Carly, who was sixteen, had always wanted to wear a beautiful dress to prom, but her family’s money problems made it seem impossible. But to her surprise, her mom and grandma had saved up money for the right dress.
Carly saw a man on the bus who was fighting to pay his fine because he forgot his wallet on her way to the dress shop. He begged to get to his daughter who was in the hospital. She made a snap choice because her heart went out to him.
The money she had saved for her prom dress was given to pay the man’s fine. Carly was sad that she had to give up her prom plans, but she was also hopeful that she had made a difference as he thanked her profusely.
When Carly got home, she saw how upset and angry her mother was. Her mom asked, “What if he lied to you?” “Giving to those in need is always right,” Carly’s grandma told her. You’ll get good things back.
When it was time for prom, Carly wore an old dress and felt out of place with her friends. Then, out of the blue, Rick, the man from the bus, and his now-well daughter Haley showed up.
Rick gave Carly a box wrapped in a gift wrap that had a beautiful prom dress inside. “You helped me when no one else would,” he stated. “Enjoy your evening.” Carly changed into the dress and joined her friends with confidence, even though she was scared.
Carly’s act of kindness had come full circle. She learned that being kind can pay off in ways you might not expect as she danced the night away. Things went so well at her prom that she’ll never forget it.
Carly’s story gives us hope and comfort and reminds us that kindness and giving can change lives.
