The Light of a Lamp

Old Zhang was a shoemaker who had set up his stall at a bustling street corner for thirty years. He always greeted people with a smile, and repairing a pair of shoes only cost a few pennies. One evening, a heavy rain was falling. The crowds on the street dispersed quickly, and Old Zhang was preparing to pack up when he saw a little girl, drenched from head to toe, standing timidly at his stall. In her hand, she held a cloth shoe with a sole that had come undone. Tears mingled with the rain, streaming down her face. "Grandpa, my shoe is broken. I have to go to school tomorrow..." the little girl sobbed. Old Zhang looked at the sky and then at his watch. It was already past his usual time to go home. He smiled and patted the girl's head, saying, "Don't cry, child. Grandpa will fix it for you." Old Zhang sat back down on his stool and skillfully threaded his needle. Under the dim streetlamp, wearing his reading glasses, he sewed each stitch with great care. The rain pattered against the awning, and the surroundings were extremely quiet. After about fifteen minutes, the shoe was repaired, sturdy and looking good. The little girl's tears turned into a smile, and she happily put on the shoes. She rummaged in her pocket and pulled out a handful of crumpled coins and a few melted fruit candies. A little shyly, she placed the candies on the table. "Grandpa, this is all the money I have. Please have some candy." Old Zhang didn't take the money. He simply took one candy, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth. The sweetness instantly melted in his heart. He smiled and said, "No need for the money. This candy is the best wage Grandpa has received today." The little girl skipped off into the rain. Old Zhang watched her retreating figure, felt the remaining candies in his pocket, and his heart felt warm. Even in ordinary life, kindness can illuminate a cold winter night.