This story was submitted as part of “Good People Good Deeds” English Writing Competition 2025-26, hosted by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals. The theme is to write stories about universal moral values including dignity, kindness, respect, impartiality and the spirit of humanity.

Luna was relaxing with her lunch while savouring the view through the window. Moonbird Restaurant was quiet and silent. Since there were only the waiters and waitresses, an old lady and a few men on their computers, Luna, who always adored the calmness in the morning, sighed with satisfaction. But suddenly, a loud shriek alarmed everyone.

“MY WALLET!”

Everyone’s head turned towards the lady, the speaker, and noticed she was at the cashier, once again searching in her bag. Panicking, she toppled over her make up tools, tissues, and her phone from her bag. She cried pitifully, “Oh bother! I lost my wallet! It’s gone!” She groaned.

The waiter asked, “You don’t have other ways to pay? Cash, Octopus—”

“They’re all in my precious wallet!” The old lady interrupted, feeling utterly worried.

Luna stared at the old lady as she paced around Moonbird Restaurant. She searched the tables, under the chairs, and the cement floor. Luna even checked under her table and looked around from her seat too, but still no luck. The old lady panicked anxiously, not sure what to do.

Not resisting anymore, Luna rose to her feet, faced the waiters, and asked, “Couldn’t you just let her go for once?”

“According to company policy, customers have to pay after eating. And it is very obvious, isn’t it? If you don’t pay for your meal, I will call the police.” One of the waiters replied, while the others agreed.

Luna was disappointed by his apathy, even though it was true. She looked at the lady, noticing her trembling lips. She was continuing to dig into her bag, while looking around, frowning. Luna was feeling more and more sorry for the lady as the time ticked.

She sighed, confident about her decision. She took her wallet out from her pocket. When she walked forward to the lady’s table, the men who were typing computers looked at her with confusion. She snatched the receipt from the table, scanning it immediately. Seeing Luna’s action, the lady stared at her with bewilderment.

Puzzled, she tapped at Luna’s shoulder, and asked, “Um…what exactly are you doing?”

Luna didn’t reply, but gave her a warm smile.

She looked at the waiter, and said hastily, “Here. Three hundred dollars. Her check, right?”

She handed out the cash to the cashier, pushing it forward. Stunned, the lady quickly rejected, “No, dear. Keep the money. I don’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s no trouble, miss. It’s alright. Everyone in the community’s duty is to help people.” smiled Luna, as she gave the cash to the waiter and he swiftly received it.

The waiter had gone back to work when the lady gasped, “How can I ever repay you? What about you giving me your number so I could repay you?”

But Luna shook her head, and chuckled, “If people—even strangers—could help each other more often, the whole community would be lovelier.”

The lady sighed and stated, “Such good people, such good deeds.”

Anyone Can Do Good Deeds