Ben was baffled when his daughter kept bringing home tardy slips despite leaving early each morning. When he called her teacher, Mrs. Flynn confirmed she’d already received five in a week. “Strangely,” she added, “I once saw her get off the bus later than the other kids. Only the driver remains after drop-off—maybe he knows more.”
Uneasy, Ben decided to see for himself. The next morning, he stood near the stop, watching closely as the bus pulled in. Every child rushed out—except his daughter. His heart raced as seconds dragged on. Finally, unable to wait, he climbed aboard. What he found left him both relieved and shaken: his daughter had been quietly helping the elderly bus driver gather dropped items and tidy the bus before stepping off.
Her kind heart explained the tardiness, but Ben realized something deeper too—sometimes what looks suspicious is just compassion in disguise. He hugged his daughter tightly, proud of her thoughtfulness, and promised to speak with the school so she wouldn’t be punished for her small act of kindness.
