Jeffrey, a bus driver, told a little girl, “No, little girl. You can’t get in without the money. Please get out because I really needed to get going.” The girl, about seven years old, wanted to visit her grandmother but had only a few pennies. Jeffrey insisted, “Then go ask your parents for the money and come back next time.” Disheartened, she left the bus and sat at the bus stop.
At home, Jeffrey browsed Facebook and saw a post about the girl, labeled “Missing.” She had disappeared a day ago, and her parents were desperate. Alarmed, Jeffrey told his wife, “I saw this girl at a bus stop earlier, and I turned her away because she didn’t have enough money. I’m going to find her, but please make those calls.”
Jeffrey rushed back to the bus stop and found the girl still sitting there. Relieved, he asked, “What’s your name?” She replied, “Sarah. I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.” Sarah explained she was trying to visit her grandmother against her mother’s wishes. Jeffrey assured her, “Your folks are searching for you, and they’ll be here soon, hopefully. I’m going to stay until they come.”
Soon, the police and Sarah’s mother arrived. Sarah ran to her, shouting, “Mommy!” The police confirmed Jeffrey’s story. Sarah’s parents thanked Jeffrey, who felt like a hero. From then on, Jeffrey helped anyone short on cash and kept an eye on children traveling alone.