David, a 12-year-old boy, was overjoyed to finally be able to buy a new pair of sneakers after saving for months. But he decided to buy a pair of boots for his classmate whose shoes were broken instead. Little did he know that his kindness would be rewarded in an unexpected way. David always chose a seat by the window on the school bus when he went home. As usual, he opened the window wide and let the afternoon breeze caress his face as he recalled every moment of the day’s match. “That was incredible what you did on the pitch today!” said one of his classmates. “I think we have a national player on our team, boys! Get those autographs while you can!” another teased David, patting him on the shoulder almost too hard. That was the big dream – to play for his country and make history just like all his football heroes. David could almost feel it: the sweet air of victory and pride as he and his team held up the championship trophy and smiled for photos. David kept thinking about what he would say to the cameras and press at the end of the game. How he had come from humble beginnings and how he owed everything he had become to his mother. “Excuse me, can I sit here?” David was so deep in his dreams that he didn’t notice a classmate asking permission to sit next to him. The boy sat down next to David, holding his backpack tightly to his chest and began to dream of his own dreams. “I want to be the best soccer player in school. Just like David. I can’t believe I’m sitting next to him!” The boy was a huge fan of David’s game and never missed an opportunity to watch him. In his eyes, David was everything he wanted to be. He wanted to play like him, have lots of friends like him and even wear the stylish football boots that David wore. “These old, broken shoes will have to do for now,” thought the boy, hiding his feet under the seat in shame. Gabriel was always shy and had trouble making friends. But one day he found the courage to talk to his hero. “Hello, David! I’m Gabriel. I’m your biggest fan!” “Oh? Hello, Gabriel! Thank you very much.”
There was silence for a while while David drifted back into his dreams. “I really like your shoes!” said Gabriel, saying the first thing that came to mind.”These? They’re pretty old and the sole is already coming off. You should see the new shoes I’m going to buy…” David’s eyes lit up as he thought of the dream shoes he’d been saving up for. “Tell me more about them!” Gabriel said as he slowly pulled his feet under the seat. He didn’t want David to see how ugly and broken his own shoes were. “They’re perfect! Neon orange and with unparalleled grip…” David had saved up for seven months to buy the sneakers he wanted. It was the first time the 12-year-old wanted to buy something for himself. And he wanted to do it without burdening his mother. He knew how hard she worked to give him and his two younger twin sisters everything they needed. “Mom, you don’t have to add anything. The twins’ birthdays are coming up and you have to save up for their tea party, don’t forget that!” David had enough money. He managed it by working a small newspaper delivery job every morning and saving the proceeds from a lemonade stand he had run during the last holidays. Finally, his piggy bank was full and he had enough to finally take home his dream shoes. That day, on the bus ride home, he couldn’t help but tell Gabriel about it. “Gabriel! I did it! Tonight after homework, I’m going straight to the store and buying the coolest sneakers in town. You know what? I’m picking you up and you’re coming with me. It’s going to be the best feeling ever!” Gabriel felt genuine joy for his idol. But suddenly the bus jolted over a pothole and one of Gabriel’s shoes fell to the ground. David stared at the old, worn-out shoe in disbelief. It was a thin, cheap summer shoe that had seen too many seasons. The sole had holes in it, the fabric was torn, and the laces were completely missing. Gabriel dropped the other shoe too, overwhelmed by his shame. David had tears in his eyes as he looked at his friend, who was hiding his face in his hands and crying quietly but uncontrollably. The two boys didn’t know what to say for the rest of the trip. “Be ready at 5pm!” David reminded Gabriel of the plan to go to the store. He had no intention of going there alone – not after what he had seen. “Ah, David! Are you coming to pick up your new soccer shoes? I have everything ready.”
“One moment, sir! I would like to see a pair of shoes in a smaller size,” David said, pointing to a comfortable pair of boots. The store owner, Mr. Popa, was confused. “But the ones I’ve prepared are just your size, David.” “Not for me, but for my friend here,” David answered. Gabriel couldn’t believe his ears. He couldn’t let David do that. “No, David, I don’t need this -” David took Gabriel’s hand and looked at him reassuringly. “I’ll take care of it, Gabriel. You always call me your hero. Let me try to be one for you.”Mr. Popa heard the exchange between the two boys and felt a warm feeling in his chest. He knew exactly what to do. “Wow, they fit you perfectly, my friend. And they are the best shoes we have in the store.” David was finally satisfied with the pair of shoes he had bought for his friend. Gabriel’s shame turned to amazement, gratitude and pure joy at the unexpected gift. As the boys left the store and cycled home, Mr. Popa called his staff together. “Listen, we have to do something right now…” “David! There’s someone at the door! And he’s got a whole truck with him!” David’s mother didn’t understand the situation either. David ran to the door and spotted a familiar face. It was Mr. Popa, the owner of the shoe store. “I heard what you said to your friend in the store, David. I know what you did.” David’s mother tilted her eyes slightly with a raised eyebrow, looking at him suspiciously.
“I know how much you wanted those new soccer shoes, and I saw you selling lemonade and delivering newspapers. And today I saw you give up all that desire just to help a friend who needed it more.” David lowered his head in shame and glanced at his mother, who looked at him proudly. “And I think that kind of kindness and friendship should be celebrated these days. So go ahead! Get in that truck and take as many shoes as you want – for you, your mother and the twins… Don’t worry about the money; that’s on me.” David hesitated before looking at his mother, who nodded in agreement. He ran to the truck, his eyes shining with joy. “Hurry up, we have to get to your friend’s house too! There are free shoes for him and his family too!” **What can we learn from this story?** Always help those in need whenever you can. Even though David had worked hard to buy new shoes, he used the money to help Gabriel, who was wearing worn-out shoes. An act of kindness can be contagious. The shoe shop owner noticed David’s generosity. Inspired by the boy’s act, he decided to help David’s family and his friend. Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
