Spoiled Guy Humiliates Disabled Waiter Who Later Teaches Him a Valuable Lesson – Story of the Day

College kid Alex is used to getting by on his daddy's dime, but when he is unacceptably rude to a waiter at a cafe, his father forces him to take a full-time job to earn his promised new car. The experience not only changes Alex but also finds him a new friend whose life is also changed forever.

Alex sat at a table in the corner of the cafe, scrolling through his phone. He was wearing a designer suit—a pretentious outfit for a college student—and his hair was mussed from having just awoken. It was noon.

Eric, the waiter, a conscientious young man in his early twenties, approached Alex with a nervous expression on his face.

"What can I get you, sir?" he asked.

"Sir?" Alex sneered. "What do I look like, an old man? I'll have a double espresso. Black."

Alex looked back at his phone dismissively. Eric nodded, turned away towards the coffee counter, but then turned and came back to Alex's table.

"Sorry, si—uh, sorry, was that a double or single?" Eric asked.

"What, are you deaf?" Alex said unkindly. "I said double. Black, no sugar."

"Right, got it," Eric confirmed and headed back to the espresso machine, pressed a button here, tweaked the steamer there, and expertly set about preparing the coffee.

Alex went back to scrolling on his phone. He was browsing a luxury car dealership website, thinking about the new vehicle he wanted. His father had promised to buy him one if he got good grades in school, but Alex had failed his last math test.

He knew his father was disappointed in him, but he was determined to get the car no matter what.

A few minutes later, Eric returned with Alex's coffee. He placed it on the table along with a little cup of sugar and sweetener sachets and said, "Here you go, enjoy."

Alex looked up from his phone and glared at the waiter. He looked down at the cup on his table.

"What is this?" he asked. "I said black; why is there milk in this?"

Eric's face fell. "I'm so sorry," he said. "I must have misheard you."

"You're obviously not very good at your job," Alex said. "You should probably find a new one."

Eric's face turned red. He didn't say anything, but he looked disconsolate. "I'll make you another on the house," he said.

"Whatever," Alex said, turning back to his phone and ignoring the waiter.

A few moments later, a distinguished, bespectacled man joined Alex at his table. He was a tall, imposing man with silver-gray hair, wearing a tailored business suit and a no-nonsense expression on his face.

"Hello, Son," he said with a smile.

"Hey, Dad," Alex said, putting down his phone.

"So, how are things?" Bill, Alex's father, asked.

"Fine," Alex said. "Just waiting for my coffee. The waiter screwed up the order. Gave me one with milk.""

"Oh?" his father said. "Well, I'm sure he just made a mistake."

"Yeah, right," Alex said. "He's probably just an idiot."

Alex's father frowned. "Alex, that's not very nice."

"What?" Alex said. "It's the truth."

Bill shook his head. "I'm disappointed in you, Alex. You need to learn to be more respectful of people, even if they make mistakes."

"Whatever," Alex said.

Just then, Eric returned with Alex's new coffee. He placed it on the table and said, "Here you go, sir. Double espresso, black, on the house."

Alex looked up at Eric. "Thanks," he said. "Took you long enough."

Eric turned to Bill. "What can I get you, sir?" he asked.

"Flat white, please," Bill replied.

Alex leaned in closer toward Bill. "Sorry, I didn't catch that, sir," he said.

"Flat white," Bill said more loudly than before, looking straight at Alex.

"Got it, thank you, sir," Alex said, moving off.

Alex's father watched him go. "You know," he said, "that waiter is doing the best he can. Looks like he's the only one serving today, probably working long hours, too. You should try to be more understanding."

"I don't care," Alex said. "He's just a waiter."

Bill sighed. "Alex, you need to learn that everyone deserves to be treated with respect, regardless of their job title. If you can't learn that, then I don't know what I'm going to do with you."

"You can buy me a new car," Alex said confidently.

Bill raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? You're telling me what to do? You've got another thing coming, son."

"Look at this," Alex said as if he'd not heard a word his father said. He placed his phone on the table. "I read this article in the Financial Times. It turns out that luxury vehicles are the highest-yielding investment class possible. A BMW M1, for example, now sells for twenty thousand dollars above its original price!"

"Well, I'm glad to see you are developing some good business sense, but I can assure you, that's a complete gamble. There's no way of telling which cars will appreciate in value like that over time," Bill countered.

"What if you buy me a BMW M1? Then we can be sure if it will rise in value," Alex said hopefully.

"Really? A BMW M1? That is half a million dollars worth of car. Do you really think I'm going to buy you a vehicle of that value? The average price of a new car is just under fifty thousand dollars. Do you really think I'm going to buy you a car for nearly ten times that?"

"But think of the investment! It could be worth 25% more in a few year's time!" Alex ventured.

"Son, let me stop you right there. Just forget about it. In fact, judging by your attitude, I don't think I will be buying you anything. The deal was a car for good grades; how are you doing on that front?"

Alex looked down with a scowl. "Okay, so I didn't do well in Math, but Accounting was good. I passed Stats."

"Passing is not enough in today's world. To get to high places in business, you must constantly be the best of the best. And don't expect me to give you a free ride into my company; you need to earn your place like everyone else I hire."

"But you always give me what I want!" Alex said.

Alex's father shook his head. "Not this time," he said. "I'm not going to reward you for being rude and disrespectful."

Alex's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?" he asked.

"I mean," his father said, "that you're going to learn a lesson. You're going to get a job and work for your own money from now on. Maybe then you'll appreciate the things you have."

Alex's jaw dropped. "You're joking, right?" he said.

"I'm not joking," his father said. "You start tomorrow."

"But I don't want a job," Alex said. "I don't need to work. I'm in college. And you're rich."

"I am wealthy," his father said. "But I earned my money the hard way. I'm not going to spoil you anymore. You need to learn to be independent. You need to learn the value of hard work."

Alex stared at his father in disbelief. "What's the job? Will I be an intern for you?" he asked.

"No," Bill replied, "I have something special in mind for you." He held up a hand to signal for Eric, who bundled over as soon as he could.

"What can I get you for lunch, gents?" Eric asked. Bill and Alex had a quick look at the menu and placed their orders.

"Oh, and please ask your manager to come over for a word when he has a moment," Bill added.

"Sure," Eric said with a worried look. "I do apologize for the coffee earlier, sir; my mistake."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Bill said, "it's another matter entirely."

Reggie, the cafe manager, came over soon. "How can I help you today?" he asked.

"Thank you, sir," Bill started. "I couldn't help noticing that there is only one waiter on duty. Are you short-staffed at the moment?"

"I'm afraid we are," Reggie explained. "We had someone quit on us yesterday, and our other staffer called in sick this morning. I'm really sorry about the slow service, sir; I hope you understand.

"Indeed I do," Bill said. "Actually, I might have an immediate solution for you. My son and I were just talking here, and as it happens, he needs a job. He can start right now if you like."

Alex looked glum but didn't contradict his father. Reggie looked Alex over skeptically. "Do you have any waiting experience?" he asked.

"He's never worked a day in his life," Bill said, "but it's about time he learned the value of hard work."

"Well, we are quite desperate; I'm willing to give you a break," Reggie said to Alex directly.

Alex nodded, "Okay," he said, "how hard can it be? I'll do it."

"And unless he messes up so badly that you have to fire him, he's not allowed to quit," Bill said to Reggie.

"What! This is getting out of hand? How long do I have to work here?" Alex asked.

"For the entire summer vacation. If you stick it out, then we can talk about a car. And not a BMW, mind you, an ordinary, average car to get you from A to B."

"Okay, deal," Alex said. "But how about a Porshe 911? Those also have great investment potential."

Bill smiled at his son, "Don't push your luck, lad, or I'll make you buy the thing with your own money. You'll be working here for the rest of your life."

Alex showed up for work at the cafe the next day, nervous and apprehensive. He didn't want to be there, but he had no choice. His father had made it clear that he wasn't going to get a new car unless he learned to be more independent and respectful.

Reggie assigned Alex his first table to serve, a man and woman, and Alex sauntered over. He tried to be friendly and relaxed but came across as awkward and uncomfortable. "What can I get you folks?" he asked, pen and paper at the ready.

"We'll have a latte and a macchiato to start off," the woman said. "Almond milk in both, please."

"Um, we only have coffee," Alex said with some uncertainty. "You know, espresso?"

The man and woman looked at each other in confusion. "Yes, we know what espresso is. That's what you put in a latte and a macchiato. Are you new here, or what?" the man said rudely.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Yeah, I am new. It's my first day. Sorry, I'll figure it out. I'll be right back."

The couple shook their heads and went back to their conversation.

Alex wrote down the order and took it to the bar. He stood awkwardly in front of the espresso machine. "Oh, jeez," he said to himself. "How does this thing work?" He turned a knob, and steam came pumping out, catching him by surprise.

Unbeknownst to him, Eric was watching him from a few feet away, smiling to himself. He watched Alex push a button, and the machine made a noise that didn't sound right to Alex, so he hit the button right back, and the thing stopped.

Alex looked around in panic and saw Eric watching him. He looked back quickly and pretended to know what he was doing. He twisted the portafilter out and looked at it in despair.

Eric stepped over to Alex. "What's the order?" he asked.

Alex looked at his notebook and repeated it, hopelessly mispronouncing the words. Eric smiled but didn't say anything. He held out his hand for the portafilter, and Alex handed it over.

He banged the spent grounds out and refilled the portafilter basket from the grinder. "You want to fill it to within about a millimeter of the top," he explained. "Then you use the tamper. Press it down firmly; the grounds must be nice and tight."

He screwed the portafilter back into the machine. "This button here," he demonstrated, "for a single shot. The one next to it for a double. Machiatto is a double shot." He pushed the button, and the machine worked its magic, dispensing the dark brown liquid into a cup.

"Watch the pressure gauge here," Eric pointed out. "See the red zone? You want the needle to sit right in there for the shot. Then you know you have the tamp right, and it makes a perfect cup. It takes practice. Don't worry; it might need a few tries before you get it right."

Alex nodded in gratitude. "Thanks, man," he said. "Good of you to show me. Can you make the latte for me? I don't know how to do the milk either."

Eric looked at him for a few beats and didn't say anything. "Do you want me to finish these for you?" he asked.

"Uh, yeah, please," Alex said, nodding. "That's what I asked."

Eric nodded. He finished the drinks, steaming the milk expertly and mixing everything in the correct proportions. He placed the coffee cups on a tray, and Alex whisked them away.

He was gone only a few seconds, jogging back to the coffee bar in panic. "Jeez!" he said, "I forgot it's supposed to be almond milk."

Eric nodded. "I'll fix this. You go and take any orders from my tables."

"Okay, it's a deal," Alex said gratefully and trotted off, picking the table featuring a raised hand to attend to first.

Working as a team with Alex taking orders and Eric making them—and the manager Reggie filling in as a waiter—they somehow managed to clamber through the morning rush and earn a ten-minute "smoke break" in the tiny alcove outside the kitchen.

"Thanks for the help," Alex said. "I really appreciate it."

"No problem," Eric said. "I'm happy to help."

"So, you've been working here for a while?" Alex asked.

"Yeah, about a year," Eric said. "I like the job, but it can be tough sometimes, especially when we're short-staffed."

Alex nodded. "As I am learning the hard way."

"So, what's your story?" Eric asked. "Yesterday, you were a customer. Now you're working here?"

Alex sighed. "Yeah, I'm sorry about yesterday. I was rude to you. My father put me to work here. He said I have to earn my own cash this summer."

"Okay, well, I'm glad you're here; all is forgiven. I can use the help," Eric said.

Alex and Eric continued to talk during their break. Alex was surprised at how easy it was to talk to him. He felt like he had known him for years. But he picked up that Eric was asking him to repeat himself quite often.

"Hey, man, are you deaf or something?" Alex asked without thinking. Eric looked sad, but he said nothing. Alex thought he must not have heard him, so he leaned in closer and said loudly, "Eric, can you not hear me?"

"Can you keep a secret?" Eric asked in return.

Alex nodded. "Of course."

"Okay," Eric said. "I'm losing my hearing."

Alex's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" he said. "I didn't know."

"It's okay," Eric said. "I just found out myself a few months ago. I'm still getting used to it."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Alex asked.

"Actually, yes," Eric said. "Can you please repeat your orders to me? Just to be sure I hear you correctly. Or better yet, write them all down and hand them to me."

"Of course," Alex said. "No problem."

Alex and Eric split up the work for the rest of the day. Alex took orders, and Eric made the coffee. It worked out well. Alex was happy to help Eric and was also learning all he needed to know about coffee from him.

After their shift, Alex and Eric stood outside the cafe, talking things over. "I have to get to my other job soon," Eric said, "better get going."

"What?" Alex said. "You have another job? This one is hard enough, and now you're going to do another? Where?"

"Restaurant on Seventh Avenue," Eric said. "The tips are good, especially on weekends. "

"You're working two jobs and everything," Alex said. "Much respect."

"Thanks, Alex; I'm taking strain, though. My hearing is getting worse by the day. I don't know how much longer I can keep this up before customers start complaining and the management picks it up. They'll fire me for sure."

"I don't think they can do that. Isn't it against the law or something to discriminate against hearing-impaired people?"

"I'm pretty sure they can replace me with someone else. I'm working on a solution, though. I've seen a specialist, and there's a procedure I can have that will stop the hearing loss. And hi-tech hearing aids that'll let me hear like normal again. It's very expensive though. That's why I'm working two jobs."

"Man, I admire that," Alex said. "I'm not sure I could do it."

"It's not easy," Eric said. "But I'm determined."

"When will you have enough money for the procedure?" Alex asked.

"At this rate—if I can keep these jobs—in about a year from now."

"A year? But will your hearing hold out that long?"

"I don't know. I just pray it does. The specialist says the sooner I have the operation, the better. The hearing loss can't be reversed; it can only be stopped in its tracks, and then I have to live with that."

Alex and Eric talked for a while longer. Alex learned that Eric lived in a small apartment with his mother and younger sister. His father had died a few years back, and Eric was the breadwinner in his family.

Eric's story touched Alex. He realized that Eric was a much stronger and more resilient person than he was.

"Can I ask you something?" Alex said.

"Sure," Eric said. "What is it?"

"Seventh Avenue is on my way home," Alex said. "Let me get us an Uber over there. It's on me."

"Yeah, thanks, I'll take you up on that," Eric said.

Alex and Eric shared the ride over to the restaurant, talking about everything and nothing. Alex felt like he had finally made a friend.

As Eric stepped out of the car, Alex said loudly, "Hey, Eric, I have an idea. I'll tell you about it soon!"

Eric smiled and waved as the Uber pulled off into the traffic.

***

Alex and Eric continued to work together at the cafe for the next few months. Alex helped Eric by covering for him when he couldn't hear something. He would also go to the table with Eric and ask the customers to repeat their orders.

After work, Alex would often spring for the Uber ride if Eric was working the second job. They would talk about everything from their families and friends to their hopes and dreams for the future.

Alex found himself becoming increasingly fond of Eric. He admired Eric's positive attitude and his determination to overcome his hearing loss.

One day, Alex took Eric to a diner after work at the cafe. They talked long about Eric's plans and finances for the procedure and hearing aids.

"I want to help you, Eric. I want to help you get the procedure you need and the hearing aids," Alex said.

"Really? But you don't even know me that well," Eric replied.

"I know you well enough. You're a good person, Eric. You're hardworking and determined. You deserve to have a happy and fulfilling life."

"Thank you, Alex. I really appreciate that."

"So, how much money do you need for the procedure and the hearing aids?"

"The procedure costs about sixty thousand dollars, and the hearing aids are about five thousand dollars."

"Okay, that's a lot of money, but I think we can figure it out."

"I don't know, Alex. I don't want to be a burden to you. How can you figure out that much money for me?"

"You're not a burden, Eric. You're my friend. And that's what friends are for."

Alex thought for a moment. "I have an idea," he said. "My dad is an asset manager. He knows everything there is to know about investments. Maybe we could talk to him and see if he can help us come up with a plan to invest the money you have saved up so far and grow it over the next few months."

"That sounds like a great idea," Eric said. "But I don't want to take up too much of your father's time."

"Don't worry about it," Alex said. "My dad is always happy to help people, especially if it's to invest their money and grow it."

"I want to be able to live a normal life," Eric said. "I want to be able to go to school and get a good job. I want to be able to have a family and live happily ever after, as the saying goes."

Eric's story inspired Alex. He realized that he had taken so much for granted in his life. He had never had to worry about losing his hearing or about not being able to afford the things he needed.

A few nights later, Alex called his father up and suggested they catch up over a few beers.

They met at Bill's favorite bar, a warm, convivial spot in the heart of the town.

"So, how is it going at the cafe, son?" Bill asked.

"It's going well. I'm glad you put me up to it. Only one month left, and then I get my car!" Alex said.

"Now, don't get too excited; I said if you stuck out the time, we'd TALK about a car," Bill said with a smile.

"Yeah, I know," Alex said. "Actually, what I really wanted to talk to you about is something else. It's about Eric, remember, the waiter who served us that day? You know, the one I told you about who's losing his hearing?

"Yes, of course. How's he doing?" Bill asked.

"He's doing okay, but he's getting worried. He needs a sophisticated procedure to stop his hearing loss—a cochlear transplant—but it's very expensive. He's also saving up for hearing aids," Alex said.

"I see. Well, I hope he's able to raise the money he needs. How much is it?" Bill asked.

"About sixty-five thousand dollars. I don't know how he's going to do it on what a waiter earns, even working two jobs. He doesn't have medical insurance. I want to help him. I really like Eric; he deserves a good life," Alex said.

"That's a good thought, son. But how do you plan to help him?"

"I was thinking that maybe we could invest his money for him. You know, so that it can grow over the next few months."

"How much has he saved up so far?"

"About ten thousand dollars."

Bill rubbed his chin. "That's an interesting idea, son," he said. "But we have to be careful. We don't want to invest his money in anything too risky. But it's the risky asset classes that earn the highest returns. Making that much money in such a short time is nearly impossible. You're talking about just over a six-hundred percent return in a few months. That's unheard of."

"I know. I've been thinking about it a lot, and I think I have a plan," Alex said.

"Well, let's hear it," Bill said. "And don't try and tell me it has anything to do with a BMW."

Alex laughed, "Not exactly," he said. He went on to explain his plan to his father in detail. Bill listened carefully and then nodded his head.

"Son, I think that could work. I like your thinking," Bill said. "Obviously, we need to be very careful. We don't want to lose any money, but it's a good plan. Well done, maybe there's hope for you yet in the world of high finance!"

"Thanks, Dad. And I understand. I'll be very careful."

"Okay, then. I'm in. Let's help Eric raise the money he needs."

***

One evening, towards the end of his months at the cafe, an old friend turned rival of Alex's, Greg, and his girlfriend, Anna, happened to pay a visit there.

Greg was wearing his yellow-lens Ray-Bans indoors, as usual, while Anna pouted for Instagram selfies featuring her food. Alex approached the table, recognizing his fair-weather friend with a pang of apprehension.

"Hey, Greg, good to see you. How's life?" Alex asked with a forced smile. "What can I get for you guys?"

"Alex, mate, is that you? What the hell are you doing in that get-up? You look like a waiter," Alex remarked snidely.

"Yep, indeed, Greg," Alex shot back. "I work here."

"What are you doing working in a restaurant? What happened? Daddy cut the purse strings, did he?" Greg smirked as he said this.

"Nope, I'm still in the good books with my dad. As it happens, it feels great to be earning my own money for a change. You should try it; you might learn a thing or two. Are you still running on your daddy's tab?" Alex said.

"Touché, bro, touché. Yeah, I'm still riding the old man's coattails. It beats working for a living. Especially in a place like this," Greg came back.

"Good for you. So, what can I get you?" Alex asked.

"A bottle of your best red wine, garson" Greg said, "and make it snappy."

"Right away, sir, coming up," Alex said sarcastically.

Alex walked away to get their drink.

"I can't believe he's working here," Greg said to Anna. "It's so...beneath him. His dad is loaded. Big bucks."

"Whatever," Anna said, snapping another selfie. "Maybe it's fun."

Alex returned to the table with their drinks.

"Here you go," he said. "One bottle of our finest red wine."

Greg took a sip and said, "Hmm. Not bad."

"I'm glad you like it," Alex said with a smile.

"So, Alex," Greg said. "What's it like working here?"

"It's fine," Alex said with a shrug. "It's not the most glamorous job in the world."

"I guess so," Greg said, smirking. "But it's not exactly what I'd call a career."

"You are a fine one to give me career advice. Why not?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Because it's a dead-end job," Greg said. "There's no room for advancement."

Alex frowned and said, "I don't know about that. I think there's room for advancement in any job if you're willing to work hard."

"Please," Greg scoffed. "Don't be naive."

Alex stood up straight and said, "I'm not being naive. I'm just saying that it's possible to succeed in any job if you put your mind to it."

Greg leaned back in his chair and said, "Well, I'm not interested in succeeding in a dead-end job. I have bigger dreams than that."

"What are your dreams, Greg?" Alex asked.

"I want to be a CEO," Greg said, grinning. "I want to have my own company."

"That's a great dream," Alex said.

"I know," Greg said. "And I'm going to make it happen."

Anna clapped her hands and said, "That's the spirit!"

"So, Alex," Greg said, looking up at Alex. "What are your dreams for the future?"

Alex thought for a moment and said, "I'm just enjoying the moment."

Greg shook his head and said, "Well, I hope you enjoy your dead-end job for the rest of your life."

Alex didn't say anything. He just turned and walked away, his head held high.

Anna watched him go, her expression worried. She turned to Greg and said, "Maybe you were a little too harsh on him."

"He's just a waiter," Greg said dismissively. "He doesn't matter."

Anna sighed and said, "I don't know, Greg. I think Alex is more than just a waiter."

Greg rolled his eyes and said, "Whatever."

***

Soon, Alex's final day as a cafe waiter rolled around, and his father popped in to commemorate his son's achievement. They were seated at the same table where they had originally made their momentous deal.

"I'm so proud of you, Alex," Bill said. "You stuck it out here with dedication and commitment. Honestly, I didn't think you had it in you, the way you used to behave. But it looks like you've turned over a new leaf."

"Thanks, Dad," Alex said, blushing. "I learned from the best."

"How about we ask Eric to join us for a toast to your success?" Bill suggested

"Absolutely!" Alex said and signaled across the cafe to Eric, waving him over. He joined them and took a seat.

"Oh dear, am I in trouble again?" he joked.

Bill and Alex laughed. "Nope, not today," Bill said. "Today, we have some very good news for you. I'm sure Alex told you that he and I made a deal. If he stuck out his job here and performed well, I said I might buy him a car. Well, he's lived up to his side of the bargain; now it's my turn."

"He did a good job," Eric said, "as long as he didn't get anywhere near the espresso machine!"

Bill laughed. "Well, let's hope he can drive better than he makes coffee, but that might have to wait a little while. Alex was hoping I might buy him a BMW, but there was no way of that. I said I'd consider an average car. Actually, Alex, why don't you tell your friend the rest."

"Okay, thanks, Dad," Alex took over. "So, Eric, we looked at the numbers. The average price of a new car is around forty-eight thousand dollars. I've decided to give that money to you. It's not like I need a car right now. And I know how important it is for you to be able to hear again properly."

Eric was speechless. His mouth opened wide in surprise, but Alex continued before he could say anything.

"I know that amount won't cover the full cost of what you need," Alex went on. "So, my Dad showed me how to open an investment account with the highest, safest possible return, and I did that a month ago with the car money. If we add your savings to that account, within a month from now, at the most, there should be over sixty-five thousand dollars for your cochlear transplant and hearing aids."

"Sorry," Eric said, composing himself and leaning in close to Alex, "but I don't think I heard you correctly. Did you just say I have enough money for my procedure?"

"You heard right, buddy. I told you we'd figure it out, and we did. I'll give you all the details of the money market account, and as soon as it tops what you need, go for the procedure; the money is all yours."

Eric sat back in his chair, and tears welled up in his eyes. "I don't know what to say," he whispered. "Guys, thank you."

"I know this is going to change your life for the better," Bill said. "And I'm proud of what Alex has done here."

They all smiled at each other.

"Now, let's talk about your future, Alex. What are your plans?" Bill asked

"For one thing, my Math needs some work," Alex replied.

Bill smiled and took a sip of his coffee. "Indeed it does. But judging by your calculations on Eric's money market investment, your Math is improving by leaps and bounds."

Bill turned to Eric, "I think you should go to college too, Eric. You're smart enough to do anything you set your mind to," he suggested.

"I've been thinking about it," Eric said enthusiastically, "but I'm not sure what I want to study."

"Well, you have time to figure that out. But I think going to college is a great investment. It will give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in any career you choose," Bill offered.

"Thank you, sir," Eric said, "I appreciate your advice."

"Please call me Bill," Bill said. "And I'm happy to help you pay for college. Once you've had your procedure, let's see if we can recharge that money market account and start saving for college."

"I am so grateful for all this, Bill, Alex, thank you. I don't know how I can thank you enough for your generosity," Eric said, wiping his eyes.

"Don't mention it," Alex said. "Just fix those damn ears of yours, and then we'll talk about thanks. Now, I think we'd better get back to work; Reggie is daggering looks at us here."

Bill watched as Alex and Eric went over to talk to Reggie. He watched the two friends embrace and smiled with satisfaction at the outcome of the valuable lesson he'd initiated.

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