Kindness Committee

An old man lies dead in his bed. He is surrounded by balloons, a cake with Happy Birthday Mr. Sanderson written in cursive frosting, several unopened presents, a card wishing him well, and a small business card. The business card was on the bedside table and said “Courtesy of the Kindness Committee” and had a smiley face. The old man’s body was discovered by a home nurse who was making her rounds that morning. While trying to figure out what happened, she called 911 and attempted to resuscitate him. However, she was already too late. The cause of death was a heart attack. 

---

“I wonder if Mr. Sanderson enjoyed his gifts. His family is so negligent and it broke our hearts seeing him forgotten on his own birthday” a silhouette sighed in a dimly lit room.

Another shadow chimed in “That’s why we wanted to surprise him. Sure, we snuck in when he was asleep, but we wanted him to wake up to something pleasant. Doing good deeds for others is what the Kindness Committee is all about.”

Another figure dashed into the crowded room and dropped a newspaper onto the table. “Mr. Sanderson died,” the shadow uttered. 

The four silhouettes looked at each other. 

Little did they know that the heart attack was caused by shock from their well intended gesture.

---

Jim was reading through a newspaper and sipping his coffee. 

“What is this ‘Kindness Committee’ I keep hearing about?” He said after looking at the short article about Mr. Sanderson’s death. He took another sip of coffee and pondered to himself:

First, it was Sara who lost her bike and then found a new one on her porch the next day. There was a business card in the bike’s basket with “Kindness Committee” on it. Then it was Ms. Hannah whose cat ran away and the next day it was at her doorstep in a carrier. The cat had a tag attached to the collar with the group’s name too. And now Mr. Sanderson. So peculiar. We know nothing of them but they seem to know a lot about us.

Ana - Jim’s wife- was on the phone. “Yes, Jim will pick it up for me because I’ll be busy today. Ok. Thank you. Bye.” She hung up and walked over to Jim who was hunched over the newspaper in contemplation.

She tapped his shoulder and he bolted upright in attention. “Huh?”

“Could you pick up the cake for our son’s birthday? I still have to make preparations” she hurriedly said as she was pacing and searching for decorations. 

Timmy was watching his favorite show Puppy Police on television, he was oblivious of the excitement.

Jim set aside the newspaper and said “Alright, I’ll pick it up.” He rose from his chair and walked near Timmy. He tousled Timmy’s hair and Timmy giggled. Jim grabbed the car keys and was soon off to meet the baker, Mr. Robert. 

… 

A bell tinkled as Jim opened the door. Mr. Robert was placing donuts on the display shelf and looked up when he heard the bell. He smiled at Jim. 

“Hello Jim, what can I do for you today?” He inquired.

“I’m here to pick up a cake for-” but before Jim could finish his sentence, Mr. Robert's eyes widened in realization.

Mr. Robert chimed in, “Oh yes, your wife called earlier about the cake for Timmy, correct?”

Mr. Robert is a friendly and observant man who has been a baker for years. He had an uncanny knack for memorizing names because he had frosted many names in his life. However, he was getting old and his memory isn’t what it used to be, so he would sometimes take a moment to conjure up someone’s name. 

“Tell little Timmy I said happy birthday,” Mr. Robert smiled as he picked up the cake with cursive frosting. He closed the lid on the pink box before handing it to Jim.

Jim’s eyes were suddenly drawn to a list on the wall behind Mr. Robert. The list had a bold header of the month. It also had names and dates written on it. There was one name and date crossed off. He never noticed the list before and was wondering what the purpose of it was. 

Jim hoped he wasn't being too nosy when he inquired, “Hey Mr. Robert, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but what is that list behind you?”

Mr. Robert turned around and said “Oh, that. It may not be obvious, but I’m not as young as I used to be. I’ve been having some trouble with my memory lately, so I made a list of my customers' names and birthdays.”

“And the name that’s crossed off?” Jim asked.

Mr. Robert looked at the list, then looked down “That was Mr. Sanderson’s name and birthday. His family used to come in every year to get him a cake. However, his family forgot about him gradually, but I had his birthday written down. Since he’s gone, I won’t be making any more cakes for him.”

Jim was suddenly sorry for his overly curious nature. Mr. Robert - sensing the uneasiness in the air- jolted up and said “But there’s plenty of birthdays to celebrate. Also, keep this between us. When I see the list, it reminds me to call and say happy birthday.” 

Jim noticed a phone book on the counter by the cash register. He shifted his gaze from the book to Mr. Robert and smiled at his thoughtfulness. Jim said, “That’s very kind of you Mr. Robert.”

Mr. Robert simply smiled, but before he could respond to Jim’s comment, a chime was heard as a customer entered the shop. 

“Well, it was a pleasure talking to you Tim” Mr. Roberts said. “Remember to tell little Timmy I wish him well.” Mr. Robert and Tim waved goodbye to each other and then Jim walked past the newly arrived customer.

---

“So, how should we surprise Timmy on his birthday?” A male shadow addressed to the silhouettes seated around them.

“I know he loves Puppy Police. Maybe a toy?” Another male shadow inquired.

“That’s probably too simple,” the first silhouette to speak added.

“I think I have an idea” a female shadow interceded.

----

Timmy’s birthday was very festive. There were balloons everywhere and a Puppy Police themed bounce house sat in the front yard. At the party was Timmy’s extended family, his friends, and the parents of Timmy’s friends. Children were running around and shrieking with excitement as some chased each other.

Ana approached a table and placed the cake in the middle. There were 5 unlit candles. 

“Time to light the candles and sing happy birthday. Where’s the birthday boy?”

Timmy was inside the bounce house and darted out when his mother called him.

The lighter was hovered over the candles when a mascot of Rottweiler Ranger strides up their yard. Timmy squeals in joy upon seeing his favorite Puppy Police character arrive on his birthday.

“Ana, how nice of you to request a mascot for our son,” Jim merrily said to his wife. 

“I didn't,” she replied, while her eyes were locked on the mascot. “I was just about to ask you myself.”

The mascot strode up to the lawn and Timmy dashed towards him. Jim power walked near Timmy to the mascot no one requested. 

The mascot suddenly exclaimed in a perfect imitation of Rottweiler Ranger “Where’s the birthday boy?”

“Me! Me!” Timmy was jumping excitedly, oblivious that a stranger was on their lawn.

“I have something special for you, Timmy,” he said as he reached into his satchel and pulled out a toy.

He handed Timmy a remote control powered van with the head of Rottweiler Ranger peeping out of the roof. He also gave him a card sealed with a Puppy Police sticker. 

Timmy’s eyes sparkled with glee and he hugged Rottweiler Ranger and said “thank you.”

He patted Timmy’s head and said “I wish I could stay longer and celebrate with you, but I’m a very busy pup and have much to do. I’m off to save anyone in need. Stay kind Timmy.”

“I will” Timmy responded enthusiastically and waved him off.

He waved his paw and ran to a car waiting for him. They drove off. 

Timmy ran back to the others to display his gifts. His parents had a look of concern, despite the kind gesture. Timmy opened the card and stumbled to read the card. 

“Hap- happy birfday Timmy. From Rottweiwer Rwanger ” a small card fell out but he didn’t notice. Tim picked up the business card and saw “Kindness Committee” typed on it.

----

“Heeere’s Rottweiler Ranger” he said in the character’s voice as he jumped into the dimly lit room. He threw his paws in the air and waved them.

“You know you can take off that silly costume, right? You’re not at the party anymore.” A female shadow remarked in an annoyed tone.

“The zipper got stuck” he said in his normal voice while his arms lowered and he slouched.

“I’ll get it” a male silhouette offered. 

“So do you see something?” the person being unzipped from the mascot asked Tinkerer - the technician- who was peering at a tiny T.V.

“Yep” she responded while twirling a screwdriver in her hands. She was looking at a screen with Timmy’s birthday party showing. 

“How was the kid’s party, Echo?” Tinkerer addressed the man struggling out of the Rottweiler Ranger costume.

“I don’t know, I didn’t stay long,” Echo- the voice actor- responded. “Besides, you’re watching it right now.” He turned to another shadow. “Thanks for helping me with the zipper and giving us the dates Mr. Frost.”

Mr. Frost - whom people know as Mr. Robert- simply nodded his head. 

Mr. Robert glanced at a wall that was completely covered by tiny blank screens which he feared would eventually reveal other’s lives. He was fine with the Kindness Committee performing good deeds occasionally, but he felt uneasy lately. He thought they were going too far with their intent to install a massive amount of cameras and invade the privacy of citizens. The others assured him that it was to make sure no good deed goes unperformed. He was not sure why he was still willing to comply with them.

A shadow quietly walked in. 

“Ah. there you are Boss” Echo addressed the shadow. “How goes the election campaign?”

Boss - who is running for mayor- shushed him and darted his eyes around. 

“I hope this plan won’t be found out,” Boss replied. 

“It won't, I’ll take the same precautions as I did when I deleted the footage of your illegal gambling business,” Tinkerer said.

“Nobody needs to know about that,” Boss whispered. He spoke in a normal volume when he said “I’m paying you to keep quiet and do your work. The agreement was that you would make everyone happy, happy people make for more agreeable voters. I also want to make sure everyone will be content with my leadership. We also agreed that you would keep the gambling classified, so my reputation won’t be ruined.” 

Echo and Tinkerer gave Boss a reassuring smile. “We’ll do our best.”

“So, where should we place a camera next?” Echo inquired. 

“Hmm… Let’s see…” Tinkerer responded.

Mr. Robert was silently scanning the muted screens.

---

One morning, Jim walked to Mr. Robert’s bakery for a doughnut and some coffee before going to work. The bell chimed and Mr. Robert looked up and smiled. 

“Morning Mr. Robert,” Jim said.

“Morning, Jim “ Mr. Robert then added “What brings you here?”

“I just wanted to order a donut and coffee to go because I overslept and didn’t have time to make breakfast at home” Tim chuckled in embarrassment.

Mr. Robert smiled and reached to the counter for a fresh donut and proceeded to make some steaming coffee. 

He put the donut in a box and handed it to Jim. He then gave him the coffee and waved him off. Jim quickly thanked him and hurriedly walked out of the shop. He drove to work and parked his car. He decided to eat his breakfast in his parked car.

He took a sip of coffee and opened the box. He saw some words scribbled on the underside of the lid. 

Mind the watchdog who is disguised as a ranger.

Jim gave a puzzled look and proceeded to eat his breakfast. He kept glancing at the message, wondering what it meant.

He threw away the box and cup, but kept the message ingrained in his memory.

….

The message kept repeating itself in his head while he drove home. 

He walked inside and Timmy was taking an afternoon nap on the floor curled up in a Puppy Police blanket. The Rottweiler Ranger toy was facing him. Jim adjusted the blanket snugly to Timmy and slowly walked away so as not to disturb him. 

Mind the watchdog who is disguised as a ranger Jim pondered as he closed the blinds, so the sunlight wouldn’t bother Timmy. 

When he drew the blinds, the room had naturally dim lighting. It was in the grayness that he noticed a blinking light. It was coming from the Rottweiler Ranger toy.

Jim curiously picked it up and stared at the blinking light.

One of the eyes was blinking.

Jim took it to the garage with the tools.

He dismantled the toy and held the blinking light in his hand. 

Mind the watchdog... Jim realized the message in his donut box was a warning. He placed the blinking light in a zippered pouch and sealed it. He wondered what he should do next. He then decided he would talk to Mr. Robert the next morning, since it was him who gave the message.

…

The bell tinkled as the door to the bakery opened. 

Mr. Robert smiled as Jim walked in. 

“Morning, Mr. Robert,” Jim greeted.

“Morning, Jim” Mr. Robert smiled and jokingly said “did you oversleep again?”

“No, not this time” Jim chuckled.

“So, what brings you here today? Mr. Robert inquired

“I just wanted to formally thank you by inviting you to dinner at our place. It’s the least we can do for the beautiful cakes you made for me and Ana's wedding, all the birthday cakes, and the donuts you make for my rushed mornings. You’ve done so much for us.” Jim said politely.

Mr. Robert gave a modest smile and his cheeks turned rosy. “That’s very kind of you Jim, I would love to.” 

“See you there in the evening,” Jim said as he handed him a paper with his address written on it. They waved goodbye to each other.

...

Mr. Robert arrived at the house in the evening. He knocked on the door and Tim greeted him. Mr. Robert timidly walked inside and was greeted by Ana and Timmy.

“Thanks for the cake mister” Timmy chimed “It was yummy”

Mr. Robert gave a pleased smile. Mr. Robert glanced at the Rottweiler Ranger toy sitting in the corner. He felt uneasy, but Jim gave him a reassuring look and nod. 

He was then led to the table.

…

After dinner, Ana went to tuck in Timmy upstairs.

When Jim and Mr. Robert were alone, Mr. Robert leaned over and whispered, “where did you put the camera?”

Jim spoke in a hushed voice “In the garage, zipped up in a pouch.”

Mr. Robert nodded in approval. “It’s about time I told you about the Kindness Committee.”

Mr. Robert disclosed everything, starting with the formation of the group and how they gradually lost their altruism due to greed and corruption. He included his involvement with the group.

He continued, “make sure to call the authorities and show them the camera as proof. The group usually meets in my bakery downstairs. I’ll go meet them like nothing happened.”

----

The Kindness Committee was no more.

The door of the hideout burst open as police officers poured in.

Everyone was arrested including Mr. Robert. However, Jim vouched for Mr. Robert so he was given a lighter sentence.

Jim took some money from his savings to pay off Mr. Robert’s bail of $250,000.

The community became wary of Mr. Robert because they believed he was partly responsible for the crimes of the Kindness Committee. The newspaper article said otherwise. Mr. Robert was applauded for his bravery and his role in taking down the group before they could escalate their actions. He also exposed the corruption of the mayoral candidate. Despite the article attempting to clear Mr. Robert’s name, people were still skeptical of him. Because many were suspicious of him, less customers arrived at his bakery.

Jim attempted to defend Mr. Robert, but few believed him.

Jim and his family continued to support Mr. Robert, but Jim was unsure if his contributions would keep him afloat.

Eventually, Mr. Robert decided to close down his shop and work for a grocery instead.

“I’ll still be baking, but I won’t likely be at the front counter” Mr. Robert sighed as he locked the door to his dark and empty bakery. 

Mr. Robert then smiled and said “I’ll continue to bake for everyone even if I might not see their faces or be able to talk to them.” 

Jim sighed and reached into his pocket. 

“Timmy wanted to give you this” Jim said as he placed something in Mr. Robert’s hand. “Best of luck to you” he said as he walked away

After waving goodbye to Jim, Mr. Robert looked at the gift in his hand.

It was a keychain of Rottweiler Ranger.