The Man Who Sells Umbrellas

Every morning, Sam walks to the station. He passes a small shop on Bridge Street. An old man sits outside. He sells umbrellas.

Sam never stops. He is always late for work. The old man smiles and says, "Rain today?" Sam just shakes his head.

One Tuesday, dark clouds cover the sky. Sam's train is late. He waits on the cold platform. Then the rain starts. It is very heavy.

Sam has no umbrella. He gets very wet. He runs back to the shop. The old man gives him a big black umbrella.

"How much?" Sam asks. The old man smiles. "No money today. Just bring it back tomorrow."

Sam is surprised. "You don't know me. Why do you trust me?" The old man laughs. "I see you every day. You always look worried. But you never forget to say hello."

Sam takes the umbrella. On the train, he thinks about the old man. The man sees many people. He remembers every face.

Every morning after that, Sam stops. He says hello. Sometimes he buys a coffee for the old man. They talk about the weather and the city.

Sam still works hard. He still feels tired. But now he has a friend on Bridge Street. And that makes the long days feel shorter.