I Gave My Colleague $300 for Her “Sick ”Son”—Four Days Later, I Showed Up at Her House Ready to Confront Her, and What I Discovered
I remember how Carol’s hands shook when she came to my desk. Eyes swollen, voice breaking, she told me her seven-year-old had just been diagnosed with a serious autoimmune condition.
She needed $300 for medication.
That money was meant for my own son’s school trip. I’d saved for months. But looking at her, I transferred it that day.
She hugged me, crying. “I’ll never forget this.”
Four days later, I overheard coworkers buzzing about a dinner at Carol’s house.
Everyone was invited — except me.
The timing hurt. Had I been fooled? I drove there, heart racing, ready for answers.
When she opened the door, she looked panicked. Inside weren’t fancy plates or wine glasses. Just drooping balloons, a crooked banner, and my coworkers staring.
“Oh no,” someone whispered. “The surprise is ruined.”
Surprise?
Carol burst into tears. My ten-year work anniversary was in two days. She’d planned a party and kept me away so I wouldn’t suspect. The money I gave her had helped buy decorations and food.
Her son really was sick.
“I just wanted to give something back,” she said.
My anger dissolved into shame. I hugged her, apologized, and we celebrated — messy, simple, real.
That night I learned something:
kindness may travel quietly,
but it always finds its way home.
