The past several years were tough since my family abandoned me. I lived alone, and that was not easy, but I tried to find happiness in trivial things. So off I went to the supermarket that day to buy myself a fresh bun, something warm, cozy to cheer up my lonely afternoon.
I pulled the two dollars that I was saving aside out of my purse to pay the checkout counter but to my horror, they were missing. I was fumbling in my bag, trying to find some loose change, but my hands shook.
The cashier, a young woman in a scowl with sharp tone, rolled her eyes. Old woman, move it up, she snapped. You have to build it or you cannot afford it, why are you here wasting time.
It was like a knife cut by what she said to me. I felt the load of eyes the other customers were casting at me and my face grew hot with shame. My mouth was half open apologizing when I found no words. I was preparing to go home and I suppressed a lump in my throat and tears filled my eyes.
Just as I was about to move aside, a voice came out, well and loudly, at the back of the queue. Excuse me, what has he said to her?
The whole cashier became quiet. The talking man came to the fore. He was in a sharp suit and he carried himself like a man of authority.
The cashier answered harshly, I am sorry, sir, it is none of your business.
Oh, it worries me,” he said with a narrowing glance. That was not how you should have talked to her. Do you do this to your customers? Insolently and mercilessly?”
The cashier stuttered, I suppose she could not pay–”
that does not justify you to humiliate her, he broke in, with a rising voice. Doing something kindly comes at no cost.
Then he smiled upon me. Ma I beg you stay. It would be my pleasure to purchase this to you.”
My heart was full of his kindness: I hesitated. I chirped, thank you, though hardly audibly.
When paying the price of the bun, he pulled out a $100 bill in his wallet and gave it to the cashier. Here?s bun to you. This goes as a credit to you- keep the change- only, that you will henceforth conduct yourself in a more respectful manner towards every customer.”
The cashier paled, and her arrogance was superseded with embarrass-ment. She nodded wordlessly and accepted the money.
However, the man had still not finished. I will authorize this to the manager as well, he added.
At the end of the purchase, he gave me the bag of the bun and presented himself. Shaking my hand gently, he told me that his name was Mr. Carter. Could I talk to you out in the air a few moments, as you don lose on it?
Floundering and thankful, I assented. When outside, he inquired about my entanglements, and then attentively he heard me justify myself, and tell him how lonely, how poor I was.
There is something I could do, said he. My small business is always in need of people who are consistent and kind at heart. Would you like me to give you a job on a part time basis? It will allow you to meet new people and get a bit more money.”
I had tears rolling in my eyes, yet they were tears of appreciation. I took his offer immediately.
It was not only a treat, it was a turning point that day. Mr. His kindness did not only restore my dignity, but it also provided me with another life. What of the cashier? All right, the manager, let us say, gave her plenty of time to think about her own behavior.
Karma can pay back and sometimes in the disguise too.
