I recently went through a test about trust and kindness. I have just started driving recently even though I got my driving license 15 years ago.
Let’s not elaborate why do I renew my license on time despite the fact that
I’ve never sit on the driver’s seat! =P
Fast forward to today, as a fairly inexperienced driver, I struggle a lot when I park my car. I find it hard not to do side parking without having my car block half of the traffic. I also find it an impossible task to park in narrow-than-usual parking bays at my workplace (this is verified by seasoned driver) without scratching others (therefore I usually choose to give up the bay!).
Few days ago, when I was attempting side parking at my new workplace (which is a hospital), suddenly a gardener pakcik approached my car and guided me how much should I turn and which way to turn my steering (oops did i just unveiled how bad my parking skill is?!).
Pakcik was in the midst of watering plants but he was willing to help me. We didn’t know each other and I don’t think he expects me to thank him other than a sheer “Terima Kasih, pakcik!”
(Side note: I bumped into pakcik again after 4 days. I rushed to the hospital bakery and bought him bread and drink as a gesture of appreciation. He was getting ready for his Friday prayer, that reminded me to assure him that the bread was bought from bakery - therefore it is halal! The happy closure made my day!)
So, why did he even bothered? Why spend time helping a stranger?
A hospital visitor who parked (yah yah, he parked like a breeze) in front me at the same time smiled at me. I smiled back at him, and teased myself about my rusty skill. I thanked the gardener pakcik as many times as possible before I rushed into my office.
I chose to work through lunch last Friday, and on my way to convenience store downstairs to grab some snack, I saw the cleaner makcik who cleaned our office. She was busy mopping floor at the hospital lobby.
We had a small chat before, I told her if my school result was much better, I would have studied medicine and become a doctor! She replied with a mop in her hands, “Kalau jadi macam saya, lagi jatuh standard!” (“It is even more ‘low standard’ to be like me”). Almost immediately, I raised my voice as I replied, “Not at all, makcik, there’s no such thing, every occupation is the same!”
“Jus oren ini untuk makcik...” (“This orange juice is for you, makcik”). Makcik quickly held the mop with her arm and put both palms together. I gently put the orange juice which only cost me RM2.20 in her hands. She humbly bowed and said “Terima kasih banyak-banyak” (“Thanks a lot”) as we both smiled.
One thing for sure, the smile in makcik’s face was worth much much more than RM2.20.
Let’s rewind to 3 weeks ago...I was driving with my two children, after fetching them from school. A 20-year old boy didn’t stop at the T junction and he banged into my car (near where my kids were sitting!!!), causing a loud bang.
I was shocked, puzzled, and was not very sure what to do. It was only my 2nd week driving! I trembled as I discussed with the 2 guys (the driver’s friend) about what to do. I took a photo of his identification card and we exchanged phone number. I tried to look steady and calm as possible; as my two cheerful kids were still busy munching biscuits in the car.
I didn’t even got his car plate num! He looked genuinely sorry, and pleaded that we’ll settle the repair cost after this. That night, after being advised by a mechanic friend on my car repair cost, I sent him message about the cost and my account number.
He asked if I could send to his friend’s shop instead for repair but the arrangement was not convenient for us. The reason he asked us to send my car to his friend’s shop is that - his friend will allow him to owe money. He said he has just dumped in money to his new business - a kopitiam (wooo, an entrepreneur at such a young age!) and he will need 2 weeks to get any return.
Husband and I discussed about it - I was thankful we shared the same thought. Our concensus was-it is OK to have scratches on the car, as long as we are safe. On the other hand, we don’t wish that a simple scratch on the car will cause a youngster (only 20 years old!) to owe others money.
What if he gets the RM300 from loan shark? The RM300 will snowball to RM30,000 in no time!
What if he steal money to pay me the RM300 and being sent to jail?
What if he snatch andf hurt others - when he is desperate of getting money - be it for his business or repair cost?
The young man was grateful, he said in our Whatsapp:
“Thanks to you both indeed. I’ll try to collect money and return to you - but please give me 2 weeks. I PROMISE YOU, the latest is two weeks from now.”
I replied him that life is too precious, and that both him and I need to drive safe.
He ended the chat with “Mmm mmm, thank you. I PROMISE YOU, I’ll pay you back. Don’t worry.”
I replied “take care, I trust you, no rush.”
He ended the conversation with the emoticon of two hands being put together (like praying) to say thanks.
I was not worried, in fact I felt relieved. Having the RM300 doesn’t make me any richer, and driving a car with scratches does not make me ugly either (hehe).
Last week marked the end of two weeks time frame-I did not hear from him although his status updates shows that he still uses Watsapp. Although I was disappointed that I had to check my account balance - it went to prove that he has not paid a single cent.
As promised, we did not lodge police report. As promised, we gave him time. I didnt type the word ‘PROMISE’ but I fulfilled what I offered.
Ironically, although from our short conversation (both Watsapp and face to face conversation), he repeatedly say ‘PROMISE’.
What does TRUST and PROMISE mean to this young man? Will he ever honour what he promises to his parents, girl friend or wife?
It seems that we were taken advantage of, a risk that we were well aware of - when we offered him the option. I was not upset, I was just sad - that people can be so genuinely sorry and thankful - only on the surface.
I ask myself - if we could turn back time, will we offer the same solution to him? Husband and I will still do the same -we told ourselves before that if this guy cheats - that means we are buying a life lesson about ‘trust’ at the price tag of RM300.
We have encountered life lessons about trust and betrayal before -way bigger than this. It hurt me so badly that this seems to be a kacang putih (meaning ‘small matter’) now! :)
What doesn’t kill us makes us STRONGER, isn’t it?
I still happily drive everywhere with a scratch caused by a green car and a young man. He ‘hurt’ my lovely car, but he taught me about life, faith and trust.
I still see cleaner makcik and gardener pakcik at my workplace. We dont know each other’s name, but we smiled at each other. Genuine smile.
No fancy Watsapp emoticons to shield one’s real emotion.
