One day, I called up my dear friend and said, “Tonight, I’ll come over to your place with my wife.” Upon hearing this, my friend responded warmly, “Hello! Welcome! … It’s a great time to remember; I have a small request for you.” Curious, I inquired about the request. He said, “As you live in the big city, I would like you to bring a 2-pound fresh cake from the most famous and expensive bakery there, along with some specific chocolates, biscuits, and juice.”
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I asked, “Why? Is this part of our invitation?”
He replied, “No, these are my son’s favorite things, and today I want to celebrate his success with him. However, I can’t go out right now, and I want to make him feel special without surprising him. ”
I bought the requested items, but the bakery bill turned out to be higher than expected. I paid the amount, collected the items, and headed to my friend’s house. Upon arrival, my friend, after a short delay, orchestrated a surprise celebration for his son, making the evening joyful.
Later that night, when I asked for permission to leave, my friend handed me the leftover cake and just the box I had brought. He neither mentioned the money nor reimbursed me. He said, “My son has a piece of cake left. Please don’t feel shy, take it for your children.”
As I opened the box at home, I found a note with the cake that read: “Despite the large amount involved, I know you won’t take any money from me. Therefore, I have placed it in the box in accordance with your principles.”
I was both amazed and embarrassed. I couldn’t comprehend what to do at that moment. I kept insisting that he had not even inquired about the expenses or mentioned any money. He just said goodbye with a piece of cake and thanked me.
On the way back, my wife tried to console me, suggesting that perhaps my friend had forgotten to settle the expenses. I kept assuring her that this behavior was contrary to the principles of friendship and respect.
When I asked my wife whether I should apologize and seek forgiveness for forming negative opinions about my friend during this period, she replied, “Let his positive assumption about you remain. And you should also think positively about others.”
Most of our problems arise from misunderstandings in our words and actions and misinterpretations of our perspectives. If only we could create good reasons for each other, just like my friend did by placing money in the box using the excuse of a cake slice.