It was a gloomy afternoon when sixteen-year-old Adam returned home from school, drenched from head to toe. Rain dripped from his hair, soaking his clothes and sneakers. But despite his usual dislike for getting wet, Adam was in high spirits.
His father, Steve, a wealthy businessman, took one look at him and frowned. “Those clothes are going to make you sick, young man. Next time, call the driver!”
Adam chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s fine, Dad! I met this really nice guy at school today, and he helped me. I gave him my umbrella because he didn’t have one.”
Steve sighed. “Help yourself before you help others, Adam. I don’t appreciate you coming home like this!”
“Relax, Dad! He stood up to some bullies for me today. Giving him my umbrella was the least I could do. His name’s Kevin. He’s a great guy.”
Kevin. That name made Steve pause. He knew it. In fact, he knew exactly who Kevin was.
After making some calls, Steve confirmed his suspicion—Kevin was the son of Patrick, an ex-employee he had fired for attempting to steal company money. Steve’s face darkened with anger.
He stormed into Adam’s room that evening. “I don’t want you hanging out with that boy!” he ordered.
Adam looked up, confused. “What? Why?”
“Because his father is a thief! I fired him when he tried to steal from me! I was generous enough not to turn him in, but I won’t let his son take advantage of you. That boy is using you, Adam!”
Adam stood his ground. “Dad, that has nothing to do with Kevin. I don’t judge people for their parents’ mistakes. That’d be crazy!”
Steve’s tone was firm. “You know very little about the world, son. People will manipulate you if you let them. Stay away from that boy.”
But Adam didn’t listen. He remained friends with Kevin.
One day, Adam invited Kevin to a movie after school, but Kevin hesitated.
“I can’t come, Adam,” Kevin said, avoiding eye contact.
“What? Why? You were so excited when we planned this!”
“I just changed my mind.”
Adam studied his friend. “Hey, if something’s bothering you, you can tell me. Maybe I can help.”
Kevin hesitated before sighing. “Actually, you can. Let’s stop being friends, Adam. It’s better this way.”
Adam was stunned. “What? Where is this coming from? Did my dad say something to you?”
Kevin sighed. “It’s not just about your dad. It’s about both of our dads. Trust me, Adam, just let it go.”
But Adam wasn’t ready to give up. That afternoon, he secretly followed Kevin home. When Kevin reached his small, worn-down house, Adam confronted him.
“I’m not leaving until you tell me the truth, Kevin. Did my dad come to see you?”
Kevin’s shoulders tensed. “It doesn’t matter. Just go home.”
“No! I know what your dad did at my dad’s office, but—”
“You don’t know everything,” Kevin interrupted. His voice broke, and his eyes filled with tears. “I lost my mom because of what happened.”
Adam froze. “You…what?”
Kevin wiped his eyes. “My mom had a heart condition. She needed surgery, but we didn’t have insurance. My dad worked extra hours, but it wasn’t enough. He got desperate… so he tried to steal money for her surgery. He got caught, lost his job, and we lost everything. My mom died because we couldn’t afford the treatment.”
Adam didn’t know what to say.
“And now,” Kevin continued, “my dad got injured in a factory accident. He needs surgery, or he’ll never walk properly again. But we can’t afford it. So now you know. Please leave, Adam. I don’t want my dad to see you here. Your dad hates him, and it’s better this way.”
Adam left in silence, but his heart was heavy. He knew Kevin’s dad had done something wrong, but wasn’t his father wrong too for letting them suffer?
That night, Adam made a decision. He was going to help.
A few days later, he took a part-time job at a grocery store, working as a cleaner. He mopped floors, wiped down counters, and swept aisles. He told no one at home. His family assumed he was out playing basketball with friends.
But secrets don’t stay hidden forever.
One evening, Steve went to the grocery store and saw something that made his blood boil—his son, in a uniform, mopping the floors.
“Adam!” Steve shouted. “What the hell are you doing here?!”
Adam jumped, startled. “Dad?! I—”
“Don’t even try to explain!” Steve grabbed his son’s arm and dragged him outside. “Is this your idea of playing basketball? Do you need money? Did I not give you enough?!” he yelled. “Why are you cleaning floors, Adam?!”
“I’m helping Kevin’s dad!” Adam shouted back. “I don’t want to make the same mistake you did!”
Steve’s anger turned to confusion. “What are you talking about?”
Adam took a deep breath and told his father everything—Kevin’s mom, Patrick’s accident, their struggles. “Dad, his father did something wrong, but does that mean we should let him suffer forever? Two wrongs don’t make a right!”
Steve was silent. For the first time, he saw things through a different lens. He had been so focused on his anger and pride that he had forgotten to be human first.
“You’re right, Adam,” Steve finally said. “I was wrong. You don’t need to work here anymore. I have a better idea.”
That evening, Steve and Adam went to Kevin’s house. Adam handed Kevin an envelope.
Kevin frowned. “What’s this?”
“Money for your dad’s surgery,” Adam said. “Just take it.”
Kevin shook his head. “I don’t need your charity. Just go away.”
Patrick, who had just arrived home, overheard the commotion. “Kevin! That’s no way to talk to guests! Steve, come inside.”
Steve placed the envelope on the table. “Patrick, I was harsh. I didn’t think about what you were going through. Maybe if I had, things would have turned out differently. I’m sorry.”
Patrick shook his head. “No, Steve. I made my own choices. I should have asked for help instead of stealing. I was wrong. I appreciate the offer, but I can’t accept this.”
Steve smiled. “Two wrongs don’t make a right, Patrick. My son taught me that. Our boys understand life better than we did. Let me fix my mistake.”
After a long pause, Patrick finally nodded. “Thank you, Steve. Truly.”
And with that, old grudges melted away, and new friendships were formed. Kevin and Adam remained best friends for life.
Lessons from the story:
- Sometimes, young minds understand life better than older ones. Adam’s wisdom helped his father realize his mistake.
- True friends stick together, no matter what. Adam and Kevin never let their backgrounds define their friendship.
- Forgiveness and kindness can heal even the deepest wounds. Steve and Patrick learned that holding onto anger only causes more pain.
