always easy.
Mr. Harrison smiled to show that he understood.
He told her, “You remind me of some of my students.” — Smart and driven… You can do great things.
Alex turned red and looked at his food.
He said in a low voice, “I’m not that smart.”
—Alex, never think less of yourself. Sometimes all we need is someone to lend a hand at the right time. Make a promise to me: help someone when you come across the chance. Spread the goodness.
The boy gave what the teacher said some thought for a moment. He looked up and said in a low voice as he finished the last taste of soup:
— Thanks.
He smiled, Mr. Harrison.
—Thank you, young man.
After Seven Years
The knock on the door came as a surprise. Mr. Harrison walked to the front door of his small apartment. He was older now and took slow steps. It was once more winter, and the cold got in through the windows.
His eyes got bigger when he opened the door. In front of him stood a young guy who was well-dressed. He was wearing a nice coat and his dark hair was combed back. He had a big basket in his hands that was full of fresh fruit, bread, and other sweets.
“Mr. Harrison,” the young man said with a tear in his eye. —I’m not sure if you remember me.
The teacher looked at the familiar face for a moment, trying to remember. Then, his eyes lit up with recognition.
“Alex?” he asked, almost hard to believe.
The young man gave a big smile and a nod.
— Yes, sir. Even though it’s been seven years, I will always remember what you did for me.
Mr. Harrison moved back and waved for him to come in.
— Come in, come in! You’ve grown so much, look at you!
Alex went inside and set the box down on the table. He looked around the simple, small flat. There were stacks of books on the walls and an old armchair by the window.
Alex told her, “I found you through the diner.” The owner knew who you were and helped me find you. I wanted to thank you for being kind to me that cold night.
Mr. Harrison looked at the basket and then at Alex. His eyes showed that he was feeling something.
—My boy, you didn’t have to do that.
The strong answer from Alex was “I did.” I learned a very important lesson from you: being kind always pays off. Now it’s my turn to give back.
A warm feeling of happiness filled Mr. Harrison’s chest as he smiled.
He told him, “Then sit down, my boy.” — Let’s meet up for coffee and talk.
In that small room, kindness had once again come full circle.
