On a typical afternoon, Martin was diligently mopping the supermarket floors when a woman entered, conveniently parking her SUV just outside the entrance. Their eyes locked momentarily, causing the woman to pause.
“Pardon me, young man, but have we crossed paths before?” she inquired, and Martin shook his head.
“I’m sorry, I must have been mistaken. I don’t believe we’ve ever met. Apologies.”
“No problem at all. Have a wonderful day,” she responded warmly, flashing a smile before disappearing into one of the aisles.
Returning to his task, Martin caught sight of the woman once more as she completed her transaction. As she exited the store, he offered her a gentle smile, and she reciprocated it kindly.
Upon completing his floor-cleaning duties, Martin was ready to head home when he spotted a wallet lying on the ground just outside the store. Recognizing it as belonging to the woman who had previously visited the mart, he decided to investigate its contents for any identification that could help him return it.
To his relief, he discovered the woman’s address, affirming his plan to reunite her with the misplaced wallet. Although the wallet contained several dollar bills, Martin refrained from touching a single one. Mounting his bicycle, he pedaled all the way to her residence. Upon arrival, he knocked on the door, surprising the woman.
“Oh, it’s you! The young man from the mart!” she exclaimed.
“Hey,” Martin greeted her, offering the wallet. “You dropped this outside the store. Take a moment to ensure everything is intact. If any cards or IDs are missing, it’s best to notify the authorities.”
“Oh my goodness!” she exclaimed gratefully. “Thank you so much! I had no idea I dropped it. By the way, my name is Suzane. And, wow, everything seems to be in order…” she added, inspecting the wallet. “It contained $2500, and not a single bill is missing.”
“Great, then. I’ll take my leave. Have a wonderful day.”
“Well,” she suggested, “since you’re here, why don’t you join me for dinner? The mart is quite a distance away, and you went through the trouble of returning this. It wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t show my appreciation.”
Martin desperately wanted to decline the offer, but his hunger outweighed his reluctance. Having gone without a proper meal for days, the 19-year-old orphan felt compelled to accept. Cooking ramen was the extent of his culinary skills, and he longed for a taste of a homemade meal, a luxury he hadn’t experienced in months.
With a shy expression, he mumbled, “Thank you,” as he followed her into the house.
Suzane possessed an exceptional talent for cooking, and she had prepared a mouthwatering dish of spaghetti and meatballs for dinner. The aroma alone was irresistible to Martin.
“It’s absolutely delicious!” he exclaimed, a wide, satisfied smile spreading across his face after the first bite. “You’re an incredible cook!”
Suzane smiled appreciatively. “That’s very kind of you, young man. By the way, I don’t believe you’ve mentioned your name.”
“I’m Martin, 19 years old, and currently working part-time at a store. I’m essentially an orphan since my parents kicked me out of the house. It doesn’t bother me much, to be honest.”
“Goodness, that’s terrible!” Suzane gasped. “If you don’t mind my asking, what led to such a situation?”
“My grandfather was quite wealthy, and my parents took full advantage of him,” Martin began. “He was a well-known lawyer, and upon his passing, he left everything to my father. However, Dad squandered all the money on himself. When he ran out of funds, he evicted me and cut off all support. My mother didn’t object either. They’re too consumed by their own concerns.”
Suzane expressed her sympathy. “I’m truly sorry to hear about what you’ve been through, Martin. Strangely enough, you remind me of someone. What was your grandfather’s name again?”
As Martin disclosed his grandfather’s name, Suzane’s face lit up with a wide smile. It turned out that Martin’s grandfather had founded one of the most prestigious law firms in the early 90s, and Suzane had started her career at that very firm.
“He was an exceptional man!” Suzane exclaimed joyfully. “I will always cherish his principles and the lessons he imparted to me. In fact, I have passed on those values to the lawyers working under me today.”
Aware of her grandfather’s greatness, Martin’s voice held a tinge of sadness as he set his fork down. “I aspire to become a lawyer like him, but… the financial burden is overwhelming. I can barely afford my rent, let alone the expenses of pursuing a legal education.”
Suzane’s expression grew determined. “Well then, it’s time I repay your kindness. Martin, I will pay for your college education, and you shall make your grandfather proud. You see, my husband passed away years ago, and my children have all moved out. My law practice and this empty house are all I have left. I have an abundance of free time, and I want to help you.”
“Oh no, that would be too much,” Martin protested. “You already offered me food to compensate for my wallet. The cost of tuition would be astronomical. I can’t accept such a generous offer.”
However, Suzane remained steadfast in her resolve to support Martin’s education, pledging to assist him in every possible way. Grateful for her unwavering support, Martin accepted her offer, and he enrolled in law school. Years later, he graduated with the highest honors, leaving Suzane teary-eyed as she witnessed his remarkable success.
“Your grandfather would be immensely proud of you,” she told him when he first joined her firm. “Strive to be the best in everything you do, Martin.”
“Thank you, Suzane,” Martin expressed his gratitude.
“Thank you for everything you have done for me. Without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
For the next eight years, Martin diligently practiced law, and when Suzane decided to retire, she entrusted the management of her firm to Martin, allowing it to be renamed in honor of his esteemed grandfather. One act of kindness had turned the lives of two individuals around, creating a legacy that would endure.
