The Old, the Wise, and the Well Fed

Have you ever wanted something expensive that you couldn't afford so bad that you would steal for it? That is what Roger, a boy in the short story Yes Ma'am, attempted to do. He tried to steal a woman's purse with the intention of getting money to buy a pair of shoes, but instead got a lesson that most likely saved his life from a large old woman with a very large purse.

Roger was a boy around the age of 15, who desperately wanted a pair of blue suede shoes. He was so desperate that he tried to steal this lady's purse, but his attempt failed. She ended up catching him, and now the lady, Mrs. Jones, had a choice. She could either have turned him in, or taught him a lesson herself. This decision changed his life forever. If she would have called the police, the boy would have been taken to jail. Then when he got out, he would never be able to get a job because now he has a criminal record. Then he will end up stealing again, get put in jail again, and repeat. This would keep happening until eventually he would be killed before he could get to the age of 30. By taking him to her house, she taught him a lesson so that he will never steal again, which ultimately saved his life.

This world needs more people like the wise and quite intimidating, Mrs. Jones. Saving peoples lives instead of condemning them, teaching a kid a lesson instead of letting him run off to go steal again, Mrs. Jones is a great role model and should never be messed with.