“Hey, you! Are you trying to steal those shoes?” Peter, the store owner’s son, yelled at the poor boy.

“No, sir, I didn’t think to steal them. I came here to buy shoes. Mine are all worn out. And look, my grandma gave me all her janitor money to buy them…” The boy put on a brave face as he opened his palm to reveal a few crumpled dollar bills.

“Janitor? Your grandmother works as a janitor, and you think you can afford shoes HERE?” Peter laughed at the poor boy. “Well then, use what you’ve learned from your granny and clean my shoes,” Peter said.

The poor boy saw the people in the store staring at him and burst into tears.

“Didn’t you hear me? CLEAN! MY! SHOES!” Peter yelled.

“That’s ENOUGH!” an older voice roared through the silence in the store, scaring every onlooker. Peter turned around. It was Mr. Thompson, Peter’s father, and the store owner.

Peter’s smirk faded instantly. “Dad, I was just—”

“Humiliating this boy for no reason,” Mr. Thompson interrupted, his voice stern. He walked over to the poor boy, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Son, what’s your name?”

“J-James, sir,” the boy stammered, wiping his tears with the back of his hand.

Mr. Thompson nodded. “James, I’m sorry for my son’s behavior. He has no right to treat you this way. You’re here to buy shoes, just like any other customer.”

Peter’s face turned red with embarrassment and anger. “But Dad, he—”

“Enough, Peter!” Mr. Thompson snapped, silencing his son. “You will apologize to James right now.”

Peter looked at his father in disbelief, then at James. “I’m… I’m sorry,” he muttered, barely audible.

Mr. Thompson sighed and turned back to James. “How much money do you have, James?”

James hesitantly opened his palm again to show the crumpled bills. Mr. Thompson took a look and smiled gently. “You know what? Today, the shoes are on me. You take whatever pair you like.”

James’s eyes widened in shock and gratitude. “R-Really, sir? Thank you so much!”

Mr. Thompson nodded. “Yes, really. And Peter, you’ll be helping James find the perfect pair. Consider it a lesson in humility.”

Peter grumbled but obeyed. He walked around the store with James, reluctantly helping him try on different pairs. Meanwhile, the customers who had witnessed the scene whispered amongst themselves, clearly impressed with Mr. Thompson’s decision.

After a while, James found a pair of shoes that fit him perfectly. He looked up at Peter with a tentative smile. “Thank you for helping me.”

Peter forced a smile in return. “You’re welcome.”

James walked up to Mr. Thompson, his new shoes gleaming on his feet. “Thank you so much, sir. My grandma will be so happy. I’ll never forget this kindness.”

Mr. Thompson smiled warmly. “You’re very welcome, James. Remember, everyone deserves respect, no matter their circumstances.”

As James left the store, Peter stood silently beside his father, reflecting on his actions. Mr. Thompson placed a hand on Peter’s shoulder. “I hope you’ve learned something today, son. Never judge someone by their appearance or their wealth. Kindness and respect go a long way.”

Peter nodded, feeling a twinge of shame and a newfound resolve to be better. He watched as James disappeared down the street, realizing that a simple act of kindness could change someone’s life forever.