The Last Delivery

A rich couple shopped for a big New Year party. They bought fine food and fancy things, then called a porter to carry the bags home.

The porter was old and thin. His clothes were worn. He asked only fifteen dollars after they bargained him down from twenty. He needed every coin he could earn. They paid him in advance and gave him their address.

An hour passed. Then two. The bags did not arrive. The wife grew angry. “He must have run away with our things!” she said. They rushed back toward the market.

On the way they saw another porter pulling a cart with their goods. “Where is that old thief?” the wife shouted.

The young porter spoke gently. “Please calm down. The old man was sick and very hungry. He tried to deliver your bags, but he fell in the heat. With his last strength he gave me your fifteen dollars and said, ‘Please finish this delivery. I already took the advance.’”

“He was poor,” the porter said, “but he was honest. I am completing his last delivery.”

Tears filled the husband’s eyes. The wife looked down, full of shame for the harsh words she had spoken.

Moral

Honesty has no rich or poor. Respect everyone, no matter how much money they have. Give fairly to those who deserve it.