HONORABLE DEEDS

            The old man was in his workplace when a poor girl knocked on his door. The girl was in rags and her feet were bare. "Why have you come to my door, child?", asked the old man, grunting and showing his unwelcoming attitude. The girl in rags replied with a rather shy voice; "If you can spare me some changes, sir, I would be very pleasant." She paused for moment, then looked down at her feet, which were already swollen. The old man's blacksmith was not making too much money and he was not very inclined to give his already scarce earning to the poor girl, who patiently and shyly waited in front of his gate. In order not to seem rude and greedy, the old man replied;"I am going to ask you a riddle, little friend, and if you can know the answer, I will give you a penny." The little girl was amazed because she had not been given any money for two days and the old man's promise was a hopeful event for her. She immediately replied with a yes. "Then, tell me, what is the thing which you carry all the time, even if you are dead.", the old man was being sly with this question because he knew there was no such thing which a man could carry, even in his death.The girl hesitated, then looked at the old man's prideful smile. She seemed to be struggling to find an answer. But suddenly, she spoke"One's honorable deeds, sir. Death strips everyone and everything away from one when it comes, but the honorable deeds stay with you, and by the help of them you could be remembered by those whom you had helped."

            The old man was shocked. The aside from the fact that the girl could find an answer, she also showed her wisdom and her faith in goodness. The tears came to the old man's eyes and after wiping them with an handkerchief, he invited the poor girl in, in order to offer her a hot soup and a few shillings which he saved for one week, as a token of gratitude towards the girl who had changed his life, forever, by reminding a harsh lesson on death and faith.