When the clerk mistreated the veteran, the homeless man stepped in to help. Before leaving the shop, the manager asked the man why he was assisting the elderly veteran, and his response brought the manager to tears.
Karl was out and about. He begged for charity, was fed, and slept in alleyways or wherever he might find a bed. Karl lacked the necessities of life, such as a home, but he had a kind heart, which inspired us to share this tale with you.
On a hot July afternoon, Karl went grocery shopping. He was hungry, so he decided to buy food with the money he had collected from begging in the morning.
Karl shopped the shelves and purchased an orange drink and a packet of cheap crackers. He then stood in line ahead of the cashier to pay the bill.
He heard two persons conversing and looked out the window to see an older man standing at the cash register.
Karl became aware of the clerk ranting at the old man. “Are you serious?” she inquired. Are you counting the coins individually? This will take you an eternity, guy! You must begin moving!
Oh, it won’t take long. I… I’m sorry. «I’ll make it quick,» muttered the elderly guy, his hands quivering as he counted money. The cashier had already bagged the items and was patiently waiting for the man to pay. She kept interrupting him and tapping on the counter to get him to hurry up.
She lost patience when she observed the man was taking his time counting the money. Why have you come here if you are unable to pay? Do you have nothing? «Not even a business card?»
I’m a veteran, Miss. Don’t you think I should be handled with more courtesy and consideration? I never stated that I would not pay! He responded obstinately, which annoyed her even more. While everyone else in line was excitedly awaiting their turn, no one assisted the elderly veteran.
When he sensed the veteran was in distress, he approached him and came to his aid. The individual in question was Karl.
«I will assist you, sir,» he said as he began counting the man’s money.
The cashier interrupted them yet again. Why are you helping him? It’s his fault that he merely caused change! Not to mention that a jerk like you can’t help himself, and you’re going to help him?
Karl stayed deafeningly silent.
That’s all right, sir. When he finished counting, he said, “Fifty-two dollars!”
«And I’ve got another fifty dollars,» the elderly gentleman added. The grand total is now $112. «Here you are, Miss… », he continued, laying the money on the counter in two rows. However, there was a funding shortage.
«And here’s another four dollars!» exclaimed the man, motioning to the message. Wait a second! What’s the matter with you? You have kept everyone waiting, and you are now $4 short!
Karl eventually said anything. You are not required to yell at him. Here’s four dollars for you! He tossed two $2 bills onto the counter.
Accept the money and express your regret! Ma’am, did you notice he say he was a veteran? He previously selflessly served our country, and now you’re attacking him? People like you do not deserve to be called human!
It doesn’t make a difference. Now, if you’re finished, go! The cashier took the money and instructed them to leave.
I’m not going to let you off the hook. «Your boss should be aware!» Karl informed her.
As he saw Karl treat him with kindness, the elderly man’s eyes welled up with tears.
What should I call you, son? «My name is Simon,» he said as he introduced himself.
My name is Karl, sir. «I’m homeless, but I live better than most of the people here who have money!» he said passionately. «I can help you bring your food outside, sir,» he said.
Simon claimed he could handle it, but when Karl insisted, he relented. But, before he could help the veteran, Karl put the items he had taken back on the shelf, knowing he wouldn’t be able to acquire them again.
They were about to leave when a man in a suit approached them. «Joseph Smith,» said the placard with his name on it. Manager of Operations.»
Mr. Smith stood off to the side, watching what was going on. He contacted Karl once the problem was resolved and asked him why he had helped Simon. «…What made you do it?» he questioned.
«Why not, Sir?» «I’ve lived a hard life on the streets, and most people avoid or simply ignore me,» Karl explained. As you can see, I’m in very horrible shape. However, there have been a few occasions when individuals have been kind to me. I’m aware that doing good always pays off in some way. So I couldn’t take it if someone turned me down like that!
Mr. Smith smiled. «Would you like to work in my shop?» he asked Karl, as if he hadn’t heard anything else he’d said. «I’m going to have to hire a shop steward.»
Karl’s eyes started to well up. «What, sir? I’m not sure.» Are you… Are you certain? »
«You could start today if you want!» Mr. Smith said. «So, sir… What is your name?
Karl, sir… I’m not sure how to express my gratitude, but thank you! Sir, thank you very much. I’ll give it my all. »
«I know, Karl,» said Mr. Smith thoughtfully. I’d like to hire someone who is committed to doing good. People like you are hard to come by these days.
Karl couldn’t believe how wonderfully everything had turned out. He began his day as a homeless guy and concluded it as a well-paid shop steward. He thanked Mr. Smith and promised to work hard. The cashier, on the other hand, was fired for insulting Simon. Arrogance, in the end, is never a justification for anything.