Good Samaritan
I've never minded helping people out, especially neighbors. A week or so ago I was on my way to the bank and I heard someone say something like "Are you taking me to the bank?" It was a young lady of color, and I thought she was talking to me. The convergence of the question with the fact that it matched my intended destination, made me think I must be mistaken so I ignored her. The other afternoon I was walking to my car and the same girl demanded a ride to AutoZone. I wasn't in a particular hurry so I acquiesced. Then, as these things always go there's a catch. We just had to take her battery. I was hoping it was already disconnected but of course it was not. I'm not a mechanic, I warned. It would require tools. Soon I was fetching a crescent wrench and a pair of pliers from the apartment. I was trying to be unruffled. After two bolts into the job (there was some metal bar over the battery) I was unable to actually remove the battery. That's why I'm a member of AAA. She of course was arguing with AutoZone on her cell phone -- some problem. By the grace of God she let me off the hook. She called me "Buddy" and thanked me for being willing to help a stranger.

Yesterday afternoon I was in the parking lot again and the same girl called out to me. I asked if she had gotten a new battery, assuming so since the car was in a different spot. She said something like "Yeah, as soon as you give me a jump..." I told her I didn't know how to jump a car, which is more or less true. Sure, I've done it but it always seems risky, and I knew she would be no help. I also told her I didn't have jumper cables. I think there's some around here, but I couldn't lay my hands on them at the moment. She just turned away without a word.