Kindhearted Saul
He wasn't called Kindhearted Saul for nothing. He was the most gentle and sensitive man anyone had ever known — so gentle, in fact, he once apologized to a chair for bumping into it. But Saul had one problem: his kindness never allowed him to refuse an invitation — especially not to a party. And once at a party, he could never refuse another drink.
One wild evening, after a particularly lively celebration, Saul stumbled out of his friend’s apartment, head spinning, heart full, and feet unsure of where they were going.When he reached the ground floor, he noticed an old man sitting on the steps, looking worn out.
Moved by compassion, Saul rushed over — or at least, swerved in the right general direction, and asked, “Good old man, why are you sitting here all alone?”
The old man sighed. “I’m trying to get home. I live on the third floor, but I’m too tired to climb the stairs.”
Without hesitation, Saul hoisted him up like a heroic firefighter — except with much less coordination — and lugged him upstairs, colliding with every railing, doorframe, and unlucky potted plant along the way.
When they reached the third floor, Saul asked, “Which door is yours, kind elder?”
The old man, seeing the situation, decided honesty was not the best policy. “Eh, anywhere’s good. The neighbors are all my friends!”
So Saul opened a random door, gently pushed the old man inside, and trudged back downstairs, feeling proud of his good deed.
But when he reached the ground floor, he froze. Sitting exactly where the first man had been... was a second old man.
“What’s wrong, sir?” Saul asked.
“My back and knees are killing me. I live on the third floor, but how can I climb up like this?”
Surprised but determined, Saul declared, “I helped one of your neighbors just now — I’ll help you too!”
Ignoring the old man's protests, Saul carried him upstairs like a sack of potatoes. When they reached the third floor, the old man said, “Thank you, kind soul. I can walk from here.”
But Saul insisted, “No, no, I’ll make sure you’re safe with your neighbors, so I won't have to worry!” And once again, he opened a door at random and placed the old man inside.
Feeling even more satisfied, Saul staggered back downstairs — only to find, unbelievably, a third old man on the steps.
“What’s your story?” Saul asked, rubbing his eyes.
The third old man groaned. “Oh, my neck, my back, my legs... Everything hurts. How can I climb to the third floor?”
Saul, bewildered but unwavering, said, “I’ve already helped two of your neighbors tonight — I’ll help you too.”
The old man hesitated, then muttered, “Fine, fine, carry me... but for heaven’s sake, watch out this time. I don't think I can survive a third fall down the elevator shaft!”
