24/09/2024
As the bus rattled along the familiar bumpy roads, Carly sat near the front, clutching the envelope of money her mother and grandmother had given her. She was happy and hopeful, imagining the perfect dress that would make her prom night unforgettable.
Suddenly, the bus screeched to a halt at a bus stop, jolting Carly out of her thoughts. Two workers from the bus station stepped on board, checking everyone's tickets. All seemed normal — until they reached the man at the back. He sat hunched, dressed in shabby clothes and looking quite nervous.
The man froze, his hands trembling as the worker asked for his ticket. "I... I don't have it," he stammered, his voice shaky.
"No ticket means a fine," one of them said sternly. "You'll have to pay up, or we'll have to call the authorities."
Panic washed over the man's face. "Please, I'm begging you," he said, his voice trembling even more. "I'm trying to get to my daughter. She's sick, and... I HAVE TO TAKE HER TO THE HOSPITAL! Please, I just need to get to her." But the bus workers didn't seem convinced, they pushed him even more.
Carly, who had been watching the scene unfold, felt a sudden tug at her heart. His story struck a chord with her — she couldn't imagine what it would be like to be so helpless, especially with a sick child waiting for him.
Her mind raced as she glanced down at the envelope of money still clutched tightly in her hand. But she couldn't shake the feeling that there were more important things than a pretty dress.
Without thinking too much, she took a deep breath and handed the money to the bus workers. "I'LL PAY HIS FINE!" she said quietly, feeling a strange mixture of sadness and resolve. After thanking her, the man hurried off the bus, racing to get to his daughter.
Carly watched him go, her heart heavy. She had given up her dream dress money but hoped it had been the right choice. Little did she know, the stranger would return the next day with an unexpected surprise.👇