A week later, we received a letter and a gift in the mail — a generous check for Eli’s future, thanking him for showing kindness without expecting anything. We didn’t tell Eli the amount; instead, we opened a savings account for him. When I explained it was for when he grows up, he simply smiled. To him, the most special part was still the tiny toy car sitting on his shelf, and the memory of helping someone who looked tired.

Later, Eli drew another picture — this time of the red car next to the toy car — writing, “When I grow up, I want to be kind too.” That’s when I realized the true gift wasn’t the money at all. It was the reminder that kindness has power, even in the smallest moments. And as Eli asked if we had more cups to share with future delivery workers, I smiled. Because his heart — generous, simple, and sincere — was already richer than anything money could buy.