$100 Gas Money Appears

Story by Frankie R.

One night after visiting my sister's place, I was driving back home in the dark. I was pondering my bank account and thinking how this particular paycheck was light and I shouldn't do extra spending. I was also on my last leg of gas, and it had started sprinkling a couple miles back.

I passed someone walking on the road in the dark with no lights or reflectors. I couldn't make out anything about them and was surprised I even noticed them at all. The road I was on is a main highway and stretches for a long while. 

I had my two kids in the car and I'm a single mother. My gas light was going to come on soon. I knew those who care most about me wouldn't want me picking up strangers but I couldn't shake the feeling to turn around. 

I took the U-turn lane and circled back to find a man named Charles. I offered him a ride and he took it. He said he only needed to travel a few miles up and, even though it was out of the way, I knew there was a gas station nearby, if needed. We drove for about five minutes to reach his destination.

I dropped him off at his place of work where his truck was parked. I didn't know the circumstances of him walking but was glad I could save him a couple miles and a lot of time in the rain. As he got out of the car he asked if I would accept gas money.

My thoughts were quick about how it was only a few miles, a five-minute drive. I have a gas efficient Prius and I didn't give him a ride expecting anything. But, I could probably use the gas money given my bank account situation. Reluctantly, I said, "I don't expect you to do that but if you insist, I won't reject your offer." 

Charles dug through several bills in his wallet and looked up. He said he didn't have small change and apologized. I told him no big deal, that I didn't expect anything from him. He said, "It's not that. I want to pay you for your kindness, but I'm afraid you won't accept my offer."

I promised if he really wanted to pay for the ride -- it wasn't necessary -- I would accept his gas money if that would make him feel better. I thought maybe he had $10-20 which was way more than I actually spent on gas for the quick drive. $20 would have filled my car. This man handed me a hundred dollar bill and left me speechless.