Dad! Would you come to pick me up? A Paradox
It is difficult to being without money. Moreover, you are as mood as me, the situation is even worse. Are you the people who squeeze the little amount of the money that you have on your pocket? Try to protect your last money by keeping tightly for not to be disgraced? Especially, while get on the bus or a taxi. Then, let me tell you people an event base on a real story.
Listen up everybody. And, realize the importance of the smallest penny in your pocket.
A little less than twenty years ago (when I was about 10) …
I was living with a prim and angry father in a small town which, have 60 km distance from the city where my school is located. I have taken the bus every morning at 07:00 am to go to school and 05:00 pm to home. And I have 5000 L (L: the currency of our money) 2000 L for bus and 3000 L for lunch.
It was the last day of the week. I have save 500 L from my lunch and have 1500 totally. There was a little mobile burger vendor near the bus station. The last bus was moving at 05:30 pm. So I have 30 minute to eat these delicious burgers which have 500 L price with my remaining money.
I have order the burger and extend the 500 L for the price. The seller told me that the price is 550 L. I was shocked but had to paid his money. So I had missed 50 L for the fare. I tried to find anyway to break the impasse. I started to do monologue.
- On foot? No!
- Roost right here? No!
- Calling dad? No! No!!
- Eureka! I will talk with the conductor and try to tell him the story! Yes!
I started to walk to conductor and thinking: Do not worry it is just 50 L. I can pay it for the next week. On the other hand, the remained money is taking shower in my palm for many times with sweat.
Anyway, I narrate to conductor in a sweaty circumstance. And ask him if I can pay it at the next week.
The answer?
Conductor: Push off!
I was shocked! I suppose the conductor thought me vigilant, he did not understand the seriousness. Anyway, I retreat. It started to fade and I be scared.
Ok! There is no any other way. I have to call dad. He has a car and he can pick up me.
Me: Will he be angry?
Me: Maybe! A nightmare is waiting for me!
Me: Anyway, I'm not going to sleep outside. (Actually, it is not a bad idea)
I have called and told the story by a pre-paid phone (As you know, the mobiles were not that common at that time). But, I could not remember what he said. Actually, could not hear… Dear readers, my ears do not hear the voices above 20 mHz.
I just hear” wait right there!” I have paid 50 L for phone and look at the conductor as underrate.
While the bus took the last passenger, the conductor turned to me and said” Come on, get the bus. I accept 950 L. But do not repeat again never.
Me: Sir! I have paid 50 L for the phone, so now I have just 900 L.
Conductor: He was more annoyed and said: You bastard! Just take the bus!
But wait! There is anyone that the most annoyed! My father! I have to call him and tell he does not have to come.
I said to conductor: Wait for 30 sec. I am coming!
I called dad and said: Hi dad you do not have to come. I am taking the bus.
**Dad: **Ok you foolish (nervously). And shut down the phone.
“Wow! I did it” said to myself. I paid 50 L for phone again and take the bus. The conductor was waiting for me.
Conductor: Hurry little brat!
I take the bus and count the money! Oh no! It is 850 L .
Me: Sir I am sorry. I have paid 50 for the ph…
Conductor: Get out of my sight! You bastard….
The bus moved without me. I try to find a way out and remember my father. And called him.
Me: Dad! Would you come to pick me up?