On a cold December morning, the school bus was making its rounds through a quiet neighborhood, stopping at familiar corners to pick up eager children. However, as the bus continued its route, the driver, Ms. Collins, noticed something troubling. A little boy named Eni, usually cheerful and chatty, was sitting quietly, tears in his eyes.
Ms. Collins felt a wave of concern wash over her as she glanced in the large rearview mirror, confirming that his bare hands were red and freezing from the cold. The other children were engaged in conversation and laughter, oblivious to Eni’s distress. Ms. Collins knew how harsh winter could be and couldn’t let a child suffer in silence.
Making a quick decision, she pulled the bus over to the side of the road. “Everyone stay seated for a moment, please,” she announced with a calm but firm voice. Without waiting for a response, she unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out of the bus, walking directly to Eni.
“Hey, buddy,” she said softly, sitting down next to him. “Why are you so upset?”
Eni used his small voice, trembling. “I forgot my mittens at home, and my hands are freezing!” he admitted, holding them out to show her. They were icy pink, and Ms. Collins’ heart broke for him.
“Let me see if I can help you,” she said, thinking quickly. Ms. Collins always kept an extra pair of gloves in her bag for emergencies. She reached into her bag and pulled out a warm pair of knitted gloves. “Here, put these on. They should help you warm up!”