Every morning we will see this pair of brothers with their father at the bus stop, after the boys boarded the bus the dad will head home. The boys are studying in the same school as DinoBoy so some mornings we will take the same bus and walk to the school together. The boys are shy and soft spoken, they look like the kind of students that the teachers will like very much. I would have made friends with them long ago if it wasn't for the dad, he looks unfriendly and intimidating with his fierce looking eyes and big beard, some one whom you do not wish to mess with. Unknowingly I have some how started to look out for the brothers when we are together, ensuring that they have a seat on the crowded bus, crossing the road safely at the traffic lights etc.
I asked DinoBoy if he know them, he replied that the younger boy is also in Primary 1 but from different class. He has seen him during recess time but has never spoken to him.
Things took a change yesterday and for the first time in 9 months I finally spoke to the dad. There are 3 buses that will bring us to the school and all of them were late! We have 5 mins to reach the school and I decided to take a taxi. I went up to the dad and asked politely if his boys want to take a ride with us so that they will not be late for school. I was expecting him to give me an irritated doubtful look and a firm "No thanks." but instead he thought for 3 seconds and said Ok. Throughout the 7mins ride to school, the older brother kept saying "Thank you very much." to me in his soft voice. See! I'm right about the boys, they are even well mannered too.
This morning I had an encounter with the boys again. We boarded the same bus, I saw that the boys were standing at the entrance and not moving into the bus. Seems that Older Brother has forgotten to bring his wallet out and thus does not have his bus card with him. The boys did not have loose change and wanted to pay the $0.55 bus fare with a $2 note. I went up to offer to pay for his fare, he looked at me in disbelief and said "Is it ok? You will pay for me?" and he continued to thank me after I paid for his fare. I can see a sign of relieve on his face after that.
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During the short bus ride, the 2 younger boys stood at a distance apart facing each other, DinoBoy gave a little wave and mouthed "Hi". Little Brother gave a sheepish smile and waved back. I believe a friendship has just been formed, another new friend to play with DinoBoy during recess time.
What a wonderful morning!
What a fab post - this is so lovely and really hope a friendship has grown :) Popping over from Ultimate blog challenge
ReplyDeleteI hope it grows too :D
DeleteI'm so glad I had a reason to come back so I could read your post today! Wonder what will follow in this story? The dad will throw a big birthday party next week and you will all be invited?...or..? It's like starting to read an new book! Thank you for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteHahahha~~ Lotta, I'll be shock if the dad does that :D I think I'll stick to talking to the boys instead, the dad still looks scary to me.
DeleteThat was really such a kind gesture. Really enjoyed this little story. Your post is really inspiring for me to try to be more forthcoming in showing a little kindness to the various people I encounter on a day-to-day basis. It costs us very little but might make a huge difference in the other person's life.
ReplyDeleteYou know Serene, we have been taught and now telling our kids not to talk to strangers if necessary, when I went out to offer my help the brother couldn't believe it! He must be thinking how could a stranger be so helpful?
DeletePerhaps I am not a stranger stranger as we see each other at the bus stop every weekday but we did not talk so its sort of a stranger to him :D
Ah, nothing like paying it forward to meet a new friend! So cool!
ReplyDeleteExactly Michelle~ sometimes we adults have to take the first step even though kids makes friends much easier then adults =)
DeleteBeautiful! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGlad you like it =)
ReplyDelete