She froze. Her mouth opened. Her hands began to shake.
Papa J., she said holding her chest. But this man didn’t look like the poor man who used to sit beside her shop. His hair was neat.
His face was fresh. He wore a white shirt with gold buttons. A shiny wristwatch was on his wrist.
He was still sitting in a wheelchair, but it looked different, clean and polished. He didn’t look weak or tired. He looked calm and powerful.
He gave her a slow smile. Esther, he said softly. Come in.
Esther couldn’t move at first. Her heart was beating fast. She looked at him again.
Papa J., is this really you? She asked. The man looked into her eyes. Yes, Esther, it’s me.
He pointed to the chair across from him. Please sit, he said kindly. Esther slowly sat down, still looking at him like she was dreaming.
My name is not Papa J., he said gently. Esther blinked. It’s not? He nodded.
My real name is Chief George. I am a billionaire. Esther put both hands on her lap.
She stared at him, shocked. A billionaire? She asked in a low voice. Chief George nodded.
Yes, I own many companies. I have built houses, schools and hospitals. I’ve made a lot of money over the years.
Esther looked confused. But why did you pretend to be poor? He smiled again, but this time his eyes looked serious. I wanted to see the real heart of people.
I got tired of people helping only when they think someone is watching. I wanted to meet someone who helps just because it’s the right thing to do. Esther’s eyes became wet.
You gave me food, he continued. You gave it with joy. You never asked me for anything.
You didn’t laugh at me or walk away. He looked at her kindly. That is why you are here.
Every year, I choose ten people who show true kindness. I help them become millionaires. Because people like you can help others too.
Esther was still in shock, thinking about all that Chief Jasper had told her. Chief George gave a small smile. Then slowly, he placed both hands on the arms of the wheelchair.
Esther leaned forward watching him. And then he stood up. Her eyes opened wide.
Her mouth fell open. You, you can walk? She asked in shock. Chief George nodded.
Yes, he said softly. I can walk. Esther leaned back, still looking at him like she had seen a ghost.
But why sit in a wheelchair all this time? She asked. He looked into her eyes and replied. I wanted to see if anyone would still care for me.
Even when I looked broken. I wanted to know who had a good heart. Esther’s lips began to shake.
Her eyes became wet. A tear dropped. She said in a low voice.
I didn’t help you because I wanted anything. I didn’t know you were rich. I just, I just felt it was the right thing to do.
Chief George smiled again and walked closer. That’s exactly why I chose you, he said. Chief George stood quietly for a moment, looking at Esther with kind eyes.
Then he said, Esther, follow me. There is a place I want to show you. She looked up, surprised.
A place? Yes, he said with a smile. I want to show you something. It’s part of your reward.
You have a good heart. And people like you deserve good things. Esther stood up slowly.
Okay, she said, her voice calm but unsure. Chief George turned and opened the door. Esther followed him.
The hallway was quiet. Two men in black suits were already waiting outside the door. They nodded at Chief George and walked behind them.
Esther looked around. Everything still felt like a dream. When they stepped outside, her mouth opened wide.
Five big black SUVs were lined up in the car park. They looked shiny like mirrors. Big men in black suits stood beside each one.
Chief George walked straight to the first car. One of the men opened the door for him. Esther stood still, shocked.
Chief George looked back and smiled. Come in, Esther. She took a deep breath and slowly entered the car.
As soon as the door closed, the other cars followed behind. The convoy of five SUVs moved out of the hotel gate like something out of a movie. Esther sat quietly, her heart beating fast.
Where was he taking her? And what was he about to show her? The cars moved slowly through the city. Esther sat beside Chief George looking out the window. She saw busy people walking, shops open, buses moving.
But her mind was full of questions. Where were they going? After about 30 minutes, the cars turned into a clean, quiet road. The buildings here looked new and fine.
Glass walls, shining signboards, fresh paint everywhere. Then the cars stopped. Chief George opened the door and stepped out.
A guard quickly opened Esther’s door too. Come, Chief George said smiling. Then her eyes stopped.
Right in front of her was a very big and beautiful building. It was not just a shop. It was a multimillionaire luxury restaurant, the kind of place where only rich people come to eat.
It stood alone, wide and tall, with glass windows that stretched from top to bottom. The walls were white and smooth like marble. The doors had shiny gold handles.
There were flowers at the entrance. Esther’s mouth opened. She had never seen anything like this in her life.
But what shocked her the most was the signboard. It said, Esther’s Place, Home of Sweet Meals. Esther took a step back.