Manny is a high school student and works as a barista at Starbucks. That morning, he had thought about ending his life.
But then a surprise gift from a random drive-thru customer reminded him that he was loved more than he could ever know.
Recently, TikTok influencer @perri filmed herself and a friend bringing compassion and kindness into a depressed teenager’s life.
The viral video, which was reposted by Charlie Rocket and now has over 8.5 million likes, shines a light on the mental health struggles of everyday people.
“You just saved a life.”
The video starts with Perri asking the teenager the ultimate existential question, “What is your dream in life?”
That’s a rather loaded conversation for regular drive-thru small talk, however Manny had an immediate answer for her.
He wanted a car that cost $1,000 so he didn’t have to ride the bus anymore.
Perri then followed up with a more personal question, “What is something you’re struggling with?”
After Manny told her that he’s been been fighting with depression, she replied, “Well, we might see you around.”
Little did he know they’d actually be returning with something to brighten his day!
After they got their drinks and left, Perri and her friend went to the store to buy flowers and a miniature toy car to give to the barista.
It was just a small representation of the real car they hoped he could get with the hundred dollar bills they secretly hid inside the box.
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In a fun role reversal, Perri and her friend returned to the Starbucks drive-thru and gave Manny exactly what he ordered.
After the ladies handed him a bouquet of pretty flowers, he smiled politely and said, “I never got flowers before.”
However, the real treat had yet to be discovered. When Manny opened the box and noticed the hundred dollar bills neatly tucked inside, he instantly burst into tears.
“Today I had suicidal thoughts and didn’t feel like waking up.”
Outward appearances can be deceiving and you just never know what a person is going through. Mental health struggles are very real for millions of people. That’s why kindness is key!
“You’re so loved,” Perri tells him. “Light will shine on your face again.”
The outpouring of love and support from commenters all around the world agree with her uplifting words.
“From someone who battled depression & anxiety,” one user wrote, “thank you for fighting every day. I promise there’s better days.”
A fundraiser brought in over $38K to help Manny upgrade from a $1,000 car to something even better.
“Manny is a Starbucks barista in high school facing a battle with depression and anxiety. He takes the bus to work everyday, because he doesn’t have the financial means to afford a car. We started out the donations by giving him $1,000, but to get a good car we set a goal to raise him $10,000.”
What kind of ride he ends up with still remains to be seen, but we’re all supporting him on his journey!
Watch the heartwarming exchange of good energy unfold in the video below.
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