"I spent years regretting that."
Jake squeezed his hand.
"You can't change the past."
"No."
"But you can change what you do next."
Walter smiled.
"That's exactly what I wanted you to learn."
Chapter 8 — The Choice
Walter recovered slowly.
By the time Jake graduated high school, he had become one of the foundation's youngest program directors.
The local newspaper eventually discovered his story.
A reporter asked:
"Why did you give away your savings?"
Jake thought about it.
"Because someone needed help."
"Do you regret it?"
"No."
"Even though you lost your job?"
"No."
"Even though you were struggling yourself?"
Jake smiled.
"Especially then."
The reporter looked surprised.
"Why?"
"Because kindness isn't something you do only when life is easy."
The article went viral.
Donations poured into the foundation.
People began sending letters.
Some were grateful.
Others accused Jake of being naive.
He ignored both.
One evening, Walter called him into his office.
"I have something for you."
Jake sat down.
Walter handed him a document.
It was a scholarship fund.
Named after Jake's father.
Jake stared at it.
"I can't accept this."
"You don't have to."
"What is it for?"
"Young people who want to help their communities."
Jake's eyes filled with tears.
"You named it after my dad?"
Walter nodded.
"He taught you something worth passing on."
Jake looked at the document.
"How many students?"
"Twenty the first year."
"And after that?"
"As many as we can afford."
Jake smiled.
"Then let's make sure we can afford more."
Chapter 9 — The Tip Jar
Years later, Jake returned to the little diner where he had first met Walter.
The restaurant looked almost the same.
Same windows.