Art Bouvier, the restaurant’s owner, takes pleasure in his establishment’s exterior and works outdoors to maintain it neat and appealing.
Art is well acquainted with the frigid winter weather of Indiana, as the business does not cease with the seasons.
Knowing how chilly and uncomfortable the weather may be, Art took notice when he noticed a young man strolling outside.
He was perplexed as to what was motivating him.
The young man approached Art gently, as if reading his mind, to ask him a question. While the tale may have ended there, Art grabbed the chance to make a difference in the life of this stranger.
He made the decision to offer the teen a ride.
He gave an account of his encounter with the young man online.
He stated:
“So, as I’m outside spreading large amounts of ice melt, a small youngster walks across the parking lot, heading west.” He inquired as to the distance between 10th and Sherman.
“I told him it was a long way away.” at least six or seven miles. I urged that he take the bus instead of walking, especially in the ice and slush. He thanked me and went on his way.
“He might have begged for money to pay for a bus.” In fact, I was expecting him to. He didn’t do it. He had only recently begun walking.
“We spotted him still awake along 10th Street 15 minutes later, as we were driving down 10th to Strange Brew.” He hadn’t yet arrived at Franklin Road.
“I ordered Colleen to stop, and I instructed him to get in.” We asked him about his adventure as we were traveling.
“Jhaquiel was walking from 42nd and Post to 10th and Sherman for an interview for a possible (but not assured) minimum-wage position in this climate. He was walking since he couldn’t afford to take the bus. He had really organized his time effectively, despite the fact that the interview was still two hours away.
“We drove him to Sherman and 10th.” He was very thankful. I took his phone number and told him to retain his interview, but I would look into hiring him so that his daily commute to work would be 3 miles instead of 10. I also asked him whether he had eaten anything today, and he responded no. I gave him money for lunch and dropped him off at the Dairy Queen at 10th and Sherman. I believe he was taken aback.
“So, he’s not aware of it yet, but he starts with us on Monday.” I haven’t met somebody so young with such a strong work ethic in a long time!
Not once, but twice, Art is a genuine hero in this novel.
He provided a lift to a stranger, simply to make his day a bit brighter. That alone is a remarkable gesture of kindness. After hearing the kid’s story, he also gave him a job.
It’s not often that individuals go out of their way to help others without expecting anything in return, but Art didn’t hesitate to assist this youngster.
The young man was definitely doing the right thing and working hard to better his life.
He will most likely never forget this stranger’s compassion. That day, fate brought the two together. Art saw that there are individuals in the world who are prepared to work hard to improve things, and the young guy witnessed a selfless act of compassion.
It’s comforting to know that there are still decent individuals in the world.
This young man should cherish his new work and use it to enhance his life. Perhaps one day he will be able to pay it forward and assist someone else in need.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist this young man and others like him in finding employment and improving their lives.