{"id":5247,"date":"2024-10-23T15:43:52","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T15:43:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/?p=5247"},"modified":"2024-10-23T15:43:53","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T15:43:53","slug":"rich-man-humiliates-boy-shining-shoes-in-underpass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/rich-man-humiliates-boy-shining-shoes-in-underpass\/","title":{"rendered":"Rich Man Humiliates Boy Shining Shoes in Underpass"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\u201cMy dog could do a better job with his tongue!\u201d A wealthy man insults a poor boy shining shoes in an underpass and refuses to pay. But fate brings them face-to-face again the very next day, with a surprising twist neither could have expected.The underground passage echoed with the shuffle of hurried footsteps. Amidst the hustle, 14-year-old Martin sat quietly by the wall, his shoe-shining kit spread before him. His eyes darted hopefully at each passing shoe, praying for a customer\u2026<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c177d8e8ec6733d441c6bf718af1c762647fe83891e794a389d48b4040aca0aa.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' teenage boy sitting in an underpass source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A teenage boy sitting in an underpass | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cJust a handful,\u201d he whispered to himself. \u201cJust a handful today, please.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>As the day wore on, Martin\u2019s stomach growled in protest. The meager breakfast of two bread slices felt like a distant memory. He reached for his water bottle, taking a small sip to quell the hunger pangs.<br>\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cYou can do this, Martin,\u201d he told himself. \u201cFor Mom and Josephine.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>The thought of his paralyzed mother and little sister waiting at home bolstered his courage. He plastered on his best smile, ready to tackle whatever the day would bring.<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/aa0f52ba55be4381959b0c92ba73541f88ca3abb656c6b71f2e130dc0baca027.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' sad boy in an underpass source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A sad boy in an underpass | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cShoe shine, sir? Ma\u2019am?\u201d he called out, his voice barely audible above the din of the underpass.<br>\n\n\n\n</p><p>Hours ticked by, but no one stopped. Martin\u2019s hopes began to dwindle, but he refused to give up. As the afternoon sun beat down, he finally allowed himself a moment of respite. Digging into his worn leather bag, he pulled out a small orange, his lunch for the day.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Just as he began to peel it, a pair of dirty brown leather shoes landed in front of him with a heavy thud.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHurry up, kid. Clean it. I\u2019m in a rush,\u201d a gruff voice barked.<br>\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/43d4995f8a7e37e9abf5f02f537d129e3f3dd2c679c080c30255781aacf54583.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' brown leather shoe source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>A brown leather shoe | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin looked up, his heart racing with excitement and trepidation. The man towering above him exuded wealth from head to toe. This could be his chance for a good tip.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cRight away, sir!\u201d Martin said, setting aside his orange and reaching for his supplies.\n\n\n\n</p><p>As he worked on the brown leather shoes, the man\u2019s impatience grew. \u201cWhat\u2019s taking so long? I don\u2019t have all day!\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/bb6d35209b268d569d0053b8a47cf9fd8d30ee0367fa8593b7bb5b6772701ba5.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' person brushing a brown shoe source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>A person brushing a brown shoe | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin\u2019s hands trembled slightly, but he focused on giving his best service. \u201cAlmost done, sir. I promise it\u2019ll look great.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>The man scoffed. \u201cAt your age, I was already making more than my father. I wasn\u2019t shining shoes like some beggar.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Those words stung poor Martin. It had been three years since a drunk driver had taken his father\u2019s life, leaving their family shattered. The memory of that fateful night still haunted Martin\u2014the screeching tires, the sickening crunch of metal, and the devastating news that followed.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6868a344b6872ef49a22929198170ab47fa82bad90cea88c11ae3d7136a704e3.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' grave in a cemetery source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>A grave in a cemetery | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>Just months after losing his father, Martin\u2019s world crumbled further when his mother Mariam suffered a stroke, leaving her paralyzed. At just eleven years old, he had shouldered the burden of a provider, sacrificing his childhood to follow in his late father\u2019s footsteps as a shoe shiner.\n\n\n\n</p><p>The memories threatened to overwhelm him, but he pushed them aside. He had a job to finish. He had a family to feed.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cYou call this shining?\u201d the man sneered, examining his shoe. \u201cMy dog could do a better job with his tongue!\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/91c09ccfe29e0499977277ef2bdda0e107e16cc0ed71c9d326c99afd4a989e2e.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' wealthy senior man source: freepik>\n\n\n\n<p>A wealthy senior man | Source: Freepik\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin\u2019s cheeks burned with shame. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, sir. I can try again\u2014\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cForget it,\u201d the man cut him off, pulling out his phone. \u201cYeah, Sylvester here. Reschedule the meeting to 4. I\u2019ll be late, thanks to this incompetent brat.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>As Sylvester ranted into his phone, Martin\u2019s mind drifted to happier times. He remembered his father\u2019s gentle hands guiding him, teaching him the art of shoe shining.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/856689d1159e7d2ab64986cfcec46c06d184772e5a2e00d95a7cc8917d728122.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' distressed teenage boy source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A distressed teenage boy | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cIt\u2019s not just about the shine, son,\u201d he\u2019d say. \u201cIt\u2019s about dignity. Treat every shoe like it\u2019s the most important one you\u2019ll ever touch.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHey! Are you even listening?\u201d Sylvester\u2019s sharp voice yanked Martin back to reality. \u201cWhat\u2019s your father doing, sending you out here like this? Too lazy to work himself, huh?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin\u2019s throat tightened. \u201cMy father\u2026 he passed away, sir.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/3aa2ae292dc5796ff58b7917c6ba2be04aaf365bfa38e8b061add03c5ca24b53.png%5C%22" alt='\"Close-up' of a sad teenage boy source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>Close-up of a sad teenage boy | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Sylvester\u2019s eyes narrowed. \u201cOh, I see. So your mother\u2019s probably moved on with someone else, popping out more kids to send begging, right? Don\u2019t you people have anything better to do?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin\u2019s fists clenched at his sides, but he forced a polite smile. \u201cThat\u2019s $7, sir.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cSEVEN DOLLARS?\u201d Sylvester exploded. \u201cFor this pathetic excuse of a shine? I don\u2019t think so, kid.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Before Martin could react, Sylvester grabbed his shoes and stormed off, leaving Martin empty-handed and heartbroken.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9c19538e5de4607f4e013c079bd3a382ae295f4136afc8afaba004b7d41ce7ec.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' frustrated senior man source: freepik>\n\n\n\n<p>A frustrated senior man | Source: Freepik\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cWait!\u201d he called out, chasing after the man. \u201cPlease, sir! I need that money. Please!\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>But Sylvester was already in his car, speeding away, leaving poor Martin stranded in a cloud of dust and disappointment.\n\n\n\n</p><p>He slumped against the wall, tears streaming down his face. He looked up at the sky, imagining his father\u2019s face.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI\u2019m trying, Dad,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI\u2019m really trying.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>His father\u2019s last words echoed in his mind:&nbsp;<em>\u201cRemember, son. Never give up. Each bump is a step closer to your dreams. Remember.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/234b01d77d30758dc40751354fd2e75c66953e994c42253a62122eda17bc1986.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' sad boy looking up source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A sad boy looking up | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Wiping his tears, Martin returned to his spot. There was no time for self-pity. No time for tears.\n\n\n\n</p><p>The next morning, Martin was back at his usual spot, setting up his kit with determination. Suddenly, a commotion nearby caught his attention.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHelp! Someone help!\u201d a woman\u2019s frantic voice pierced the air.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin rushed towards the sound, his heart pounding.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c27be4320621ae4b8eb23446894722a799450fdb522d2d9e77999c6b283fa63c.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' startled senior woman covering her mouth source: freepik>\n\n\n\n<p>A startled senior woman covering her mouth | Source: Freepik\n\n\n\n</p><p>A small crowd had gathered around a fancy car, and to his shock, he recognized the man inside. SYLVESTER. The same entitled man who had insulted him.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHe\u2019s choking on an apple!\u201d someone yelled. \u201cThe car doors are locked!\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Without hesitation, Martin grabbed a rock from the roadside and smashed the car window. Glass shattered everywhere as he reached in to unlock the door.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cStand back!\u201d he shouted, pulling Sylvester out onto the pavement.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/fe5c1900473e1e5963b87aa0b6238f39bc75df31f89eba095dd41bba1a3508dd.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' car with a broken window source: pixabay>\n\n\n\n<p>A car with a broken window | Source: Pixabay\n\n\n\n</p><p>With all his might, Martin delivered several sharp blows to Sylvester\u2019s back. Suddenly, a chunk of apple flew from Sylvester\u2019s mouth, and he gasped for air.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cYou\u2026 you saved me,\u201d Sylvester wheezed, looking up at Martin with wide, shocked eyes.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin helped him to his feet, his own hands shaking. \u201cAre you okay, sir?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Sylvester nodded, still catching his breath. \u201cI can\u2019t believe it. After how I treated you yesterday\u2026 Why did you help me?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin shrugged. \u201cIt was the right thing to do.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/8aa791040422028dd56f2a045cdfa3e9a4ba35205ad4a42f0af142fe37af7f4a.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' thoughtful senior man holding his glasses source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>A thoughtful senior man holding his glasses | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>Sylvester\u2019s eyes filled with tears. \u201cI\u2019m so sorry, kid. I was horrible to you. Please, let me make it up to you. Name your price. Anything!\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin thought for a moment, then looked up. \u201cJust the $7 from yesterday. That\u2019s all I want.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Sylvester stared at him in disbelief. \u201cBut\u2026 I could give you so much more. A new start, maybe?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin shook his head. \u201cI don\u2019t need a new start, sir. I just need to take care of my family.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/6c4acc894a2add74da5611caa77e5421c972a54ffbbe5d468d95520d0cd0d6ad.png%5C%22" alt='\"Side' view of a teenage boy source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>Side view of a teenage boy | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>Reluctantly, Sylvester handed over the money. As the crowd dispersed, he lingered, studying Martin\u2019s face. \u201cYou\u2019re quite something, kid. What\u2019s your name?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMartin, sir.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Sylvester nodded slowly. \u201cMartin. I won\u2019t forget this\u2026 or you.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>As Sylvester walked away to his car, Martin clutched the hard-earned money in his fist. He looked up at the sky again, a small smile beaming on his face.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI remember, Dad,\u201d he whispered. \u201cI always do.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/cc46fd9958a65ee78add2a1ada14307fda6181bc518ff99395be9f92c446329e.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' smiling teenage boy looking up source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A smiling teenage boy looking up | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>The next morning, Martin was jolted awake by his sister\u2019s excited screams.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMarty! Marty! Come quick!\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>He rushed outside, his mother calling after them in confusion. There, on their doorstep, sat a white bag bulging with cash and a note.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/a0c8ab1f2a93d5a5fd8d87f6a4aa25b9f235cc41e01e938b34f7fb3dc95fdb2b.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' bag full of cash source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>A bag full of cash | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>With trembling hands, Martin read aloud:\n\n\n\n</p><p><em>\u201cThanks is a small word for what you did. I know you\u2019d refuse this. But you deserve a happy childhood. Took me just an hour to find your address. The world\u2019s a small place, isn\u2019t it?! Hope we meet again someday, and I hope you\u2019re just the pure heart of gold you are!\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u2014 Sylvester.\u201d\n\n\n\n<p>Tears of joy and shock filled Martin\u2019s eyes. His sister jumped up and down, and their mother called out from inside, clearly shocked at seeing so much money.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMartin? What\u2019s going on?\u201d she approached in her wheelchair.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/fa88814c1f7fd3288eb11d0eac717cd82065fa649c0e8b2a98c9c9453b9e8995.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman in a wheelchair source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>A woman in a wheelchair | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>Martin\u2019s mind raced. This money could change everything: his mother\u2019s treatment, Josephine\u2019s education, and their entire future.&nbsp;<em>But was it right to accept it?\n\n\n\n<p>He walked to the small altar in their cottage, grabbing two pieces of paper. On one, he wrote \u201cREMEMBER,\u201d and on the other, \u201cFORGET.\u201d He folded them, shuffling them with his hands.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Lighting a candle before the crucifix, Martin closed his eyes. \u201cDad,\u201d he whispered, \u201chelp me make the right choice.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5c09dc66fef4f0a84fc44636a7463176aa76e470a0198d27c682ce5dc5f98f31.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"A' burning wax candle against the backdrop of a cross source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>A burning wax candle against the backdrop of a cross | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>With a deep breath, he picked up a piece of folded paper and slowly opened it. A small smile lit up his face when he saw the word \u201cREMEMBER.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>In that moment, Martin knew. He would accept the money, not for himself, but for his family. He would remember his father\u2019s lessons, his own struggles, and the kindness that can exist even in the hardest of hearts.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/4f30b9c1bcc1ed26dd5be844e452b3c53ce52f18c71dd6f3725bf963e91713ec.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' young boy smiling source: midjourney>\n\n\n\n<p>A young boy smiling | Source: Midjourney\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cJosephine!\u201d he called out, his voice brewing with emotion. \u201cGo tell Mom we\u2019re going to the doctor today. And then\u2026 maybe we\u2019ll stop for ice cream on the way home. Get Mom a new comfy mattress. And lots of groceries for the entire week!\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>As Josephine\u2019s delighted squeals filled the air, Martin clutched the note to his chest. He had remembered, and in doing so, he had found a way forward\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><div class='\"mh-excerpt\"'><p>\u201cMy dog could do a better job with his tongue!\u201d A wealthy man insults a poor boy shining shoes in an underpass and refuses to <a class='\"mh-excerpt-more\"' href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/runeecho.com%5C/rich-man-humiliates-boy-shining-shoes-in-underpass%5C/%5C%22" title='\"Rich' man humiliates boy shining shoes in underpass>[&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5247"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5247"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5247\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5248,"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5247\/revisions\/5248"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5247"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5247"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/runeecho.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5247"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</a></p></div></figure></p></figure></p></em></p></figure></p></em></p></em></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></em></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p>