Courteous Youth

Kids whose actions are simple, decent, and courteous are just not news; but all the same, once in a while I think they should be noticed and appreciated. A short time ago, very late in the evening, our doorbell rang. We have long adopted the ugly precaution of not opening our door to strangers, so I talked through a barred window to a young woman and a young man, both of whom, words tumbling pell-mell over each other, explained that their car had broken down.

I asked if they wanted me to call the auto club for them. No, not the auto club, all they needed was water. The car had overheated. I could see it half a block above our house. A group of four or five other young people had piled out of it and stood at the curb. It was too far for my hose to reach, so I explained where the garden watering can and the water spigot were. The young woman almost wept with relief. They had already tried another house, she said, and had been shouted at and angrily turned away. (Not angrily, I was sorry to presume, just fearfully.)

In the morning we found the can neatly placed back where it belonged. And a week later we received a letter, addressed simply to our street number, with an apology for disturbing us so late and a warm thank you for the use of watering can and water.

It was signed by the young man, and from his return address I learned he was a student at Pepperdine. Whether his school or his parents taught him good manners, I congratulate them both. If he were my pupil or my son, I would be proud of him.

HILDA BOHEM

Los Angeles