On our way home from the mall with my family, I argued with my husband that we have to get a gas for the car since I want to keep a good impression for my brother every time we borrow his car. Ernel hesitated since there's a little gas left, but I insisted because I don't want to abuse my brother's kindness. After all, I just scraped his car last June and haven't paid the damage yet. Even though he said that I don't have to pay, I insisted.
When we arrived at the gasoline station near our place, we noticed a queue of cars waiting to be pumped and some waiting for their change. We only saw1 gasoline boy doing all the job. We waited patiently, but he hurried towards us and asked how much and what we want. I said, "Diesel, 200php". Then he replied "Blaze?". I repeated, "Diesel" and thought he finally got it.
It was too late when we noticed that he put 3 liters of Blaze which is a gasoline and would damage the sensitive emissions control components and system of the car (I just learned that fact today, by the way). The fuel tank has DIESEL written on it and he was reprimanded for not reading that.
Good thing I asked what would happen to the car, and the gasoline boy was honest about it. He apologized profusely and I felt terrible for him because he was a mess, probably too tired, I can see it on his face, which was turning to pale. I told him it's okay but we need the car fixed as soon as possible. He then talked to some people he was working with, and they came to us. Probably the first two were the mechanics who were ready to go home. The first mechanic suggested that we load the car with 1000 peso worth of diesel to dilute the gasoline, but I was skeptic about the idea, and he looked suspicious. I insisted to drain the car since it was near empty. They kept insisting to load it with more diesel because it will be difficult to drain. He didn't know it wasn't our fault yet. So I explained what happened and decided to call someone for an advice. That's when they hurried to get the tools for draining the car.
First, I asked Ernel to call his dad, because I do not want to disappoint Steven again, besides, he's at work with his patients and I know how stress can easily piss you off, but Ernel's dad can't be reached. We had no choice since I don't know anybody else who knows about cars other than my big brothers.
I dialed Steven's number but he was not answering it for the first 2 calls. I dialed kuya Jun's number and had Ernel to continue calling Steven. We both got them at same time. Both brothers told us to have the car drained and finally, we decided on it.
We watched them draining and at the same time, their security guard was talking to us while smoking. Yeah, I know, so much for safety caution. He told us that the gasoline boy's wage is 100 per day and felt bad for him because the company will take the amount of damage from his wage. Then the second mechanic said that the gasoline boy (I'm sorry I didn't get his name) made the same mistake before, not too long ago. The gasoline boy will pay the 7 liters that we already had, which is 339.50php. Not bad , right? But for that guy, it's worth his 3 days wage.
We all make mistakes. Some people are lucky to get away with it, some are unfortunate that they have to pay and suffer for it. Life is hard and unfair for some. Life is good and easy for others. I say count your blessing and learn to forgive. Do good things despite the bad things every one else is doing. Be kind all the time. Your nice words will make somebody feel better.
Mistakes help us become a better person. I just hope the gasoline boy won't make the same mistake again. I pray for more blessings in his life. Growing up in a family where there is no room for mistake, I can totally relate with him and probably at what he felt at that time. He must've felt like shit.
When we arrived at the gasoline station near our place, we noticed a queue of cars waiting to be pumped and some waiting for their change. We only saw1 gasoline boy doing all the job. We waited patiently, but he hurried towards us and asked how much and what we want. I said, "Diesel, 200php". Then he replied "Blaze?". I repeated, "Diesel" and thought he finally got it.
It was too late when we noticed that he put 3 liters of Blaze which is a gasoline and would damage the sensitive emissions control components and system of the car (I just learned that fact today, by the way). The fuel tank has DIESEL written on it and he was reprimanded for not reading that.
Good thing I asked what would happen to the car, and the gasoline boy was honest about it. He apologized profusely and I felt terrible for him because he was a mess, probably too tired, I can see it on his face, which was turning to pale. I told him it's okay but we need the car fixed as soon as possible. He then talked to some people he was working with, and they came to us. Probably the first two were the mechanics who were ready to go home. The first mechanic suggested that we load the car with 1000 peso worth of diesel to dilute the gasoline, but I was skeptic about the idea, and he looked suspicious. I insisted to drain the car since it was near empty. They kept insisting to load it with more diesel because it will be difficult to drain. He didn't know it wasn't our fault yet. So I explained what happened and decided to call someone for an advice. That's when they hurried to get the tools for draining the car.
First, I asked Ernel to call his dad, because I do not want to disappoint Steven again, besides, he's at work with his patients and I know how stress can easily piss you off, but Ernel's dad can't be reached. We had no choice since I don't know anybody else who knows about cars other than my big brothers.
I dialed Steven's number but he was not answering it for the first 2 calls. I dialed kuya Jun's number and had Ernel to continue calling Steven. We both got them at same time. Both brothers told us to have the car drained and finally, we decided on it.
We watched them draining and at the same time, their security guard was talking to us while smoking. Yeah, I know, so much for safety caution. He told us that the gasoline boy's wage is 100 per day and felt bad for him because the company will take the amount of damage from his wage. Then the second mechanic said that the gasoline boy (I'm sorry I didn't get his name) made the same mistake before, not too long ago. The gasoline boy will pay the 7 liters that we already had, which is 339.50php. Not bad , right? But for that guy, it's worth his 3 days wage.
We all make mistakes. Some people are lucky to get away with it, some are unfortunate that they have to pay and suffer for it. Life is hard and unfair for some. Life is good and easy for others. I say count your blessing and learn to forgive. Do good things despite the bad things every one else is doing. Be kind all the time. Your nice words will make somebody feel better.
Mistakes help us become a better person. I just hope the gasoline boy won't make the same mistake again. I pray for more blessings in his life. Growing up in a family where there is no room for mistake, I can totally relate with him and probably at what he felt at that time. He must've felt like shit.
nice story.. that was well written. I feel sorry for the gas boy and if I were in this situation i would be pissed off too. good thing they were able to fix it.. i would have bitched like hell
ReplyDeleteIf you've seen how terrible he looked like, you wouldn't be mad at him and feel sorry for him instead. I'm proud of myself for behaving like a lady that night. hehe
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