The Man, the Boy, and the Knife

Julio Diaz, a 31-year-old social worker from the Bronx, had his daily commute home interrupted one night after a young man mugged him on the 6 train platform. The teenager pulled out a knife and asked for his money. Diaz willingly obliged and gave over his wallet. As the teen was leaving, Diaz stopped him and offered his coat. “If you’re going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm,” he said.

According to Diaz, if the thief was willing to risk his freedom for a few dollars, he must really need the money. He decided to invite him to dinner at his favorite diner.  While sitting in a booth, Diaz said hello to the manager, dishwashers and waiters, prompting the teen to ask if he owned the restaurant. He didn't, but replied, “Haven’t you been taught you should be nice to everybody?”

The bill arrived after their meal. Diaz needed his wallet to pay the check, and the young man didn’t even think twice about returning it. In exchange, Diaz gave him $20 to help him out and asked for the teen’s knife.

Though the young man tried to wrong him at first, Diaz repaid his actions with kindness. Pay it forward.