Taken for granted
In the cool evening air the man at the noodle stall continued his life's story. "But when the recession hit, small businesses like our own were the first to feel the blow. Since making noodles is all I know, I still continued selling noodles even after our restaurant was closed. With more and more people moving to the cities, I was forced to move my business along as well." With a big smile the man added, "Now, I have gotten used to the drive and have been manning this stall at this very spot for over twenty years. It might be hard work but I enjoy doing it. It is like an old friend that I can't seem to part with. Having always found one excuse or another to continue making and selling noodles. This stall has been with me through all the good and bad times. It has helped me feed and clothes my kids and even put them through college so that they can have an easier life than I had. Now it is helping me prepare for retirement. In just a few more years I hope to have saved enough to go on a nice trip with my wife."
Jason listened to the man's story patiently and heard how a lot of things he had taken for granted were things others had to save a lifetime for. Carefully the man added, "I know I am just an old man selling noodles and I might be out of place saying this but I hope you won't mind me saying, please stay in school. Even if money is tight, make sure you work hard and save up little by little if you must and continue your education for as far as you can. Though I have no regrets in life, I don't wish to see a young man like yourself follow in my footsteps." Jason smiled gently, showing a side that was a very rare sight to see for those who knew him and were close to him but was practically impossible to see for those he didn't consider family or friends, but this man had obtained this privilege in just one night.
"Thank you for your concern. I don't think you are out of place at all. Showing concern for a stranger should never be something that cannot be expressed. However, there is no need to be concerned about me. I am actually older than you might think and have finished all the studying I needed to do. I have just graduated University this year and am already a working man like yourself. Though a much more privileged one it seems. But for your kindness and for sharing your story with someone like me, I hope you will allow me to contribute to the trip you are planning to take with your wife."
Not wanting to hurt the old man's feelings or pride, Jason didn't just give him the money for the trip. Instead he just made it easier for the man to take this step. He grabbed his wallet and took a business card from it. He handed it over to the man as he said, "I don't know what kind of trip you have in mind and how you plan to go on this trip but whatever it may be, I hope you will let me provide you with the means to get to where you want to go." When the man grabbed the card under some protest and saw the Westwood name on the card, his eyes grew wide. There was no one who didn't know that name nor the wealth and power that came along with a person bearing that last name.
When he glanced back up at Jason, Jason told the man about his offer for him. "I don't know if you are familiar with the Westwood name but be it motor vehicles, airfare or traveling by boat, our company deals with it all, be it directly or indirectly. The same goes for holiday parks, hotels or rental houses and apartments. So, no matter what you have in mind, I should be able to help you out one way or another." Immediately the man began protesting once more. "This is too much. I cannot accept something like that from a stranger. I haven't done anything for you. How will I ever be able to repay you if I should accept your generous offer?"
Jason, whose expression had returned to his usual blank, slightly stern, expression, grabbed the finished meals from the small counter as he replied. "I am not offering you this because I expect something in return. I will leave the final decision up to you but I think you should make use of the connections you make in life. Each of them poses an opportunity to change one's fate. I believe that life is a series of chances and opportunities. Depending on whether we take them and which ones we take, life will take a different turn. Sometimes for the better and other times for the worse."
Like that he paid for the meal and turned around to make his way back to the resort, leaving the man with all his confusion after giving him a lot of unexpected information and a once in a lifetime opportunity. Though Jason was able to show kindness when he felt it was deserved, he wasn't necessarily a nice person. He certainly wasn't someone who would insist or beg someone to accept his kindness. He had extended his offer and now it was up to the man to decide whether he wanted to accept his offer or not. So, instead of worrying any longer about a stranger, he had his mind full about his hungry wife that was waiting for him and who was probably growing more impatient by the minute.