During my recent trip back to Ipoh to celebrate my parents’ birthdays, Cass and I had a heartwarming encounter with a kind and generous old man that left a lasting impression. This encounter warmed our hearts and rekindled our faith in humanity.
In the evening, Cass and I took a long walk to the roadside stalls in the neighborhood. We made a stop at the pandan coconut water stall to get two packets of coconut water. Before the seller, a sprightly 76-year old man began chopping the coconut, I asked if he accepted eWallet payment as I didn’t bring any cash with me. I assumed that in Ipoh, most roadside stall vendors would accept payment via eWallet apps like how it is in KL, but it’s quite different in Ipoh. Many small traders and hawkers in Ipoh still accept cash only.
When the seller told me that he didn’t have an eWallet app, I told him that I didn’t want the coconut water anymore. However, he proceeded to skillfully and swiftly chop a fresh coconut and pour the water into a plastic bag, displaying a level of generosity that touched my heart.
I explained that I would be returning to Kuala Lumpur the next day and that my 80-year-old father would help me pay him. In response, the old man simply stated that he didn’t want to trouble my father who’s already so old. He said that my father could pay him at his convenience, and even if he happened to forget, that’s OK too. His willingness to trust a stranger, even one he might never see again, spoke volumes about his character.
As we stood there waiting for him to chop the coconuts, I engaged in a friendly chat with the old man. I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the kindness that permeated this unexpected encounter. It was clear that this elderly vendor valued human connections more than any monetary transaction.
After we walked home with the coconut water, I asked my papa to drive me back to the stall so I could pay the coconut water seller. However, when we arrived, the stall was empty, and the old man was nowhere to be seen. He had told me just now that he would be leaving soon. A pang of guilt washed over me, but I was determined to make amends.
The following morning, amidst the hustle and bustle of preparing for our departure, I had completely forgotten about my debt to the old man. It was my 80-year-old papa who reminded me and handed me RM10, just enough to cover the RM9 cost of the coconut water. With gratitude in our hearts, we made a quick stop at the coconut stall on our way to the train station.
When I handed the old man the money and told him to keep the change, his eyes twinkled with a warmth that words cannot capture. In that moment, he became a shining example of the kindness and generosity that still exists in this sometimes harsh and unforgiving world. His act of generosity and faith in strangers serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring power of kindness.
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