An adventure with my friend Joe

When I was in school my family circumstances was bad and we had little money for basic necessities. It followed that I was not able to go to the canteen for food during recess time. This was well known to my friends especially Joe. Joe’s mum was self employed and Joe used to have money for recess time. Knowing my situation, he used to compel me to the canteen sometimes, for noodles during the breaks.

On some weekends, he would cycle 3 miles from his home in town, to visit me in the village where my house was located. Every time he came over, he would invite me to a coffee shop near my home to treat me to roti canai and tea. One day he invited me to the shop where we had our usual roti and tea. After we finished our food, Joe dipped his hand into his pocket and discovered that he had not brought any money. His house was three hours away. He looked at me - and I said I shall get the money from my mom. I cycled away leaving him as pawn in the shop.

I approached my mom with my problem.She did not have the money on her either but looking at the desperation on my face she agreed to borrow money from her “banker” - the land lady of our home. She borrowed the money giving the excuse that something unexpected had turned up and handed me the money.

After collecting the money I returned to the shop to bail out Joe who was waiting anxiously in the shop for my return. We settled the bill and went our separate ways promising to meet another time.

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