Kindness of a Stranger

As I was leaving work yesterday, I witnessed a kid fall off of his bike and wreck his knee and his front tire. I went over to ask him if he was okay and was going to suggest going in to the restaurant where he could clean himself up. The kid asks me, "Can I get a ride home?" This took me aback for a second. You don't ask for rides from strangers these days! "Uhh..sure", I said. I loaded his bike in the van and drove the kid home. He lived fairly close to my place. He didn't look at me. He mumbled "thanks" as he got out of the van and I drove away.

I tried talking to him on the short drive. He'd answer me in short one word answers. I'm not good at that kind of thing (starting up conversation with a stranger) so I just drove in silence. It's so weird because if this had happened a few years earlier, I'd have probably offered this kid a ride home without him having to ask. I feel bad that I didn't even think of it and that I was shocked when he asked me.

Was it because it was an inconvenience to me? Am I that much of a selfish bitch? Is it just the way the world is these days...That you can't trust anyone? Sad. I found myself glancing at my purse on the floor of the van and wishing that I had closed it. What's wrong with me that I've lost the instinct to help a person in need? In the end, I did what was right but am disappointed with myself that it wasn't my first natural instinct. What impact did I have on this kids life? Probably none. But he made me examine myself. Hopefully next time I won't think twice about helping a person in need.