Holden and his friends dropped the paint can onto the basketball court. They were only going to prank one of their friends. As his friends ran away, Holden ran too. Later, when he was passing over the basketball court, he saw the janitor cleaning the floor while principal was screaming.
“We have the prep rally tomorrow, and scouts from all over the country are coming! This needs to come out immediately!”
“Yes, Mr. Figgins. I’ll make sure it’s ready for tomorrow,” the old janitor said.
Holden felt devastated. The old man was struggling for their fault. He then found a rag and rushed towards the janitor and started to scrub without saying anything.
The old man asked if he was responsible with this, and Holden revealed the whole truth. Old janitor Fred promised that he will not tell anyone, but he needed help with the court.
Then Holden asked why Fred was still working as he was an old man. Fred revealed that he was paying mortgage. He told Holden that he bought a house to his daughter, and that was the reason behind his career as a janitor, at the age of 76.
Sadly, his daughter passed away in a car crash, and now he was paying the mortgage alone. Holden said that he was sorry to hear that.
Then Holden promised that he will help him to pay the mortgage. Fred laughed, and he appreciated it.
Few days later, Holden talked with his mother and revealed what he did at school. He then told the story of Fred, and asked that if they can do anything.
Then Holden started to mow the lawn of neighbourhood to raise money for Fred. But it would take years. Holden needed a quick solution. So he decided to open a crowdfunding for Fred, where he took pictures of him and shared his story online.
In half a week, the money Fred needed was raised. Holden’s mother talked with the school principal and there was a special ceremony was held by the school.
In there, Holden apologized, and he revealed that Fred’s mortgage was paid and that he can retire now since he was working for too long.
As Fred cried and thanked, he had visited Holden a lot, as Holden spent time where he helped him with house chores occasionally.
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