One day, Rachel and her family went on a trip to Hong Kong Disneyland. On their way back home on the MTR, everybody was exhausted. But the train was too crowded to find a seat.
After a while, Rachel felt like she couldn’t stand any longer, so she crouched down beside her mom.
“Stand up Rachel!” Mom whispered.
“Why?” Rachel whispered back impatiently.
“Because it’s inappropriate. And it’ll be inconvenient to other passengers.” Mommy explained.
“I don’t care! I’m too tired.” Rachel said.
Just then, Rachel heard a voice, “You look tired little girl. I’ll give my seat to you.” An office lady said to Rachel as she took her bag from her lap and stood aside.
“No need Mam. But thanks anyway.” Mom said politely.
Rachel was very disappointed to hear Mom’s reply.
“It’s okay. I’m getting off soon.” The lady responded.
Hearing her words, Rachel ran as fast as she could toward the seat.
“Much better!” thought Rachel, taking a book out without even saying thank you to that lady. Mom kept thanking the lady while Rachel was reading her book.
Forty-five minutes later, at the last stop, when Rachel finally raised her head from the book, she saw the lady who offered the seat to her, still standing in the crowd!
Rachel said in a soft voice to Mom, “Isn’t that the lady who offered me her seat? But she said she’s going to get off the train forty-five minutes earlier!”
“Oh, she must have wanted you to accept her seat without feeling guilty. That is so kind of her.” Mom answered guiltily.
Rachel was totally shocked. That lady must have been tired too after a day of work. How can she offer her seat to a stranger, knowing that she herself might have to stand for a long time, and expect no appreciation at all? But Rachel herself didn’t even offer the seat to her own family member.
Rachel suddenly realized that she should think more about others, not just think of herself.
From that day on, Rachel would always offer her seat to others in need. More importantly, she would think more about others.
She started to appreciate her family for what they have done for her. And she helped more with the housework.
At the same time, she started to work as a volunteer at her community centre, such as visiting the single elderly. She would also donate her pocket money to the charity whenever possible.
Whenever she did these good deeds, Rachel would think of the lady who offered her seat. She really wished she could see her again, and say, “Thank you for your seat, and thank you for making me a better person!”
