Dale admitted that he had dumped the greasy pennies because he wanted Becky to feel humiliated for leaving him. He had spent years becoming bitter whenever people walked away from his business. But seeing her turn that humiliation into meals for struggling children forced him to confront the person he had become. With tears in his eyes, he apologized for the pennies, the oil, and the way he had treated her throughout her six years of employment.

Then Noah entered the office and heard about Dale’s childhood. The little boy quietly explained that Mason was being teased just as Dale had been. Noah reached into his pocket and offered Dale one clean penny from their collection. He said he was sorry nobody had stood up for Dale when he was young. Dale accepted the penny, covered his face with his hands, and finally broke down completely.