The Caretaker
There was an old man who was lame and walked with a limp. He worked as a caretaker in a village school. The children in the school used to tease him because of his limp.
When the principal of the school learnt of the children’s mischief, he decided to call for an assembly. At the assembly, he told them this story.
“Thirty years ago, a flood struck this village. The people had to leave their homes to seek shelter on higher ground. It was a terrible sight. Houses were swept away and everything was destroyed. Many people were shouting and crying in confusion. They were terrified. However, there was a calm and brave young man who was helping others to escape. Amidst the confusion, this young man heard a girl screaming for help. She was being swept away by the floodwater. Without hesitation, the young man dived into the muddy water to save her from drowning. However, as he was getting out of the water, a huge log fell on his leg. He broke his leg and became lame. This brave man is none other than your caretaker.”
The children realized how cruel they had been. The old caretaker was a brave man. They promised they would not tease him anymore. Instead, they made friends with him. They had come to respect and admire the caretaker for his brave actions.
