It was a gloomy afternoon, and the sky had opened up, pouring heavy rain over the city. Adam, a 16-year-old high school student, rushed home, his clothes soaked through. He should have been miserable, but instead, he walked into the grand foyer of his house with a bright smile on his face.
His father, Steve, glanced up from his newspaper and frowned at the sight of his dripping-wet son. “Adam, you’re going to catch a cold walking in the rain like that! Next time, call the driver.”
Adam shook the water from his hair and grinned. “It’s fine, Dad. Actually, I met a really nice guy at school today. He helped me out, so I gave him my umbrella. He didn’t have one.”
Steve set his paper down, his brows furrowing. “Help yourself before you help others, Adam. I don’t appreciate you coming home like this.”
“Relax, Dad!” Adam said, rolling his eyes playfully. “This guy stood up for me when some bullies were messing with me. Giving him my umbrella was the least I could do. His name’s Kevin. He’s a great guy.”
At that name, Steve’s expression darkened. His jaw tightened, and his eyes turned cold. He knew exactly who Kevin was.
“Kevin? Kevin as in Patrick’s son?” Steve’s voice was sharp.
“Yeah, you know him?”
Steve let out a deep sigh, shaking his head. “Stay away from him, Adam. His father used to work for me. He tried to steal money from my company and got himself fired. I could have had him arrested, but I let him go. That boy is just using you.”
“Dad, come on!” Adam protested. “That has nothing to do with Kevin. Why would I blame him for what his dad did? That’s crazy!”
“You don’t understand how the world works, son,” Steve said, his voice stern. “People like them will do anything to get ahead. Trust me on this—stay away from him.”
Adam didn’t agree, but he didn’t argue further. He just nodded, though deep inside, he knew he wouldn’t follow his father’s advice.
Days passed, and Adam and Kevin grew closer. One afternoon, Adam excitedly invited Kevin to see a movie after school.
Kevin hesitated. “I can’t, Adam.”
“What? But you were excited about it before!”
Kevin sighed. “I changed my mind.”
Adam sensed something was off. “Dude, come on. If something’s wrong, let me help.”
Kevin hesitated before sighing heavily. “Actually, you can help—by ending this friendship. I don’t want to be your friend anymore, Adam.”
Adam was stunned. “What? Why? Is this about my dad? Did he talk to you?”
Kevin looked away. “It’s about both of our dads. It’s just better if we stop being friends.”
Adam wasn’t satisfied with that answer. Later that day, he followed Kevin home. When Kevin saw him at his doorstep, he sighed in frustration.
“I told you to stay away, Adam.”
“Not until you tell me the whole truth. I know my dad fired yours, but—”
“You don’t know everything,” Kevin interrupted. “My mom died because of what happened.”
Adam’s stomach dropped. “What?”
Kevin’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. “My dad didn’t steal out of greed, Adam. He did it because my mom was sick. She needed heart surgery, and we couldn’t afford it. He worked overtime, tried everything, but it wasn’t enough. He made a terrible choice, and he got caught.
After he lost his job, we lost everything. Mom didn’t make it. Then Dad had an accident at his new job. He needs surgery now, or he’ll never walk again. But we don’t have the money. That’s why it’s better if we’re not friends.”
Adam left in silence, his heart heavy. That night, he made a decision. He was going to help Kevin, no matter what it took.
A few days later, Adam secretly got a part-time job at a grocery store. He mopped floors, cleaned shelves, and stocked goods—all to earn money for Kevin’s dad. At home, he told his family he was playing basketball after school.
But lies have a way of catching up.
One day, Steve walked into the grocery store to buy some snacks. As he browsed the aisles, he froze. Right there, mopping the floors, was Adam.
“Adam!” Steve’s voice boomed through the store. “What the hell are you doing here?!”
Adam’s eyes widened. “Dad? I—I can explain!”
“Oh, you better!” Steve grabbed Adam’s arm and dragged him outside. “So this is where you play basketball with your friends?! What’s going on? You don’t need to work!”
“I’m helping Kevin, Dad!” Adam shouted. “His dad needs surgery, and I—I don’t want to repeat your mistakes!”
Steve’s anger flickered into confusion. “What mistakes?”
Adam took a deep breath and told his father everything Kevin had told him.
Steve listened in silence. When Adam finished, Steve sighed and rubbed his face. For the first time, he saw himself from a different perspective—not as a successful businessman, but as a man who had let his pride cloud his compassion.
After a long pause, Steve said, “You’re right, son. I was wrong. You don’t have to work here. I have a better way to help.”
That evening, Steve and Adam visited Kevin’s house. When Kevin saw them, he scowled.
“Go away, Adam! I told you—”
Patrick, sitting in a wheelchair, spoke up. “Kevin, that’s no way to treat guests. Steve, Adam—come in.”
Steve placed an envelope on the table. “Patrick, I was blind to your struggle before. I should have been more understanding. If I had, maybe things would have been different. This is for your surgery.”
Patrick’s eyes widened. “Steve, I can’t accept this.”
“Yes, you can,” Steve said firmly. “Two wrongs don’t make a right, Patrick. My son taught me that. Our kids are wiser than we were.”
After a long pause, Patrick took the envelope. His voice broke as he said, “Thank you, Steve. And I’m sorry… for everything.”
The two men shook hands, and for the first time in years, they let go of the past.
As for Adam and Kevin, they remained best friends—because true friends stick together through thick and thin.
Lesson:
Sometimes, young minds understand life better than older ones. Adam’s wisdom helped Steve see the truth—helping someone in need is never wrong.
And real friendships aren’t about status or background. They’re about loyalty, kindness, and standing by each other—no matter what.
