I did a random act of kindness almost a decade ago and I can’t stop thinking about them.

Back in 2019 I was a ride attendant at a big theme park on one of the coasters. We had to close early because of an event so we had to keep the gates to the attraction closed so no one else could get in while we cleared the line out.

While at the gate, I noticed a little kid (probably like 5 or 6) absolutely freaking out. I ended up chatting with him so he could be distracted (his family member said his aunt and uncle had gone on the ride and he didn’t like being separated).

I then asked him if he wanted to wait up at the loading platform so he could be closer and see them get on/ off. Immediately, he seems better and I lead them off to the platform.

About 10 minutes later, I see them again and I start chatting with the kid again. He was wearing a shirt with the Avengers on it, and I asked his favorite. I told him I like Spider-man and I told him some corny superhero joke and he laughed. I asked him if he was feeling better from before and I offered a hug that he accepted. At this point, his family was back from being on the ride and they’re getting the rest of their party to leave for the day.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone he was with SOBBING. I walked over to check on her and she immediately asked me for a hug (I obliged, she seemed like she needed it). And that’s when she told me something I’ll never forget:

“I’m so sorry, his (the little boy) parents died a month ago and that’s the first time he’s laughed since.”

So naturally, I too started sobbing with this woman. After they left, I had to get bumped out so I could finish crying in the break room. I still think about them. I think about how his family is doing. I still think about him. I hope and pray that he’s doing okay.