Unexpected Help

“I can’t believe I have a flat tire!” Tom Shepherd looked at the front tire of his car and sighed. The last words his father had said to him before he left the house for school was to be sure to be careful with his car. He was only letting Tom borrow the Mustang because Tom’s car was still in the shop. Now, he would have to call him to come and fix the tire. He knew his father wouldn’t blame him for the flat tire, but he still dreaded making the call because something had happened to his father’s vehicle while he had it.

“You need some help?” a man’s voice brought Tom away from his musings. He looked up and saw his friend Jeff’s father. He was looking at the tire and then at Tom.

Tom responded, “I was just about to call my dad, but I remembered he’s in a meeting this afternoon. I’m not sure what to do next.”

Jeff’s dad nodded his head in understanding before speaking up. “I tell you what, Tom. I’m going to have to wait for Jeff for at least another hour while he gets out of practice. Why don’t we take this tire off and run it over to the tire shop and see what can be done.”

Tom’s eyes lit up with hope. It didn’t take them long to remove the tire and throw it in the back of the truck. Once they arrived at the tire shop, Tom realized he knew the owner. He lived only a few houses down from where Tom lived. The owner of the shop quickly looked over the tire and assured Tom that he could remove the nail they had found and plug the tire.

When he was finished with the repair, Tom pulled out his wallet, hoping he would have enough money to pay for the repairs.

“It’s on the house,” the man said, surprising Tom. “I just hope in the future, you’ll bring me your business.”

Tom shook his hand and assured him he would definitely come again when he needed help. Jeff’s dad drove Tom back to the school, and they had just finished putting the tire back on when Jeff came out of practice. Tom knew he could never have managed everything without such amazing, unexpected help.