In life, there are moments when people display the radiant side of human nature, often leaving a deep, touching impression. These individuals don’t have to be significant figures or perform great deeds of courage to have a significant impact.
A medal of honor for courage
It was a few weeks before Christmas in 1917, amidst the stark winter landscape of war-torn Europe, that World War I raged on. German soldiers held their entrenched positions, facing off against the Americans across a narrow no-man’s-land. Amidst ceaseless gunfire and artillery, a young German soldier, wounded and desperate, attempted to crawl across the barren expanse. Tragically entangled in barbed wire, he cried out in agonizing pain, a poignant symbol of the harsh realities of war.
Amidst the gunfire, nearby American soldiers could hear his screams. No longer able to bear it, an American soldier climbed out of his trench, crawling toward the German soldier. Once the other Americans realized his intention, they stopped shooting, but the Germans continued until an officer understood what was happening and ordered a ceasefire.
Suddenly, there was an eerie silence in the no-man’s-land. The young American soldier reached the German soldier, freed him from the barbed wire, and helped him back to the German trenches, handing him over to his comrades. Then, he turned to leave.
Unexpectedly, a hand landed on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw a German officer decorated with the Iron Cross — the highest mark of bravery in the German army — who pulled off his medal and pinned it on the American soldier before letting him return to his own lines. The senseless warfare resumed once the American soldier safely returned to his trench.
An apology
A few years ago, my wife and I went to a friend’s house in New York City for dinner. It was raining and snowing heavily, and we hurried toward our friend’s yard. I saw a car pulling out from the curb, with another vehicle waiting to back into the vacant spot — a rare and precious find in crowded Manhattan. However, another car swiftly moved in from behind before the car could back in and took the spot. “How rude!” I thought. My wife entered our friend’s house, but I returned to the street, ready to confront the person who took the spot.
“Hey!” I said. “That spot was for the other guy,” I gestured toward the car that had been waiting. The person who took the spot glared at me in anger. But I felt I was standing up for justice and wasn’t intimidated by his hostile demeanor.
“Mind your own business!” he said. “No,” I replied, “You know, that guy was waiting for that spot.” Our disagreement quickly escalated. Unexpectedly, the man, relying on his larger build, threw a punch, knocking me against his car. This was followed by two more slaps. Knowing I was no match for him, I hoped the driver of the waiting vehicle would come to my aid. To my dismay, he drove off after witnessing the scene.
After teaching me a lesson, the man who took the spot left. I wiped the blood from my face and resentfully returned to my friend’s house. Being a former Marine, I felt deeply humiliated. My wife and friends saw my sullen face and asked what happened. I could only say that I had a dispute over a parking spot. They knew there was more to the story, but didn’t press further.
Soon, the doorbell rang again. My fear surged; had the man returned, knowing my whereabouts and intent on following through with his threats? Anxious about the possibility of him causing a scene at my friend’s house, I hurried to answer the door. There he stood, confirming my worst fears, his presence sending my heart into a frantic rhythm.
“I’m here to apologize,” he said quietly. “I went home and asked myself what right I had to do such a thing. I feel ashamed. All I can tell you is that the Brooklyn Navy Yard is closing. I’ve worked there for years and was laid off today. I lost my mind and behaved irrationally. I hope you will accept my apology.”
Though many years have passed, the memory of the man who took the parking spot remains vivid. His decision to come specifically to apologize required immense strength and courage. At that moment, I once again saw the brilliance and goodness of human nature. Tears streamed down my face as he said goodbye.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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