The Delivery That Changed Everything
James had always been a hard worker. As a young delivery driver for Amazon, he took pride in his job, navigating the bustling streets of his city with a smile. He loved the little interactions with customers, the friendly waves, and the excited barks of dogs greeting him at their doors. But on this particular winter morning, as he prepared for his deliveries, he had no idea that his life was about to change forever.
The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the sleepy streets. After a quick breakfast and a hot cup of coffee, James donned his uniform and headed to the delivery center. He was handed his first set of addresses, and his heart raced when he noticed that several packages were destined for the U.S. Capitol. While many drivers would consider this a prestigious assignment, James felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. The Capitol was notorious for its strict security and complicated delivery protocols, and he preferred the familiarity of local neighborhoods.
After completing his deliveries in the suburbs, James and his partner set off toward the Capitol. As they approached, he felt a mix of excitement and dread. The streets were lined with historic landmarks, and the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. Upon arrival, they checked in with security, navigating through multiple checkpoints before finally reaching the designated delivery area.
As they unloaded the heavy packages, James felt his foot bump into something on the ground. He glanced down and saw a sleek, black smartphone. It was unlike any phone he had ever seen—no brand name, just a matte finish and an unusual weight. Curiosity piqued, he picked it up and turned it on, only to be met with a warning that the device did not recognize him. It locked itself down, rendering it useless to anyone but its rightful owner.
Deciding it was best to return the lost item, James handed the phone to a staff member in charge of deliveries. He felt a sense of accomplishment as he left the Capitol, unaware of the significance of his actions. After a quick lunch break, he received a call from his boss, summoning him to the office. Nervous, he wondered if he had done something wrong.
When he entered the office, his boss looked at him with an expression of disbelief. “You were at the Capitol this morning, right?” he asked. James nodded, bracing himself for criticism. But then his boss dropped a bombshell: “I just got a call from Elon Musk.”
James’s heart raced. Elon Musk? The name echoed in his mind, but he couldn’t fathom why the billionaire would be calling about him. His boss explained that Musk wanted to hire James for an upcoming project, impressed by his integrity in returning the lost phone. James was taken aback. He had always admired Musk from afar, but the thought of working for him felt surreal.
Despite the excitement, James hesitated. He loved his job as a delivery driver, connecting with customers and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. The idea of a high-profile job made him anxious. He asked for time to think about the offer, and his boss agreed, understanding the weight of the decision.
That night, James lay in bed, wrestling with his thoughts. He loved the fulfillment of his current job, but the opportunity to work with someone like Elon Musk was rare. The next day, he met with his boss again, ready to decline the offer. “I appreciate it, but I’m not cut out for that life,” he said, feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty.
His boss respected his decision but warned him that Musk might be persistent. James brushed off the thought, focusing on his deliveries. However, as he drove through the neighborhoods, he felt a nagging doubt. Had he made the right choice?
The following day, James was called into his boss’s office again. This time, a Tesla Cybertruck was parked outside, and a bodyguard-like figure stood by the door. James’s heart raced as he entered the office, where he found Elon Musk waiting for him. The billionaire greeted him with a warm smile, and James felt a rush of disbelief.
“I heard about your integrity in returning my phone,” Musk said. “I want to offer you a position on my team, but I’m willing to make adjustments to fit your values. My latest project focuses on helping elderly and disabled residents use smart home devices. You’ll be delivering and installing these devices, allowing you to connect with the community you love.”
James’s eyes widened. This was the perfect blend of his current job and the opportunity he had hesitated to accept. He felt a surge of excitement and gratitude. “Yes, I’d love to be a part of that,” he replied, shaking Musk’s hand.
As he left the office, James couldn’t help but smile. He had chosen to do the right thing, and it had led him to an unexpected opportunity. He realized that sometimes, integrity and kindness could open doors to a future he had never imagined.
In the days that followed, James embraced his new role, balancing his time between delivering packages and helping those in need. He found fulfillment in his work, knowing that he was making a difference in people’s lives. The experience taught him that sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness could lead to the most extraordinary opportunities. And as he drove through the neighborhoods, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, grateful for the path he had chosen.
Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk has suggested that his company’s vehicles can outperform human drivers on safety.
(Patrick Pleul / Associated Press)
Elon Musk has long used his mighty Twitter megaphone to amplify the idea that Tesla’s automated driving software isn’t just safe — it’s safer than anything a human driver can achieve.
That campaign kicked into overdrive last fall when the electric-car maker expanded its Full Self-Driving “beta” program from a few thousand people to a fleet that now numbers more than 100,000. The $12,000 feature purportedly lets a Tesla drive itself on highways and neighborhood streets, changing lanes, making turns and obeying traffic signs and signals.
