Something unusual that happened that day.

Ordinary to you, unusual to me.


I think I've gained good karma today. For once i actually helped a total stranger. Some of you kind people would think that it's not really very unusual. You help anyone who calls for assistance. You feel proud and good for your deeds. I finally can understand that feeling.


It was a tiring day and i dragged my heavy feet down the steps of the cool, air-conditioned bus. Down inside, I was reluctant to leave the comfort zone and into the sweltering heat of the afternoon sun. My bag was weighing me down as I ascended the staircase of the overhead bridge. Just a few hours ago, the class had ran an 800m sprint/ run (depending on the person himself) and the lactic acid was already building up inside my thighs. Homework was on my mind at that time, thinking about the stacks or rather amount of projects I had to type out took my mind off the ache but introduced another kind of pain. You know, homework???


So I continued down the bridge and at the bottom lay a thin, lanky man. His chin was unshaven and his cheekbones were visible through his sagging skin. The shirt and shorts he were wearing were covered with mud. He wasn't a typical beggar who begged out of their sheer lazyness. Both his arms ended at a stump just above the elbow. Bruises covered his lower legs and I noticed one of his teeth were missing. Immediately , a mixture of feelings overcame me. Who would actually beat a poor , handicapped man? First I was angry , then symphathy after that I felt awkward. Well who wouldn't, I was staring at him for about a minute or so while I was stuck in my thoughts and emotions. A shove from behind broke me out of my trance. A defiant-looking teenager sneered at me and sauntered off , headphones still stuck in his elf-like ears. I reached into my pocket and opened up my wallet, there were two dog-eared $2 notes inside. They were meant for my lunch but my hunger could wait. Right now, I wanted to help the poor guy out. Being the miser (fine, kind of then) that I was, I parted with the money with a heavy heart. Much to my surprise, he smiled , a genuine one, and said a warm "Thank You" ( it was hard to make out what he was saying due to cracked voice ) that was filled with gratitude.Before leaving , I left him a bottle of water and waved goodbye.


My $4 had not gone just to charity. I had just experienced the true joy of giving. I just learnt that small things bring great joy.

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