Teen Caught In Act Covering Grandma’s Grocery Bill

Harry Gonzalez

Harry Gonzalez lived a life no different than Maria’s. He, too, had managed to fight through the uncertainties brought about by living in a struggling family.

He’d done the best with his life, landing a partial scholarship to one of the city’s most prestigious universities. Since the scholarship only covered his tuition, Harry sought work to support himself.

A Fine Upbringing

Living with his abuela and two older cousins, Harry had grown up knowing the importance of hard work, independence, and, most importantly, a giving heart.

His abuela had instilled in him all these values; through them, Harry had achieved so much in his life. So, it didn’t come as a surprise when he snagged a restaurant cashier cum waiter job. He had no idea what the future held for him.

Living His Best Life

Harry loved everything about his job. Not only did it allow him to keep all his bills in check, but it also balanced well with his social life and education.

Since the restaurant focused on authentic Chinese cuisine, it was also a great place to learn a new culture, which brought Harry so much joy. But things would soon take a turn for the worst.

Three Months Pass

Harry had been working at the restaurant for almost three months. He’d been making his employers proud so far, even going out of his way to make the restaurant a website that helped bring in new customers.

Harry was sure that helping the older man who came in was the right thing to do. But everything would soon become apparent when the police flocked the restaurant.

Don’t Judge

Like many across the globe, we tend to judge people by their looks. Sometimes, looks can be deceptive, a crucial fact that we should always consider.

For Harry, stepping in to help that man had been simply making sure that he didn’t go hungry. But the events would slowly unfold, leaving him and the entire city completely dumbfounded.

A Hot Afternoon

The day had been leaning toward a hot afternoon when the man walked into the restaurant. Despite the heat outside, the man had wrapped a thick woolen coat over himself.

He also had a cap, which perfectly hid his stare. Harry locked eyes with him the moment he stepped into the restaurant. He thought this was a regular customer looking to have some of their famous Peking duck with a side of sauteed green beans. He was wrong.

First Glance

At first glance, the man’s clothing seemed worn. But on a closer look, Harry realized that the clothes were new, albeit a little dirty.

As he always did when customers walked into the restaurant, he hurried over with a menu, ushering the man to his preferred booth and telling him about the day’s special. He wasn’t even done talking when the man made a very odd request.

Ordering Food

“He asked if we do to-go, to which I said yes,” Harry recalled while sharing his story at a local podcast. “He quickly ordered his food, barely even staying in his booth.”

Harry shared that the man seemed on edge, constantly looking out the window as if he was in trouble. “That’s when I decided to ask him if something was wrong.”

He Wants To Leave

The man gave Harry a blank stare. Seemingly agitated, he sprung to his feet, looking to leave the restaurant. But he stopped after a few steps, turning to Harry with glossy eyes.

“I didn’t know what to think,” Harry shared. “I was afraid I had struck a nerve, and he was leaving.” Harry knew his excellent reputation would be tainted if the man left, but he didn’t care. He was worried about what could’ve made the man stand up so fast.

Walking Out Without Paying

“Look, kid,” the man said. “I think I should go.” Harry insisted he stay, but the man would share something that would make him think otherwise.

“He said he didn’t even have the money for lunch and had planned to walk away with the food,” said Harry. “Despite feeling like something bad was about to happen, I just had to help him.”