Chapter 1: The Good Deed Trap
On my way home after finishing a DoorDash run, my phone buzzed with a new request—this time, a request to pick up a kid. Wait, did I read that right?
The glow of the streetlights flickered over my dashboard as I glanced at the app. My first thought was, “Is this some kind of prank?” I mean, sure, I’ve delivered tacos and birthday cakes at midnight, but chauffeuring a kid? That was a first. The address was way out of my way, so I was about to hit decline when my phone rang. I picked up and heard sobbing on the other end:
"I'm a single mom, I—I'm sorry—I have to work late and really can't get my child. Please, I... the last few drivers turned me down, so my kid's been waiting outside in the cold for over half an hour. Please, can you help me?"
Her voice hit me right in the gut. What else could I do? I didn't even think about it—I paid for the Uber myself and brought her kid home.
I could still hear that desperation, the way her voice cracked on the word 'please.' That word echoed in my head. It was one of those moments where your conscience just won’t let you walk away. I pictured my own little cousin waiting alone, shivering, and that was it. I didn’t care about the cost. Or the hassle. I just wanted to make sure the kid got home safe. So, I booked the Uber with my own card, double-checked the driver’s license, and rode along to drop him off, making sure he was handed over safe and sound.













