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The Value of a Dollar

When I was nineteen, I had a job at my local bookstore. Being located in the mall, we usually saw our fair share of characters, many of them teenagers. One night, a fifteen-year-old couple came in looking for a book. They seemed to be the usual type to give mall workers a hard time. When they came to the register, she was a dollar or two short of buying the book she wanted and pulled out a ten-dollar bill to prove it.

She looked so disappointed. I had a customer discount card from before I worked there and it was still active. I told the girl, "Hang on, don't worry, you have the money to buy the book." I put in my code, hoping that the worst I would get would be a slap on the wrist.

She gave me a thankful smile, she had a dollar and change left, and she and her boyfriend left the store. I believed that, like so many of my other customers, I would never see them again.

I don't remember how long it was, but they did return later that same evening just to bring me a beautiful "Thank You" card that said "It's people like you that make the world a better place to live in."

I am so happy and grateful for that bit of appreciation and that moment will forever hold a place in my heart. You, little girl, and your boyfriend also, have made the world a little brighter too.

Story was submitted anonymously