An eight-year-old youngster freed a child from a locked car, forcing him to be late for class and get punished, but then something unexpected happened .

The eight-year-old child was racing down the street, rushing to school. He was late for math class and was already picturing how the teacher, with her severe expression, would scold him again, either for being late or for providing an unclear response. He couldn’t handle the humiliation. On top of that, the elevator didn’t work today, so he arrived even later.

“She’s about to yell again…” “I’m lazy again,” he thought as he rapidly crossed the street.

Suddenly, his eyes fell on a gray car parked by the roadside. In the passenger seat sat a small child, about the same age as his brother. The child was crying, pounding on the glass with his fists, and calling for help in a hoarse voice. His cheeks were red, and his breathing was uneven. Inside the car, it was obviously sweltering. Around him, there wasn’t a single adult.

The boy froze. Two emotions battled within him: fear of being late for an important class and horror for the young boy, who was visibly deteriorating. He reflected on his brother: “What if it was my brother and no one helped him?”

Without hesitation, he took a huge stone from the ground and smashed it against the glass with all of his strength. The glass cracked, and the alarm sounded. He reached inside and gently took the weeping youngster out.

Minutes later, the child’s mother came running up. Her face was filled with sorrow and fear. The boy swiftly described what had transpired. The mom, hugging her son close, praised him repeatedly.

He simply sighed, wiping his hands on his shirt, and went on to school. On the way, he was just thinking about what to say to the teacher.

As expected, the teacher welcomed him with tremendous indignation:

— I’m late again! How many times has this happened! I’m calling your parents to school!

“But I…” he started, but the words became stuck in his throat.

— I don’t care what you were doing out there. How many times have I told you not to be late for my class? Sit down, and tomorrow I expect you with your parents.

The youngster sat in his seat, but then something unexpected happened 

Suddenly, the classroom door opened. The woman from the street entered, accompanied by the school principal. The woman spoke loudly in front of the whole class.

— This boy saved my son’s life today. I wanted everyone to know what a brave and intelligent guy you are. Not all of your peers could have done something like this.

The class fell silent. The teacher, confused, was speechless. The principal approached the boy and handed him a small box. Inside was an e-book.

The principal remarked, “You did the right thing.” — We’re all proud of you.

The teacher, pale, looked at the youngster and quietly said:

— I apologize. I did not know…

The boy wanted to say something, but he was in a good mood.

He learnt that even the toughest criticisms from teachers are meaningless if you have accomplished something truly significant. Sometimes good deeds are more essential than learning; the ultimate goal is to be a nice person.