The Benchmark For A Good Deed

(I’m 19 and on a year-long backpacking trip across Australia. I have an early flight to catch so I think to sleep at the airport rather than spend it paying for a hostel bed. I thought I could check in super early and sleep on carpet or couches but this doesn’t happen since the small airport closes early. I end up sleeping on a hard bench and wake up a lot, scared the security guards will kick me out. On my flight in the morning I exchange pleasantries with the couple I sit beside and we get talking about my travels.)

Me: “I’m really enjoying Australia.” *yawns* “But you’re going to have to forgive me; I slept at the airport last night and I don’t think I can keep my eyes open any longer.”

(I immediately pass out and sleep the whole flight. I wake up shortly before landing.)

Wife: “So…” *turns to me and hands me a $20 bill* “We don’t have much cash on us, but we want to give this to you to pay for a meal or bed for the night! We hope you have a great time here!”

(Over ten years later that sentiment still warms my heart to know there’s such generous and kind people in the world.)