Arrogant student slapped an old woman unaware who she was until something unexpected happened to her

Joy sighed and looked at her. “Tracy, there is nothing wrong in helping people.”

“You are too soft,” Tracy snapped. “Try to be hard a little. If you are too soft, people will use you and throw you away.”

They kept walking.

Then Tracy suddenly changed the subject. “By the way, some big city boys are coming to the village tomorrow. They’re hosting a big party at night. Music, drinks, everything. All the fine girls will be there. Will you go with me?”

Joy’s eyes widened immediately. “Never. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be at home reading my books.”

“Books?” Tracy repeated with disgust. “Joy, are you serious?”

“Yes. I want to finish school. Well.”

“I’m not doing night party,” Tracy hissed. “You are really a local village girl. A village girl who doesn’t know anything about enjoyment.”

Joy replied softly but firmly, “Enjoyment is not everything, Tracy. Not everybody wants that kind of life.”

Tracy rolled her eyes and increased her speed. “Stay with your books. When you see people progressing, don’t cry.”

Joy stayed quiet, but inside she felt that familiar pain again—the pain of being mocked for being different. Still, she told herself: I will not change my heart because someone wants to shame me.

At break time in school, Tracy came to where Joy was standing near the classroom corridor.

“Joy, they didn’t call your name this morning on the assembly ground for unpaid school fees. How come? Have you paid your fees?”

Joy nodded. “Yes.”

Tracy’s mouth opened in shock. “How? Your aunt finally gave you the money?”

Joy’s eyes changed. “Tracy, please don’t insult her.”

Tracy waved her hand. “Whatever.”

Just then, a junior student passed by slowly. He looked sad.

“Good afternoon, seniors,” he greeted politely.

Joy noticed his face immediately. “Hey, why are you sad? You are always cheerful. What happened?”

The boy stopped. His eyes looked tired. “Senior Joy, my mother is sick. She has been in the hospital since yesterday, and I have not paid my school fees too. They said they will send me home tomorrow.”

Joy’s heart tightened. She did not think twice.

“Don’t worry. Tomorrow morning I will pay your school fees. And come to my house this evening. I will give you money for your mother’s hospital bills.”

The boy’s face lit up at once. “Thank you, Senior Joy. God bless you!”

He almost bowed in gratitude, then hurried away smiling for the first time.

The moment he left, Tracy stepped closer with a strange look on her face.

“Wait a minute. Joy, is there something you are not telling me?”