For context I am in my early 40s.
When I was 18ish, I was running for a bus. I missed it by the most narrow of margins. (Also, the bus driver was kind of a dick for not sticking around when it was pretty obvious… regardless…)
As it just so happened, there was a taxi a couple cars behind that bus that saw me running for it and it driving away.
That taxi driver waved me in with nary a word, drove me a stop or two in front of the bus, and without charging me, dropped me off so I could catch the bus. (To be clear this was in an area where the bus route was LONG and the taxi driver obviously knew it’d be an hour or so before the next one.)
Ever since that day, for over two decades now, that random act of kindness has stuck in my mind. We literally never said a word beyond my panicked “THANKS” as I ran out at the end. No names, nothing, just wild gesticulations and gratitude.
Love to hear some more.
There have been several. I think mostly all little things. Someone not making you fish for the last bit of change for a purchase. An rare cup of coffee. One somewhat recent one was I went to grab food at an ethnic restaurant. Real basic place, not a chain. After I’d ordered and they were handing me the food to go, I realized I’d left my debit card behind. I only had $5 on me. He must’ve seen the surprise on my face. Dude behind the counter was “Just take the food, don’t worry about it.” I was really surprised. I tried to refuse the food, it wasn’t like I couldn’t find some cash, but he insisted. So I gave plenty of thanks, took the food, and made myself a promise that I’d pay it back and then some if I could. Funny thing, I used to go to the city the restaurant was in probably every other month or so for work. Never been back for years.
Edit: Just took a quick look and it looks like the place is closed. Shit. Really wanted to pay the guy back.