Felix sees his elderly neighbor struggling to cut her overgrown lawn and rushes to help her. She forces an unusual, antique box on him as a token of appreciation, but her gift lands Felix in deep trouble when her lawyer phones to request an urgent meeting.
Felix, a single dad in his mid-30s, sat wearily in his armchair, half-watching TV in his modest, slightly worn living room.
The background noise of sitcom laughter barely masked the solitude of his daily routine, marked by the loss of his wife seven years earlier in a car crash.
Felix found solace in his job as a janitor and in raising his daughter, Alice, whose presence brought him moments of joy reminiscent of her mother.
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One day, Felix was drawn to the window by a noise outside. He saw his elderly neighbor, Mrs. White, struggling with her lawnmower. Known for her independence despite her age, Mrs. White seemed to need help today.
Without hesitation, Felix approached her and offered his assistance. “Let me help you with that, Mrs. White,” he said, taking over the stubborn machine. They worked silently together under the afternoon sun.
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After finishing, Mrs. White, grateful and smiling warmly, expressed her appreciation.
“Felix, you’ve always been so good to me, lending me your strength and time without asking for anything in return.”
Felix, modest as ever, responded, “It’s no trouble at all, Mrs. White.”
Insistent on showing her gratitude, Mrs. White offered Felix an ornately decorated box, but he hesitated, feeling uneasy about accepting such a lavish gift. “I can’t accept this, Mrs. White.”
She respected his refusal but instead handed him a bag of apples for Alice.
“Then, please, at least take these apples for Alice,” she urged.
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Felix accepted the apples with a simple “Thank you,” and returned home.
Inside, he presented the apples to his excited daughter, Alice, who delightedly accepted them with a cheerful, “Thank you, Daddy!”
As Felix resumed his quiet evening, Alice discovered the same ornate box in the bag with the apples.
Surprised and intrigued, she brought it to Felix, exclaiming, “Daddy! Look what was in the bag with the apples!”
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The mysterious box, now in Felix’s hands, sparked a flurry of questions and curiosity about its contents and why Mrs. White had hidden it among the apples.
Felix, holding the ornate box, insisted to his daughter, Alice, “Alice, we can’t keep it. It’s not ours.”
Alice, curious, replied, “But Dad, what if there’s something cool inside? Something we need?”
“Alice, even if that’s true, it doesn’t make it ours. This box belongs to someone else. We need to respect that.”
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Accepting her father’s decision, Alice agreed, and Felix decided to return the box to Mrs. White. Upon reaching her house, Felix felt a foreboding silence.
He called out, “Mrs. White?” but received no response. As he searched the house, the unsettling quiet weighed heavily until he found Mrs. White lying motionless on her couch, her life evidently having slipped away.
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Shocked and uncertain, Felix debated his next steps amidst the heavy realization of her death. He knew he had to call someone, yet, he hesitated, his gaze shifting back and forth between Mrs. White and the box clutched in his hands.
He finally stepped back, leaving the house with the box, now a burdensome secret.
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Back home, the box on his table seemed more ominous than ever.
Later, Felix researched the box online, hoping to gauge its value. Typing “antique box gold diamond inserts” into his computer, he discovered similar items valued at staggering amounts, notably one listed for $250,000.
This revelation tempted him with financial security for Alice but also tested his morals. As he contemplated his next move, the phone rang, breaking the silence.
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An unknown voice introduced himself on the call, stating, “Good evening, is this Felix? My name is Jonathan Pryce. I am Mrs. White’s attorney. I believe it is imperative for us to discuss a matter of significant concern. Can we arrange a face-to-face meeting?”
Agreeing nervously, Felix responded, “Sure, we can meet. How about tomorrow?”
“Let’s convene at ‘Café Lorraine’ on the main street at 10 a.m. It’s a quiet place, conducive for such discussions,” Mr. Pryce proposed.
“Okay, I’ll be there,” Felix confirmed, ending the call with his heart pounding against his chest.
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Felix arrived at ‘Café Lorraine’ where he met Mrs. White’s lawyer and her son, Henry. The introduction was a shock to Felix, unaware of any family ties Mrs. White had.
Henry cut to the chase, “I know you were at my mother’s house yesterday,” his voice accusing.
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Felix defended himself, “I was helping her out, like I often did.”
“My mother had a box, an antique, with significant sentimental value to our family. It’s been in our family for generations… Now, it’s gone. Disappeared,” Henry stated. “But such things don’t just vanish, do they?”
Feeling cornered, Felix kept silent, prompting Henry to offer a deal.
“Listen, I don’t care how it happened, but I need that box back. I’m willing to pay for its return. A thousand dollars, no questions asked,” Henry offered.
Felix, aware of the box’s true value, retorted, “I’m not an idiot. I know the box’s worth, a lot more than what you’re offering. And no, I didn’t steal it. Your mother gave it to me, of her own free will.”
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Caught off guard, Henry listened as Felix declared his intentions, “I’ve decided to auction the box. If it means that much to you, you’re welcome to bid on it, just like anyone else.”
With that, Felix left the café abruptly, feeling a mix of defiance and apprehension about the unfolding events.
The next day at the auction, experts marveled at the box, questioning Felix about its origins. Under their scrutiny, Felix faltered, claiming, “It was…it was an inheritance,” which only raised more doubts.
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The situation escalated as the experts demanded proof of ownership, and talk of involving the police began.
Panicked and unprepared, Felix found himself saying, “I… I don’t have them with me.”
With the situation spiraling, Felix made a desperate decision to flee, escaping the auction house to avoid legal complications, his mind racing with fear and uncertainty.
At home, Felix was tormented by thoughts of the box and its potential to change their lives. He realized he needed proof of the box’s legitimacy from Mrs. White’s house.
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Late at night, he snuck into her home, searching desperately for any document that could validate his claim.
Felix’s search was fruitless, and as despair grew, he was startled by a noise. Turning, he saw Henry in the doorway.
“I knew you’d come,” Henry said, his voice tinged with disappointment. “After I heard about the auction, I figured you’d show up here looking for something to legitimize your claim to that box.”
Caught and feeling defenseless, Felix listened as Henry laid down his conditions.
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“Felix, you’ve made a grave mistake,” Henry continued. “This is breaking and entering. It’s a criminal offense. But I’m willing to overlook this if you do exactly as I say.”
Henry’s terms were harsh but clear. “You have until tomorrow,” he stated firmly. “Bring the box to me, or I’ll have no choice but to file a report with the police. They’ll be very interested to learn about your little nocturnal excursion.”
Defeated and with no real choice, Felix agreed and was escorted out. He returned home, overwhelmed by the gravity of his situation.
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He considered his limited options: surrender the box to Henry and avoid legal trouble but lose any potential financial gain or take a risk that could endanger his and Alice’s future.
In his turmoil, Felix decided to send Alice to her grandmother’s, far from the impending fallout. He packed a bag for her, including the box, as a safeguard.
Suddenly, Alice appeared, sensing her father’s distress. “Dad, what’s going on? You look upset,” she inquired with innocent concern.
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Felix realized he had to explain the situation to her, revealing the true value of the box and the complexities it brought into their lives.
Felix paced his living room, the weight of their precarious situation pressing on him. “Alice, this box… it’s our ticket to a better life,” he explained, trying to mask his anxiety. “It’s worth $250,000. But I can’t be the one to benefit from it. You must take it to Grandma in Virginia.”
Alice, overwhelmed, asked, “But why can’t you come with me, Dad?”
Felix sighed deeply, “I might not be around for some time, sweetheart. There’s a chance I’ll have to… go away for a little while. But I promise it won’t be forever. I’ll fight to come back to you.”
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As they packed, Felix reassured Alice of her strength and the importance of their plan. At the bus station, amid a heartfelt goodbye, he watched her leave, feeling a piece of his heart go with her.
Returning home to the oppressive silence of the now empty house, Felix made a pivotal decision.
Picking up the phone, he called Henry, resigning to his fate. “I don’t have the box, Henry. It’s out of my hands,” he declared. “I’m ready to turn myself in. You can call the police.”
Soon, the police arrived and took Felix away without resistance, his thoughts fixed on Alice’s safety and their future.
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Months later in prison, Felix’s routine was interrupted by a guard’s sudden order. “Pack your things and come with me!” Confused but hopeful, Felix followed, only to find Alice waiting for him.
“Dad,” she greeted, her presence instantly lifting his spirits.
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Alice revealed that she had unlocked the box, finding documents and a letter from Mrs. White stating her wish for Felix to inherit the box. Using these, Alice secured his release.
“I couldn’t believe it myself, Dad. After you sent me away, I kept thinking about the box, about the code… And then, one day, it just clicked!”
Felix was overwhelmed by Mrs. White’s final act of kindness and Alice’s determination.
“So, I took those papers, and I found a buyer, someone who collects antiques like that. They didn’t just pay for the box, Dad. They helped me find a lawyer, explained about bail, and how we could fight the case.”
Reunited, they embraced, ready to start anew. “We don’t have to worry anymore. We have enough to start over, but more importantly, we have each other. And we’re going to get through this, one step at a time,” Alice assured him, her words a balm to Felix’s weary soul.
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Saleslady Kicks Poor Old Woman Out of Luxury Store, Cop Brings Her Back Later – Story of the Day
Kerry didn’t have much money as she lived on her pension. But she wanted to buy a dress for her granddaughter Anne’s prom. At a luxury store, saleslady Sandra greeted her but couldn’t disguise her prejudices, as Kerry didn’t look like her regular customers. She drove Kerry away, but someone stepped up to help.
“Grandma, I don’t care about prom! Really. I just want to stay home and watch movies with Mom,” Kerry’s granddaughter, Anne, said through the phone.
Kerry had called her to talk about her graduation from Strawberry Crest High School in Tampa, Florida, was coming up, and prom was right around the corner. But the older woman was surprised when her granddaughter assured her that she didn’t want to go. She claimed to not care about the event, but Kerry knew the truth.
Kerry went to a luxury store to find a dress for Anne. | Source: Shutterstock
Her daughter, Lisa, worked minimum wage, and Kerry lived on her pension alone. None of them had enough money to buy Anne a proper dress for the prom. The 18-year-old felt embarrassed about it.
“Ma’am. Are you ok? Can I help you with anything?” a kind male voice asked.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go? You know I went to the prom with your grandfather. He asked me out of the blue, and we got married a few months later. We loved each other until the day he died, and I still miss him every day. The prom can change your life,” Kerry insisted, her voice cheerful as she tried to convince her to go.
“I know, Grandma. But still. I don’t want to go. Also, I don’t have a date either, so it doesn’t matter. Listen, I have to go study, I still have a few finals left. Talk to you later!” Anne said and hung up the phone too quickly for Kerry’s comfort.
Therefore, the older woman decided something. She was saving a bit of her pension every single month to cover her funeral costs so that Lisa would not have to worry about anything expensive. But there was something more pressing right now.
The saleswoman greeted her but her attitude changed for some reason. | Source: Pexels
She wanted to buy a dress for her granddaughter. Anne deserved it. She was a brilliant kid who worked hard at school. It wasn’t her fault that they lived in poverty most of the time, and Kerry would convince her to go to the prom in a lovely dress.
The following day, she went to the mall and found a beautiful boutique full of amazing dresses. She entered, and her eyes widened at the sparkle. “What would Anne like?” she asked herself, touching one gown closest to her.
“Hello! My name is Sandra. How may I help you… ugh… today?” a saleslady approached Kerry, but she stumbled on her words for some reason. The woman looked up and down at Kerry and her mouth twisted strangely.
“Hi there! I’m looking for a dress for my granddaughter. Her prom is coming up,” Kerry explained, smiling at the woman despite her weird demeanor.
“I’m sorry. This is not a rental store. You have to buy these dresses in full,” Sandra said, linking her hands together.
But Kerry had no idea what she was talking about. “I know that. But can you show me some of the most popular models?”
Kerry realized what the saleslady was implying. | Source: Pexels
“Well, the most popular are pretty pricey. In fact, the entire store might not be in your price range. Perhaps you could go to Target for it?” Sandra suggested, and Kerry finally realized the woman’s attitude. She didn’t think Kerry could afford anything and shouldn’t be shopping at that store.
She was offended immediately but didn’t want to say anything and cause a scene. She continued walking around the store, with Sandra following. “I’m just going to browse around, okay?” Kerry said, trying to get the woman off her back.
“Listen, you can really get nice things at Target in your price range. This is simply too much,” Sandra continued, crossing her arms. “Also, we have cameras everywhere. You won’t be able to stash anything in that ugly old bag of yours.”
Kerry finally turned around to face the rude saleslady, and her eyes widened. Sandra smirked cattily at her, daring her to do something. But she had never been a confrontational person, so she rushed out of the store, ashamed, and tears streamed down her face.
A police officer asked what was wrong. | Source: Unsplash
She was right outside the mall when she dropped her bag accidentally, and for some reason, that made her break down even more. After being humiliated by the woman, she cried heavily, but something touched her shoulder.
“Ma’am. Are you ok? Can I help you with anything?” a kind male voice asked, and Kerry lifted her head to stare at a young cop, who tried to get her to stand up straight. He leaned down to pick up her purse and gave her a dazzling smile.
“Oh, thank you, officer,” Kerry said, grabbing the bag and composing herself.
“Well, I’m still an apprentice. I’m only 20, but I’ll be an official officer soon enough,” the young man answered humorously. “Can you tell me what happened?”
“Well, it’s a bit silly…,” the older woman began. Something about his face made her want to talk about it. He was frowning heavily by the time she finished.
“That’s preposterous! How can a salesperson treat you like that?” he said.
“What’s your name, young man?”
He ushered her back to the store and talked to the manager. | Source: Pexels
“George Martins,” he answered and looked toward the mall doors. “Look, my mentor came here for coffee. But we have time to choose a dress. Let’s go!”
Kerry wanted to refuse, but George pulled her along towards the luxury boutique. Sandra spotted her immediately.
“I thought I told you to leave… oh, officer. What’s going on?” Sandra asked, changing her tune as soon as she saw the cop with Kerry.
“We came here for a dress, and we’re not leaving without one,” George stated, and he gestured for Kerry to continue shopping. He also complained to Sandra’s manager while the older woman looked for a dress.
After a few minutes, she finally chose something beautiful for prom, and George even paid for half of it despite Kerry’s objections. But it wasn’t that expensive because the store offered ended up offering them a discount due to the complaint George raised against them. They heard the manager scolding Sandra while leaving.
Anne looked beautiful in her dress but lamented not having a date. | Source: Unsplash
George accompanied Kerry out of the mall and bid her goodbye. But Kerry couldn’t let such a wonderful young man go just like that. “George, do you have any plans this weekend?” she asked, raising her eyebrows slyly, and George laughed.
***
On prom night, Kerry appeared at Lisa’s house to surprise her granddaughter with the dress in her hands. They told her how vital this rite of passage was for every young person, and they dressed her up.
In the end, Anne was happy and looked beautiful. But she shrugged as they took pictures of her. “It’s too bad I don’t have a date,” she said, arranging her dress shyly.
“Actually…,” Kerry stared, and the doorbell rang at that moment.
George was right outside wearing a beautiful tux, and he had a corsage in his hands. The older woman made introductions, explaining what happened at the mall and how kind George was. Anne was embarrassed, but she accepted the corsage and the date.
Years later, they got married. | Source: Unsplash
They had tons of fun at prom, and seven years later, she and George got married.
“I told you prom can change your life!” Kerry said while helping Anne with her wedding dress.
What can we learn from this story?
- It’s not polite to treat anyone any less because of their looks. Sandra judged Kerry because she didn’t look like her regular customers, and she got scolded because of it.
- Help out as much as you can. George saw a crying older woman and decided to help out. And in the end, he found his happiness thanks to that one moment of kindness.
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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a waitress who mocked a poorly dressed man at a restaurant, and karma hit her back.
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