Paid in Full: A Promise Kept and a Lesson in Faith

Remember that sinking feeling? The one I wrote about two weeks ago, when an Indonesian construction worker accidentally reversed his pickup truck into the bumper of my 2-month old car? Well, I’m writing today with a much, much lighter heart and a huge smile on my face.

He paid me. In full.

This past Sunday, the man who caused the damage kept his word. The entire repair cost, which was  RM775, was paid to me in cash. The relief and gratitude I feel are immense.  He left the cash with his wife at the fruit stall that I frequent regularly. His wife manages the fruit stall.

In the two weeks since the accident, it’s easy for the mind to wander to worst-case scenarios. Would he disappear? Would he negotiate the cost down? But throughout our communication, he said he would pay, and he needed a little time. And you know what? He did exactly that.

In a world where we often hear stories of people shirking responsibility, this was a powerful reminder that integrity still exists. This man, far from his home, chose to do the right thing. He took ownership of his mistake, and for that, I am incredibly thankful. It wasn't just about the money; it was about the principle and the restoration of trust between two strangers.

So, the bumper is as good as new, the bill is settled, and a major source of stress has been lifted.

Now, let's talk about the "New Car Jinx."

You know the one I mean. That bizarre, seemingly universal law that a new car must, within its first few months, acquire a scratch, a dent, or in my case, a full-on bumper reconstruction. It’s like a rite of passage we all dread.

Well, I am officially declaring that this jinx ends here!

This incident will be the first and last accident for this car. I am putting it out into the universe. We’ve paid our dues to the automotive karma gods. The quota for misfortune has been filled, and we’re moving on to a long, safe, and scratch-free journey ahead.

And should I ever be lucky enough to get another new car in the future, I am praying this jinx does not follow me. The cycle is broken!

For now, I’m just going to enjoy the feeling of a resolved problem and a restored faith in people. Here’s to honest individuals, repaired bumpers, and jinx-free driving!

Have you ever experienced a "new car jinx"? Did the other party do the right thing? Share your stories below!

Rare lunch with Cass on a school-going weekday last Friday. It was the last day of her SPM Trials and she got home at 10.30am. She joined hubby and I for BKT lunch nearby.