When Ben got home that night, Even though he had just washed another car, he looked upset. He just sat there on the couch and didn’t say anything, which wasn’t like him at all.
“Hey, what’s going on?” From the kitchen, where I was making dinner, I asked. I could tell something was bothering him because he didn’t answer right away.
He finally told his mother, “Mom, Mr Peterson didn’t pay me to wash his car.”
What I heard made no sense to me. It had been a month since Ben washed our neighbour Mr. Peterson’s car, and he was meant to get $50 each time. All of a sudden, Mr. Peterson chose not to pay him.
I asked Ben how much money he owed me. “Two hundred dollars,” he said, his face showing anger.
I gave Ben the money right away from my own pocket. I told him, “You deserve this.” I wasn’t done, though. It was not okay for Mr. Peterson to do that.
Like every morning, I went over to talk to Mr. Peterson, who was busy cleaning his car. Dear Mr. Peterson, good morning! I happily called out.
The smug smile he always gives me. “Good morning, Irene.” “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to talk about how much Ben paid to wash your car.” “He said you weren’t happy with his work yesterday,” I said in a friendly tone.
“Yeah, I didn’t think it was worth paying him,” Mr. Peterson said with his arms crossed. The car wasn’t streak-free.
Even though I was mad inside, I smiled. “Ben told me you said you’d pay him $50 per wash, and I have pictures of the car after each wash.”
Mr. Peterson’s smile broke. “Pictures?”
I said again, “Yes, pictures.” “I’m also willing to talk to my lawyer about this if you don’t pay him.”
His face showed that he was scared. He quickly said, “There’s no need for that!” and gave me $200 from his pocket.
Ben laughed out loud when I gave him the money. He said with a smile, “You did it!”
I told him with pride, “No one cheats on my son.”
Ben saw a “Help Wanted” sign at a nearby ice cream shop while we were having lunch later. “Mom, what do you think?” What should I do? He asked.
I smiled. “Do it.” Don’t forget that you know who to call if you need help.
