When my son Ben came home one night, he looked upset. He slouched on the couch with his hands still wet from washing a car.
“Hey, what’s up?” He didn’t answer right away when I asked. “Mom, Mr Peterson didn’t pay me to wash his car,” he finally said after a moment.
I was shocked. It had been a month since Ben washed our neighbor’s car, and he was expected to get $50 each time. Now, though, Mr. Peterson wasn’t going to pay him because the car wasn’t “spotless.”
I asked Ben how much money he owed me. That’s how much he said: $200.
I used my own money to give Ben the money, but I wasn’t going to let Mr. Peterson get away with it.
When I went outside in the morning, Mr. Peterson was cleaning his car. Dear Mr. Peterson, good morning! I said with a smile.
He gave a smug smile. “Good morning, Irene.” “What can I do for you?”
“I wanted to talk about how much Ben paid to wash your car.” “He said you weren’t happy with his work,” I said in a friendly way.
He put his arms across his chest. “Yeah, I didn’t think it was worth the money.” The car wasn’t streak-free.
I gave a calm smile. «Ben told me you said you’d pay him $50 per wash, and I have proof. I have pictures of the car after every wash.
Mr. Peterson’s smile went away. “Pictures?”
I said again, “Yes, pictures.” “I’ll talk to my lawyer if you don’t pay him.”
His face turned pale, and he gave me the money right away.
Ben was very happy when I gave him the money. His words were, “You did it!”
I was proud to say, “No one cheats on my son.”
When we were having lunch later, Ben saw a sign at an ice cream shop that said “Help Wanted.” “Mom, what do you think?” What should I do? He asked.
I smiled. “Do it.” Don’t forget that you can call us if you need help.
