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50 Cent

Two quarters! That wouldn't have made this adventure anymore fun, but it would have helped.

I was having an exciting night out on the town, which is to say, I was picking up some milk from a grocery store. After jamming to the tunes blasting through the grocery store speakers, I danced my way out to the parking lot, only to find a flattening tire. On my vehicle.

The gas station with air for sale was right next door. So over I went. But then I dug around and discovered I only had 1 quarter. I needed 3. Nevermind my opinion on how much 'air' should cost, now I had a problem. Assuming I could purchase something from the gas station and get quarters for change, I walked over. After all, shouldn't a candy bar be just right for someone who had a flat tire.

I explained my situation to the attendant and he explained how they don't give money. But I must have looked sad, because then he handed me 2 quarters. I assured him I would pay him back. He nodded with all the assurance of someone who could probably feed his family if good intentions were 3-course meals. I guess that's why they say to always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.

I filled my tire and and went for some quarters to repay the man, at the same time hoping to restore his hope in humanity, his courage to do the right thing and his mentality that mankind might have a chance after all.

Yeah, I know. It was just 50 cents.

I returned with the money only to find a different gas station attendant. A different attendant. Now how was I going to restore faith in humanity? How would the original attendant ever know I brought the quarters back? Should I leave a note?

Then my words to my children came back to me. We do the right thing for the right reason. That really should be enough.

And it really should be.
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