In 2013, I left Spain to study alone in London. My parents had to bring up my three younger sisters and two younger brothers, so I found three part--time jobs to pay for my studies. I worked early mornings and late nights, so I was tired, really tired, all the time.
Unfortunately, I got a cold and had a very high fever. Because I had spent all my free time working since I came to London, I hardly took part in any activities and I had no friends. Besides, I was too shy to communicate with others and ask others for help. After sleeping on the sickbed for two days, I went out to get some food. Normally, I went to the supermarket, but this time I went into the Greek shop, a small comer shop, because it was closer.
I picked up some food and gave it to the shopkeeper, who asked me, "You look terrible, my boy! You are not feeling well, right?"
I said YES in a low voice.
She pointed at the salami (腊肠) and bread I was buying and offered, "I can make you a sandwich, so you don't have to do it yourself. "
I nodded without saying a word.
So, she made the sandwich and asked me to wait a moment. She went into the back room and came again with a bowl of hot soup.
It will warm you up, she said with a friendly smile.
What really warmed me up was not the soup. Her smile told me she cared about me. Her kindness reminded me of my mother.
I had been quite shy, but from that day on, I did not let shyness prevent me from communicating with and being kind to others. Four years later, I found a job in a children's hospital in Africa. I love my work and people around me. I always bring my smile and kindness to them.
