Man Mocks Colleague for His Race, Faces Immediate Karma — Story of the Day

Steve directs his every racist action toward belittling Ray, a man who desires to live peacefully and justly, regardless of his skin color. Steve intends to ruin Ray's life and seize his job. One fateful day, after another of his disgraceful acts, Steve receives a lesson he will remember for the rest of his days.

Two police officers knocked at the door, and the sound echoed slightly in the quiet neighborhood before Steve opened the door. Clumsily maneuvering an old wheelchair, he wheeled himself forward to greet them.

"Steve, we need to discuss some serious matters with you," Officer Daniels began.

The officers entered, and Steve reluctantly motioned them to sit. Ray, Steve's dark-skinned colleague whom he had unsuccessfully tried to undermine and mocked for his race, remained standing by the doorway.

"We have an audio recording with remarks you made, which are not only inappropriate but are also being considered in the investigation of your car accident," Officer Jenkins added, holding out a digital recorder for Steve to hear.

The audio was clear, Steve's words harsh and unmistakable. The recording had been made just five minutes before during Ray's conversation with Steve. Unbeknownst to Steve, Ray had discreetly placed an activated voice recorder with a live feed to the police in the gifted book, capturing every word.

Steve's eyes darted from the recorder to Ray, "That was just a joke."

"Moreover, Mr. Steve, we heard the footsteps of two people in the recording. It's time to stop hiding behind lies," Officer Daniels said, referencing the falsified hospital discharge summary attached to the case file.

Reluctantly, Steve took the pen offered by Jenkins and signed the police report. As the officers prepared to leave, Steve positioned himself by the door, his frustration boiling over. He looked directly at Ray, who had not spoken a word during the visit.

"This isn't over, Ray," Steve began, his voice seething with barely contained anger. "You need to understand that this isn't your country, finally. A black guy like you should know their place."

Ray's voice was firm, "Steve, those words don't scare me. They show who you are."

Steve scoffed, "You think because you got the cops to listen this time, things will change? Think again. This isn't the end of it."

"It might not be the end, Steve, but your hatred doesn't define this place. We're all part of this country, whether you like it or not."As he turned to follow the officers out, the door closed softly, leaving Steve with his thoughts.

***

The following day, Ray and his family celebrated his wife Charlie's birthday. The guests mingled around the barbecue, where Ray, busy with grilling duties, flipped burgers and sausages with practiced ease.

Unexpectedly, Steve arrived, walking confidently through the gate, no longer using the wheelchair that he had previously claimed to need. His entrance caught Ray by surprise.

Unaware of the recent tensions between Ray and Steve, Charlie greeted him with a warm smile.

“Steve! What a surprise! I didn’t know Ray invited you,” she said, ushering him with genuine hospitality into the party's heart.

Steve’s charm was palpable, his laughter a bit too loud, his smiles too bright.

“Ray, you’ve got quite the setup here! How’s everything going?” he asked, leaning casually against the table near the grill.

Ray forced a smile, his hands steady on the grill despite the knot of unease in his stomach.

“Good, good. Just enjoying the day, you know?” he replied, keeping his tone light.

As Charlie returned to the grill with a plate of fresh veggies, Steve’s attention shifted to her.

“So, Charlie, Ray tells me you guys are planning some big moves?” he inquired, his voice smooth and interested.

Charlie, beaming with excitement, nodded enthusiastically.

“Yes, we’ve been saving up. It’s still early days, but we’re hoping to buy a house by next year. It’s going to be a big step for us!”

Ray watched the exchange; his smile was fixed, but his eyes were alert. Every muscle was tensed as if expecting a strike at any moment.

Yet, to everyone else, Steve was the epitome of kindness and charm that evening. He complimented the food, joked with the guests, and played games with the children, his demeanor impeccably friendly.

Inside, Ray’s thoughts churned.

Why was Steve here? Was this an act of genuine goodwill or something more sinister?

Despite these worries, he maintained his composure, not wanting to cast a shadow over Charlie’s special day.

The party gradually wound down as the sun set, and guests began to say their goodbyes, full of praise for the wonderful celebration. Steve prepared to leave, too, offering Ray a handshake.

“Thanks for having me, Ray. Great party,” Steve said, looking him in the eyes.

Ray nodded, “Glad you could make it.”

***

That night, Ray couldn’t shake off a feeling of unease that had settled over him since Steve's unannounced visit. He decided to trust his instincts and turned on his computer to review the security footage.

As the video played, Ray observed how Steve, pretending to head to the restroom, instead slipped into the bedroom to search for hidden money that Ray and Charlie hoped would soon be used as payment for their dream home.

The footage was clear: Steve glanced around to ensure he was alone before opening the cabinet and swiftly pocketing the money.

A wave of shock and betrayal surged through Ray as he watched, "How could he? After everything..."

Just as Ray reached for his phone to call the police, it rang. It was his boss. The voice on the other end was grave.

"Ray, there’s been an accident. It’s Steve... he won’t be able to come in tomorrow. Can you cover his shift?"

Ray paused, processing the news, "Yes, of course, I’ll be there," he managed to say.

He hung up and sat back, a heavy sigh escaping him. The realization hit him—Steve had likely been drunk when he left the party. Ray's anger mixed with a reluctant concern for his colleague's well-being.

Despite the turmoil inside him, Ray decided to keep this discovery from Charlie. She didn’t need the stress, not after such a beautiful day.

"Tomorrow," he whispered into the quiet room, "I’ll figure out what to do about Steve." He switched off the computer, and the image of Steve rifling through their savings burned into his mind. It was going to be a long night.

***

The morning after the party, Ray drove to the hospital. Walking through the hospital's corridors, he rehearsed what he would say to the police. But first, he needed to see Steve to understand the full scope of last night's consequences.

He found Steve’s room and entered quietly. The sight that greeted him was jarring. Steve lay on the hospital bed, aware from here, a machine rhythmically beeped the rhythm of his heart.

Beside him stood a woman with a weary expression, her eyes red from crying. A timid little girl clinging to the woman's leg peeked out with wide, cautious eyes.

"Hello," Ray said gently, breaking the heavy silence. "I’m Ray, a colleague of Steve's."

The woman looked up, slightly startled, then managed a small, tired smile.

"I'm Sara, Steve's ex-wife. And this is Emily," she said, her hand resting protectively on the little girl's shoulder.

Ray nodded, his eyes softening as he glanced at Emily.

"It’s tough to see him like this," he commented, looking back at Steve.

Sara sighed, nodding in agreement, "Yes, it’s been hard. Especially for Emily. She doesn’t fully understand what’s happened, just that her dad is very sick."

Ray hesitated before leaving; he gazed into the distance.

"How serious is Steve's condition, if you don't mind me asking? Will he be alright?"

Sara bit her lip, "It's quite serious. He needs surgery—a costly one. But we're managing, figuring things out as we go."

Ray nodded, his brow furrowed in thought.

Emily tugged at Sara's hand and waved at Ray; he returned the gesture with a gentle smile. It was a small, tender moment that spoke volumes about the innocent lives affected by adult conflicts.

Ray then glanced once more at Steve, lying unconscious and vulnerable. Seeing him in such a state softened Ray's resolve despite the hurt and betrayal. He nodded to Sara.

"I should go now. Take care, and give Emily a hug for me," his voice was firm.

Sara nodded, managing another tired smile as Ray turned and walked towards the exit.

As Ray walked back to his car, the immediate desire to report Steve to the police had faded, overtaken by a broader view of the situation.

"I’ll give it some time," Ray murmured to himself as he started the car. "There’s more at stake than just money."

***

In half an hour, Ray sat in the quiet of the police station, his wife Charlie beside him. Her hand rested gently on his, offering comfort as they waited to be called in. When their turn came, an officer was ready to take their statement.

Ray carefully laid out the video evidence on the table, pressing play. The footage clearly showed Steve sneaking into the cabinet and taking the money. Charlie's eyes widened in disbelief as she watched, her hand tightening around Ray's.

"I can't believe Steve would do this," Charlie whispered.

Ray nodded, his expression solemn. "I know, but we must consider what's best moving forward. Steve's made terrible choices, but he's paying for them now."

The officer watched the footage and took notes.

"This is clear evidence of theft. Do you want to press charges?"

Charlie looked at Ray, "No," she said firmly. "We want our money back but don't want to press charges. Steve's already facing enough with his injuries and surgery."

Ray agreed.

"We believe karma has already taught him a lesson. And I want to help with his surgery costs. It's the right thing to do."

The officer nodded, understanding their decision, "Alright, I'll process the recovery of your money and note your decision not to press charges."

As they left the station, Ray felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

He looked at Charlie, "Thank you for being here, for understanding."

Charlie squeezed his hand, smiling softly.

"We're doing the right thing, Ray. Let’s go to the hospital now. Steve needs to know there are still people who care."

***

Several months had passed since the incident, and the seasons had shifted into a crisp, clear autumn. Ray was trimming the hedge in front of his new house when he saw a familiar figure approaching.

It was Steve, strolling with the aid of a cane, his daughter Emily by his side, holding his hand.

"Ray," Steve called out as they reached the doorstep.

Ray put down his shears and wiped his hands on his jeans, a gesture of readiness to greet them.

"Steve, Emily, good to see you," he said, his tone welcoming but cautious.

Steve took a deep breath, his following words coming out sincerely: "Ray, I came here to thank you for everything you've done for me... for not giving up on me when you had every right to."

He then handed Ray a book with a thoughtful expression, "I brought you this. I’ve been reading a lot, trying to change."

Ray accepted the book, flipping through its pages briefly before meeting Steve’s gaze, noting the genuine remorse there.

"Thank you, Steve. This means a lot."

A bit shy, Emily peeked from behind her father before smiling at Ray.

Steve shifted, leaning on his cane, "And I haven't forgotten about the money. I'll pay back every cent."

Ray nodded, appreciating the honesty.

"Thank you, Steve. And I have some good news—I got a promotion. We’re having a housewarming party next weekend. I want you and your family to come."

Steve looked surprised, and then a grateful smile spread across his face, "We'd love to, Ray. Thank you."

They shook hands firmly. As Steve and Emily turned to leave, Ray called out, "See you next weekend!"

Ray stood on his doorstep, а sense of contentment washed over him.

"I did the right thing. Everything's right."

A smile spread across his face.

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