12-year-old David had been saving for months and was excited to buy new sneakers, but in the end, he decided to buy shoes for a classmate whose shoes were torn. Little did he know that his kindness would be appreciated in a wonderful way.
He always chose a window seat for the return trip on the school bus. He remembered the game he played that day, minute by minute, as he always did, he opened the window wide and let the afternoon breeze caress his face.
“What you did on the pitch today was excellent,” remarked one of his colleagues.
“I think we have a top-class player on our hand guys. Get autographs while you can!” Another player was making fun of David by patting him on the back way too hard.
The distant goal was to play for his nation and make history, just like all his football heroes.
David could almost feel the great air of victory and joy as his team clutched the golden championship trophy and beamed at the cameras.
David often rehearsed his comments for the cameras and reporters at the end of the game. How he rose above his humble origins. And how his mother thanks him for everything he’s done. Please let me sit down.
David didn’t notice another kid ask to sit next to him because he was so lost in his imagination.
As he sat down next to David and began to dream, the young boy hugged his backpack. Like David, I strive to play football at the best possible level for our university. I’m surprised to be sitting next to him.
The young man was a true fan of David’s skills and never missed an opportunity to see him play. He thought David was all he ever wanted. He wanted to play like David, have as many friends as David, and even wear the same sneakers.
These old tattered shoes should do…for now, the boy thought as he curled his legs up under the seat in shame.
Guillermo was socially awkward as a child, which made it difficult for him to make friends. Finally, the young boy gathered courage and approached his hero.
“Hello, David! I’m Guillermo. I adore you so much!”
“Oh? Hi Guillermo, I appreciate you.”
David’s reverie continued after a tense pause.
By the way, I really like your shoes. Guillermo blurted out the first idea that came to him.
“These? The soles are starting to separate and they’re pretty old. You should see my new shoes when they arrive.” David’s eyes lit up as he remembered the beautiful pair of sneakers he had been saving up for.
“Tell me more about them,” Guillermo said as he tucked his legs under the seat. He didn’t want to see the ugly and worn condition of his own shoes.
“I think they’re perfect! They’re neon orange and have an unbreakable grip.” For seven months, David put money into a couple of trainers he wanted. For the first time, the 12-year-old wanted to make a purchase for himself. He also didn’t want to involve his mother. He knew the struggles his mother had to go through to provide for him and his two younger twins.
“You don’t have to assist, Mom. Tracy and Katie’s birthdays are coming up, remember, so you have to save up for the tea party.”
David has saved enough money. With the help of a fast route from the morning paper and the money he made from the lemonade stand he set up on the previous vacation, he succeeded. He finally had enough money in his piggy bank to buy the shoes of his dreams one day when they overflowed.
During the bus ride from school that day, he and Guillermo couldn’t stop discussing it.
“Guillermo! I made it. I’m heading straight to the store for the best sneakers the city has to offer after I finish my homework tonight. You can accompany me to the store; I’ll pick you all up. That will create the best pleasure imaginably!”
Guillermo was really excited about his hero. At that moment, the bus suddenly hit a pothole and Guillermo’s shoe fell to the ground.
David was startled when he saw a dirty, scratched shoe. It was an old pair of summer sandals, too thin to last, made of shoddy materials. This shoe was missing a lace, had holes in the sole, and the canvas was falling apart.
Guillermo gave in to his feelings of shame and let the other shoe drop.
David turned to look at his friend who buried his face in his hands and sobbed quietly and furiously. Both children were speechless for the rest of the trip.
Are you ready to high-five? David finally told Guillermo about the evening plan to go to the store. David was unable to visit the grocery store alone. No, not after what he saw.
“Oh, David! Are you here to pick up your brand-new football boots? They’re ready and wrapped here.”
“Go ahead, sir. Could you please introduce me to a pair in a smaller size?” David said pointing to a pair of warm boots.
Always try to help those in need.
The store owner, Mr. Manning, was confused. David, but the ones I packed are a perfect size.
Not for me, for my friend here, said Dave.
Guillermo’s information was absolutely ridiculous. There was no way David was allowed to do that.
David, I say again, I don’t need–.
David squeezed Guillermo’s hand and blinked softly in an attempt to calm him down. Guillermo, I’m going to do it. You always refer to me as your idol. I will try to fulfill that role for you. Mr. Manning was struck with thoughts of love and affection as he overheard the boys chatting. He knew exactly what to do.
“Wow my friend, you look fantastic in this. The best thing we have in this store.”
The shoes that David bought for his friend ended up making him happy. He was amazed, grateful and absolutely delighted with Guillermo’s unexpected gift.
The children rode their bikes out of the store as Mr. Manning gave his workers the all-clear. You have to do something now, so listen up.
“David! Someone’s waiting for you at the door! But he brought a truck full.” Even David’s mother had a hard time understanding the strange visitor.
David rushed to the door and saw a familiar face. Mr. Manning, a shoe store owner, answered. “I heard you talking to your friend in the store, David, and I overheard you. I know what you did.”
David’s mother leaned in, her eyebrows arched suspiciously.
“I know how much you wanted those spiked trainers ever since I saw you selling soda and delivering newspapers. And today I saw you let go of all that ambition to help a friend who needed it more than you.”
David caught his mother’s proud look out of the corner of his eye and bowed his head shyly.
“And I think it’s appropriate in this day and age to appreciate friendship and gestures of love like this. So go for it! Get in the back of this truck and take as many pairs of shoes as you want. for you, your mother, and the twins. Don’t worry about the price, I’ve got you covered.”
David was unsure and waited for his mother’s approval. As soon as she nodded, he ran towards the truck, his eyes bright with anticipation. “Go quickly; we still need to get to your friend. You can also give him and his family free trainers!”