“Look over there,” said Lena, slowing her pace. She and Frank had just left the robotics club meeting, cutting across the edge of the parking lot.
A car sat crooked near the curb, its front tire visibly deflated. A boy about their age stood beside it, phone in hand, scowling.
“Flat tire,” Frank said. “He looks stuck.”
Lena adjusted her backpack. “He’s wearing a Riverside hoodie. Think he needs help?”
Frank shrugged. “Rival school or not, a flat’s a flat.”
They approached slowly. Lena gave a small wave. “Hey, everything okay?”
The guy looked up, a little surprised. “Not really. I’ve got no signal, and I have no idea how to change this thing. My ride’s out.”
“We’ve got time,” Lena said. “I can help.”
“Seriously? That’d be amazing. I’m Tom, by the way.”
“Lena. And this is Frank. Lincoln High.”
Tom blinked. “Oh. Didn’t expect that. Thought Lincoln and Riverside didn’t mix.”
Lena grinned. “Today we do. Pop your trunk. Let’s get that spare.”
Tom stepped aside while Frank opened the trunk. Lena pulled out the jack and lug wrench. She crouched beside the flat tire and began loosening the lug nuts with quick, practiced movements.
“You’ve done this before,” Tom said, impressed.
“A few times. My older sister taught me. She said every driver should know how. Frank’s more the moral support type,” she added with a wink.
“Hey,” Frank said, grinning. “I’m excellent at handing people tools.”
Tom chuckled. “Honestly, I didn’t think anyone at Lincoln would stop to help. I’ve heard the rumors, you know? Trash talk and all that.”
“It goes both ways,” Lena said as she cranked the jack. “But rivalries are kind of ridiculous when someone’s stuck with a flat. You’d do the same, right?”
Tom nodded. “I’d like to think so. But I probably would’ve hesitated if our roles were reversed.”
Lena removed the flat and rolled it aside. “Well, now you’ll know better next time. Helping people beats proving a point.”
“Guess I needed the reminder,” Tom said, watching as she secured the spare and tightened the bolts. “This is honestly kind of humbling.”
“Good. It should be. That’s how we grow.”
Frank handed her the final wrench. “You’re good to go.”
Lena stood and dusted off her hands. “Drive slow on that spare. It’s only meant for short distances. There’s a service station about three miles down that way.”
Tom looked at the car, then back at them. “I seriously owe you both.”
“Just pay it forward,” Lena said.
Tom smiled. “I will. And maybe I’ll stop assuming people from Lincoln are the worst.”
“Fair trade,” Frank said.
As Tom pulled away, Lena and Frank stood on the curb for a moment.
“That felt good,” she said.
“Better than arguing over which school is better,” Frank agreed.
They turned back toward campus, the air quiet but content.
Sometimes the best kind of win isn’t a trophy—it’s a chance to help someone when no one’s looking.
“Flat Out Kindness” by Nina D. Smith. Published by Bright Bunny Books © 2025. Retelling of “To the Rescue” from Frank and Andy at Boarding School by Vance Barnum, originally published in 1921.
“Flat Out Kindness” is ideal for high school students, especially those interested in realistic fiction that explores empathy, everyday challenges, and breaking down school rivalries.
Bright Bunny Books 