"Finders, leavers; losers, finders." This simple phrase had become a mantra for Donnie and Bonnie during their travels around the world. They had always been uncomfortable with the more common saying, "Finders, keepers; losers, weepers," feeling it encouraged selfishness and theft. Instead, they chose to believe in the goodness of people and the power of karma.
Their faith in humanity was put to the test during their trip to China. After a long day of sightseeing in Beijing, they boarded a crowded train to Xian, eager to see the famous Terracotta Army. It wasn't until they were halfway to their destination that Bonnie realized with a sinking heart that she had left their expensive movie camera on a bench at the train station.
"Oh no, Donnie!" she exclaimed, her face pale with worry. "The camera! We left it behind!"
Donnie tried to comfort her, but both knew the chances of finding it again were slim. They had captured so many precious memories on that camera, and the thought of losing it all was devastating.
Upon arriving in Xian, they immediately contacted the Beijing station, more out of hope than expectation. To their surprise, an official informed them that no camera had been turned in, but they were welcome to check when they returned to Beijing in a few days.
The couple tried to enjoy their time in Xian, marveling at the ancient clay warriors, but the loss of their camera cast a shadow over their experiences. They found themselves constantly wondering: had someone taken it? Or was it possible that, in this vast country of over a billion people, someone had chosen to leave it where it lay, respecting the property of others?
As they boarded the train back to Beijing, Bonnie squeezed Donnie's hand. "Remember," she said softly, "finders, leavers; losers, finders."
Donnie nodded, but couldn't quite bring himself to believe. The Beijing station was enormous, and days had passed. What were the chances?
Upon arrival, they rushed to the lost and found office, hearts pounding. The attendant listened to their description and disappeared into a back room. Moments later, she returned, holding a familiar black case.
"Is this your camera?" she asked with a smile.
Donnie and Bonnie could hardly believe their eyes. Their camera, with all its irreplaceable memories, had been sitting safely in the lost and found for days. Someone had found it and, instead of keeping it, had turned it in.
As they left the station, camera clutched tightly in hand, Bonnie turned to Donnie with tears in her eyes. "See?" she said. "Finders, leavers; losers, finders. It really does work."
From that day forward, their faith in humanity was stronger than ever. They continued their travels with renewed optimism, always remembering to pay forward the kindness they had experienced in Beijing. And whenever they heard someone say "Finders, keepers," they would smile and gently correct them: "Finders, leavers; losers, finders." It was a small change, but one they hoped might make the world just a little bit better, one lost item at a time.