“Every time you do a good deed you shine the light a little farther into the dark. And the thing is, when you’re gone that light is going to keep shining on, pushing the shadows back.” ― Charles de Lint

About three weeks ago, one of my college friend asked me to accompany him to local computer store and get a new laptop. I got nothing else to do so I agreed and went with him to International Trade Center in BSD City.

We checked the price, compared the specs, weighted the pro/cons between model—and at last, came to decision.
He was interested in a Lenovo. I mean, two Lenovos. It took quite a long time for him to decide which one was better. Impatient, I persuaded him to choose one of them—just because I wanted to get home soon.

At last, he chose the one with better specs and dumped the better-designed one. Can’t believe someone could be so rational. Quite impressed. Happy with the decision, the salesman asked him whether he wanted to install a counterfeit software (it is normal here in Indonesia). It didn’t take long for him to say yes.

Baca juga: Our Own Superhero in Our Own Universe

I was really mad at the time, not only because he installed the counterfeit software, but because he violated my personal time. I mean, c’mon man. Why don’t you just download the counterfeit software at home? I wanted to go home. But, there he goes. I couldn’t wait much longer, so I told him I’ll wait for him on cafeteria with cynical voice tone.

Around 20 minutes later, he came and told me that he ran out of money. That was really my tipping point. I got really mad—that I couldn’t talk anymore and just smiled bitterly. We went down, paid some of it with my money, and went to parking lot.

He couldn’t stop saying thank you and sorry for a while. We chatted a bit, and at last, he said,

“This is the first time I purchase something which price is more than USD 200. That’s why I’m very excited.”

Baca juga: Isn’t Life Too Short for A Holiday?

I got stoned. I couldn’t believe it. How could someone aged over 20 buy things priced more than USD 200 for the first time in his life? It doesn’t make any sense. Our college fee was more than USD 300 per month—which is very expensive in Indonesia. So, it’s pretty much bullshit to me.

Curious, I asked him about his personal life—and surprisingly, he told me everything about his family with all the money issue and stuffs. Believe me, it wasn’t a happy ending.

I felt really guilty at that time, and couldn’t stop thinking about him. Compared to him, I should’ve been more grateful to everything that I have in my life. I got everything I wanted. I can achieve things that people thought impposible. I got a very loving family and I live sufficiently.

Next time you whine or complain about something, remember this story. Don’t judge people. Every favour that you do to others, no matter how small, no matter how much you think it doesn’t matter—actually means a world to them.

Thanks to him, I have more appreciation toward life now. Life works wonders.

Baca juga: No Stereotype, No Judging

Header image credit: lifeofpix.com