In a bustling town, there lived a rich man named Mr. Wellington, who loved to flaunt his wealth. One day, while strolling through the market, he spotted a poor man named Mr. Higgins sitting by the roadside. Unable to contain his arrogance, Mr. Wellington sneered and said, 'Look at you, with your tattered clothes and empty pockets. How do you survive, let alone live?'
Hurt by the rich man's words, Mr. Higgins remained silent, his eyes filled with determination. Little did Mr. Wellington know, Mr. Higgins had a heart full of kindness and generosity. Days passed, and one evening, as Mr. Wellington was returning home, he tripped and fell in a desolate alleyway, twisting his ankle in pain.
To his surprise, Mr. Higgins happened to pass by at that very moment. Overcoming his initial hesitation, Mr. Higgins approached the rich man and offered his hand. 'Here, let me help you,' he said with compassion. Reluctantly, Mr. Wellington accepted his assistance, feeling a warmth that he had never experienced before.
As the days went by, Mr. Higgins continued to help Mr. Wellington, aiding him with his daily tasks and showing him genuine kindness. Slowly, the rich man realized his mistake and felt remorseful for his earlier insult. One day, he could no longer bear the guilt and said to Mr. Higgins, 'I am truly sorry for the way I treated you. Please forgive me.'
Mr. Higgins smiled warmly and replied, 'Kindness and honesty are traits that unite us all, regardless of our riches or poverty. I forgive you, and I hope we can start afresh, as friends.'
From that day forward, Mr. Wellington learned the value of honesty and humility, while Mr. Higgins gained a newfound respect for his rich companion. Together, they embarked on a journey of understanding, compassion, and gratefulness, proving that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the kindness we show others.
Reflection Questions