The Part-Time Job
Ethan loved his job at the local bookstore. One day, while stocking shelves, he found a $50 bill tucked inside a book. The store was busy, and no one was around. He could easily put the money in his pocket, and no one would ever know. It was more than he made in an hour, and he needed new shoes.
He stared at the bill, his heart pounding. Then he thought about Mr. Henderson, the owner, who always trusted him and treated him with respect. He also thought about the customer who lost it—maybe they were in a rush or had a family to feed.
Taking a deep breath, Ethan walked to the front counter and handed the money to Mr. Henderson. “I found this in one of the books,” he explained.
Mr. Henderson smiled, a warm and genuine smile. “Thank you, Ethan. That’s a very honest thing to do.” A few hours later, a woman came in looking frantic. She was the one who had lost the money and was so relieved. She had been saving it for a special gift for her son. Mr. Henderson saw the interaction and, at the end of Ethan’s shift, handed him an extra $20. “For your honesty,” he said. “It’s a valuable trait.”
Moral of the Story: Honesty, even in small acts, has its own rewards. Choosing to do the right thing when no one is watching shows your true character and earns respect.