She lifted her foot slightly. “Please, can you help me fix this buckle?” “It came off just now.”
“Of course, Ma,” he said. “Let me check it.” He carefully took the shoe, his rough fingers moving with gentle precision.
In minutes, he tightened the small strap back into place. She watched him quietly, his focus, his calmness, the care he took in his work.
There was something about him, something clean in his spirit. How much? She asked. He smiled faintly.
Ah, no need, Ma. It’s a small thing. You can go, Ma. Her eyebrows rose slightly.
You mean you’re not charging me? He shook his head. No more. You look like you were in a hurry.
I just wanted to help. The woman smiled. That’s rare these days to see people do something without gain.
She paused for a moment, then looked around his small wooden stall. How long have you been doing this?
Since I graduated from the university. Ma, he said quietly. I have looked for a job for over a year now.
Nothing seems to come by, so I joined my grandfather in the shoe making business instead of staying idle.
She nodded slowly, her eyes softening. What’s your name? My name is Andrew Ma. Andrew, she repeated almost thoughtfully.
You speak well. You’re polite and you seem trustworthy. He smiled shily. Thank you, Ma.
There was a short silence before she spoke again. I’ve been searching for a new driver, someone honest and calm.
Most people I meet these days are either careless or arrogant. But you, you seem different, Andrew blinked, unsure he heard right.
Driver, Ma. Yes, she said firmly. I can train you myself if you don’t know all the roots.
I’ll pay you well, and you’ll have a place to stay. I just want someone I can trust.
His heart pounded. Are you serious, Ma? Very serious, she said with a warm smile.
Thank you, Ma, he said quietly. You don’t know what this means to me. She reached into her bag, took out a card, and handed it to him.
My name is Madame Tina. Call me tomorrow if you’re interested. If not, I’ll understand.
He took the card with trembling fingers. I’ll call Ma. I promise. Madame Tina smiled, got back into her black car, and drove away slowly.
The smell of her perfume lingered in the air long after she was gone. Andrew stood still beside his little stall, the card clutched tightly in his hand, his heart racing with a mix of shock, joy, and disbelief.
That evening, Johnson returned from the market. He looked tired and worn out. He saw Andrew sitting on the wooden chair, smiling and humming his favorite song.
Johnson dropped his bag and looked at his grandson closely. “Andrew, what’s making you smile like that?
You’re laughing like someone who won the lottery. Andrew stood up quickly, full of excitement.
Grandpa, welcome. I have good news for you. Andrew smiled. A woman came to the stall today while you were away.
She came to fix her shoe and we started talking. Her name is Madame Tina.
She said she’s a businesswoman and lives in the next city. Johnson raised one eyebrow.
Okay, go on. She told me she doesn’t have a husband and that her daughter is always out of the country.
