It’s been almost a year since I lost my grandma.

I am writing this anecdote so as not to forget an incident that taught me a good lesson. It happened one night when I was living with her.

On the eve of my trip to Okinawa, a beach resort in southern part of Japan. I was going there with a group of friends. I have been looking forward to this trip so much. It was already late, and I was still busy packing. 

Then, grandma knocked on the door of my room. I was really annoyed, because my flight was scheduled early the next morning.

“Yes, grandma?” I opened the door and asked curtly.

“Uh, Chiyo, can I ask you a favor?” She seemed to hesitate.

“What do you want?” I tried not to sound too irritated.

“Uh, can you go to the bank and withdraw some money for me tomorrow morning?” 

I got really pissed off. Tomorrow?! I had to leave early, but I guess I could run to a nearby ATM. Nah, too much work. Not in the morning of the departure. I made a customer-service expert face.

“No, grandma, sorry, I can’t. I have to leave early tomorrow and I don’t have time.”

“I see. Oh, well. Never mind.” And she closed the door.

I resumed packing, but soon I started to feel guilty. I may have been too blunt with her. Even though I was unwilling to help, I could have been a little nicer to her, couldn’t I? But why does she need money that urgently anyway?

I walked out my room and went to grandma. She was watching TV as usual, as if nothing had happened.

“Hey, grandma…” I said. She muted the TV and looked at me.

“I’m sorry that I refused to help you out just then.” I apologized.

“Oh, no worries. You are busy, I understand. Never mind.” She smiled.

“Yeah, but I may be able to help. How much money do you need? I can lend you some.” I said.

Then she started to laugh.

“Oh, no, no…. I don’t need money. ”

She hesitated for a moment.

“The reason why I asked you to go to the bank was… because I wanted to give YOU some money. I knew you were going to go on a trip with your friends and I thought it would be nice if you had some extra cash. But unfortunately, I don’t have much left in my purse. That’s why I had to ask you.”

I was dumbfounded and started to laugh with embarrassment.

“Uh… I see. I’m so sorry. I mean, shoot.”

Grandma smiled savoring the moment.

“But, don’t worry. I’ll give you some money when you come back.”

I promised her some nice souvenirs. And then we both had a good laugh.

Lessons learned: Always be nice to people, especially your parents and grandparents. You’ll never know, they may be thinking of giving you some money.