On the school bus that transported David home, he always chose a window seat. While per usual, he would throw open the window and let the afternoon breeze caress his face as he remembered every detail of the game he had played that day.
One of his peers had exclaimed, “What you accomplished on the field today was fantastic!”
“Guys, I believe we have a player of national caliber with us. Another player yelled at David, clapping him on the back probably a bit too vigorously, “Get the signatures while you can!
His greatest aspiration was to represent his nation and emulate the great soccer players.
As he and his team held up the golden championship trophy and grinned for the cameras, David could almost taste the wonderful air of success and pride.
David was continually practicing what he would say to the media at the conclusion of the game. How he overcame his lowly beginnings. And how his mother was responsible for everything he had achieved.
“Pardon, may I have a seat here?”
David was lost in his thoughts and failed to notice that a fellow student had requested a seat next to him.
The young man picked up his rucksack, sat down next to David, and started to tell him about his dream.
“I want to play football at the highest level in my school. Just like David. I’m seated next to him? I can’t believe it!”
David had a devoted fan, and the young man never missed an occasion to watch him play. He believed David to be all he had ever dreamed. He aspired to play like David, be as popular as him, and even put on David’s expensive soccer shoes.
The child thought to himself as he tucked his feet beneath the bench, “These worn-out old shoes should do the trick… for now.”
Due to his natural shyness, Guillermo had trouble making friends. The youngster eventually had the confidence to approach his hero.
Hello, David! It’s me, Guillermo. I love you so much!
“Oh? Dear Guillermo: Thanks.”
When David started daydreaming once more, there was an awkward pause.
“I truly like your sneakers,” Guillermo said. It was the initial thought that entered his head.
“These? The soles have already started to pull off since they are so ancient. I’m receiving some new shoes, you should see them. When David imagined the ideal pair of shoes he had been saving up for, his eyes began to shine.
As he slid his feet under the bench, Guillermo said, “Tell me more about them!” He was sure David wouldn’t want to see how unattractive and worn out his own shoes were.
“Well, they’re excellent! They have unparalleled traction and are vibrant orange.”
David had been saving money for the pair of shoes he desired for seven months. The 12-year-old wanted to purchase something for himself for the first time. He also wanted to avoid burdening his mother in the process. Because he is aware of his mother’s laborious efforts to support him and his two younger twin sisters.
“Mom, you don’t need to help. You need to put money aside to arrange a party since Tracy and Katie’s birthdays are coming up soon, remember?
David had saved enough money. And he did it with a small newspaper delivery every morning and the lemonade sale he made during the last vacation. That is, until the day his piggy bank was full and he finally had enough to bring home the shoes of his dreams.
On the bus ride home from school that day, he and Guillermo were unable to stop talking about it.
“Guillermo! Today’s the day! I’m heading to the store right away tonight to get the greatest sneakers in town when I finish my schoolwork. Actually, I’ll pick you up and you’re welcome to accompany me to the store. It will be the greatest sensation ever!
Guillermo was genuinely excited for his hero. At that point, the bus abruptly struck a pothole, causing one of Guillermo’s shoes to fall to the ground.
David was taken aback when he noticed the tarnished and discolored sneaker. It was a pair of summer shoes, flimsy and of poor quality. The canvas was flaking off, the sole had holes, and the laces were vanished.
Guillermo threw down the second shoe out of embarrassment.
David was weeping gently but uncontrollably as he gazed at his friend while burying his face in his hands. For the remainder of the journey, the two youngsters were at a loss for words.
David eventually informed Guillermo, “Be ready for five!” alluding to their intention to go to the store that evening. David could not possibly go to the supermarket by himself. After what he had witnessed, no.
David, ah! Do you want to pick up your new soccer shoes while you’re here? The shop owner stated, “I have them prepared and packed right here.
“Sir, hold on. David pointed to a pair of cozy boots and asked, “Could you show me a pair of these shoes in a lower size?”
Mr. Manning, the business owner, is perplexed.
But David, the ones I brought are the exact right size.
David said, “Not for me, for my pal here.
What Guillermo had heard was so unbelievable. He could not permit David to do that.
“No, David, I don’t need…”
To calm Guillermo down, David softly blinked while squeezing his hand.
“Guillermo, I’ll handle it. You always refer to me as your idol. I’ll do my best to be one for you.
When Mr. Manning overheard this conversation between the boys, he was moved. He was fully aware of his obligations.
Wow, my buddy, you look amazing in this. And this is the finest we currently have in the shop.
Finally, David was happy with the boots he had bought for his friend. Guillermo’s initial sense of humiliation had now given way to awe, thanks, and unbridled excitement at this unexpected gift.
Mr. Manning gave his employees the go-ahead as the lads exited the store and went off on their bikes.
“Look, we have to do something.”
“David! There’s someone at the door for you! He came in with a truck, actually.” David’s mother couldn’t figure out what was going on either.
David hurried to the door and recognized someone there. The proprietor of the shoe shop, Mr. Manning, was there.
The youngster questioned, “Why did you come here?
“David, I overheard you chatting with your friend at the store. I am aware of what you did, the guy said.
“I saw you peddling lemonade and delivering newspapers, so I know how desperately you wanted those spiked shoes. And today I witnessed you renounce all of those goals in favor of helping a buddy who needed assistance more than you did.
Out of the corner of his eye, David noticed his mother’s pleased expression and bent his head in bashful.
And in this day and age, I believe charity and friendship of that kind should be honored. So forward! Take as many pairs of shoes as you like and climb into the back of the vehicle. For your mother, your sisters, and you… Don’t stress about the money; I have everything covered.
David questioned himself and looked to his mother for affirmation. He ran to the vehicle as soon as she gave him the go-ahead, his eyes shining with anticipation.
We still need to get to your friend’s place, so hurry up. Free shoes are available for him and his family as well!
