I am submitting my story to you. Yesterday, I drew my salary from my day job and decided to head down to the market to buy some fresh fruits and vegetables. The sun was hot, and I was sweating, but I managed to get what I needed.
While crossing the street to reach the market, I saw a man sitting by the roadside with several bags. Out of curiosity, I asked, “Uncle, do you want some help?” He nodded his head up and down, confirming my question. At no time did he speak verbally; he just shook his head. So, I decided to help him.
He pointed to indicate that he was heading across the street in the same direction as I was. I suggested, “Let me hold your bag.” He looked at me and smiled, and I smiled back, feeling like a good Samaritan.
While crossing the street, he turned to me and said, “You’re very nice.” I was surprised because I thought he couldn’t speak. I replied, “Thank you, uncle.”
After we crossed the street, I helped him set down his bags. He mentioned that he would be waiting for a car to go home. I told him to take care and continued on my way to the market.
Half an hour later, I was heading back in the same direction to go home, and to my surprise, the man was still there. I shouted, “Uncle, you’re still here?” He immediately replied in a very angry tone, “Get ya skaant!” I was taken aback by his sudden change in demeanor.
I asked again, “Uncle, are you okay?” In response, he hurled a series of spit my way, one droplet almost hitting my forehead and a few landing on my t-shirt.
Realizing something was wrong, I stepped back. It seemed best not to engage with him any longer. As I was about to leave, a woman approached him in a car, and I asked her if everything was okay with him.
She agreed to speak with me and explained, “That’s my father. He didn’t drink his rum this morning, so he behaves strangely.” I shared my experience with her, and she apologized. She even offered me $1000 for my troubles, but I refused the money, as I was more curious about why he had turned on me.
They got into the car and drove off. I will never forget the day my kindness turned into a spit bath.
