00:00I returned my son's birthday present and couldn't stop smiling.
00:02My 15-year-old Alex had been saving lawn mowing money all summer for a gaming headset.
00:06The Corsair HS80, $200.
00:08He'd researched it for months, watched every YouTube review,
00:10even made a PowerPoint presentation about why he needed it.
00:13His birthday arrived, and I surprised him with the exact model.
00:16I was so proud finding it on sale.
00:17His face dropped the second he opened the box.
00:19Dad, this is the wired version.
00:20He held it like it was contaminated.
00:21I specifically said I need the wireless one for streaming.
00:24My subscribers will think I'm some broke kid using ancient technology.
00:27Subscribers?
00:27This kid had exactly 12 followers on Twitch.
00:29His streaming career consisted of playing Fortnite badly while talking to himself.
00:33The wired version actually has better sound quality, I explained, trying to salvage the moment.
00:37Pro gamers prefer wired for the reliability, and Dad, nobody uses wired anymore.
00:41That's like, so 2019, he was already putting it back in the box.
00:43Can you just return this and get the wireless version?
00:45It's only like 50 bucks more.
00:47Only 50 bucks more.
00:48Like money grew on trees.
00:49That stung deep.
00:50I'd specifically researched which headset actual audiophiles recommended.
00:54I'd read forums, compared specs, even asked the guy at Guitar Center since he knew audio equipment.
00:58I'll think about it, I said quietly, taking the box from him.
01:00He was already back on his phone.
01:01Thanks, Dad.
01:01You're the best.
01:02The wireless one is the HS80 RGB, but make sure it's the white version, not black.
01:06White looks better on camera.
01:07I just nodded and walked away.
01:09Next day, I'm at Best Buy, standing in the return line, still feeling like garbage about
01:12the whole thing.
01:13The line was moving slowly, and I could hear the customer service desk conversation happening
01:16ahead of me.
01:17I'm sorry, sir.
01:18Your card was declined again.
01:19Do you want to try a different payment method?
01:21I looked up from my phone.
01:22A guy about my age, wearing a faded work shirt with Dave embroidered on it, was standing
01:25there with his daughter.
01:26She couldn't have been older than eight, wearing a paper birthday crown from McDonald's
01:29and holding his hand.
01:30Um, let me try this one, Dave said, pulling out a different card.
01:33His hands were shaking slightly.
01:34I'm sorry, this one declined too.
01:35The little girl tugged on his shirt.
01:37It's okay, Daddy.
01:37I don't really need the tablet for my birthday.
01:39We can keep sharing yours for my math games.
01:41Dave's shoulders sagged like someone had just punched him in the gut.
01:43Sweetie, you've been asking for this tablet all year.
01:45You said you wanted to practice your reading apps, and maybe next birthday I'll be better
01:49at math and won't need my own, she said, standing on her tiptoes to try and hug him.
01:52Besides, sharing with Daddy is more fun anyway.
01:54Fals.
01:54I watched this eight-year-old trying to console her father, making him feel better about not
01:58being able to afford a $100 tablet, while my son was at home complaining that his $200
02:02headset wasn't premium enough.
02:04Something snapped inside me.
02:05I stepped forward and placed Alex's headset on the counter.
02:08Excuse me, I'd like to return this and use the store credit toward their tablet.
02:10Dave spun around.
02:11Oh no, sir, we couldn't possibly...
02:13My son didn't appreciate his birthday gift, I said firmly, looking the cashier in the eye.
02:17Your daughter clearly will.
02:18The cashier looked confused, but started processing the return.
02:21Dave kept trying to protest, but I held up my hand.
02:23Trust me, you'd be doing me a favor.
02:24I need to see that tablet go to someone who deserves it.
02:26The little girl's eyes went wide.
02:28Daddy, is the nice man really buying me a tablet?
02:30Dave's eyes filled up.
02:31Sweetie, we can't accept such an expensive gift from a stranger.
02:33It's not expensive to me, I lied, but it's priceless to her.
02:36Walking back to my car, I called Alex.
02:37Hey dad, did you return the headset?
02:39When are we going back to get the wireless one?
02:40I returned it.
02:41Awesome!
02:41So when...
02:42We're not getting the wireless one, Alex.
02:43Silence.
02:44What do you mean?
02:44I thought you were just exchanging it.
02:45I mean you had your chance to appreciate what you got and you blew it.
02:48Happy birthday.
02:49I hung up and sat in my car, watching through the store window as that little girl carefully
02:52carried her new tablet like it was made of pure gold.
02:54Her dad wiping his eyes and mouthing thank you in my direction.
02:57That's when I couldn't stop smiling.
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