Cargando...-«Lady, you can keep the change! -I responded with a smile and a big thank you. Another situation came to my mind, with enough emotional charge to be the reason for this, more than a commentary, a sad testimony that forces us to reflect on honesty. That human value that cannot be bought, that does not appear by magic, but that, when well instilled, multiplies its branches and unfolds in decency, respect, integrity, justice, serenity, courtesy, civility, decency…
For this reason, they qualify it as the key to social relations. It concerns children, adolescents and adults. Even if the latter do not bring it into being and do not practice it…
Unfortunately, we are surrounded by many examples of the spread of anti-values and bad behavior. There are very loud ones, depending on the decibels of the devices or throats, and there are also the insidious ones that often remain between the perpetrator and the victim, as happened a few days ago to Graciela, who left me dismayed when she told me what can be a tragedy for anyone marked by dishonesty.
It all started hours earlier when she stood in line at the ATM to withdraw the last 400 pesos of her pension, which is barely 1,600 CUP. Like a modern-day cockroach Martina, she went to the nearby food stand, where she had little to choose from. Almost shyly, she took out the brand new 200 peso bill, as if to frame it, but no, she had to spend it on the most urgent things.
Then she marched to the market with her small load, her mind fixed on the pound of malanga for the evening’s broth. But when the tuber was already in her bag, she found her right hand digging vainly in her purse. Her eyes grew wider than usual, she stammered, apologized, and returned what she had almost bought. She thought quickly. She returned to the stall and a dialog with the vendor ensued.
– Sweetheart, it seems that when I just paid you, there were two 200 bills left, because I can’t find the other one.
-No, ma’am. See if you dropped it on the floor or spent it somewhere else.
-No, sweetheart. From here I went to the market and when I went to pay, the wallet was empty. I’m sure because today I took out what was left on the card,» Graciela insisted, waiting for an answer that never came.
So she told me, indignant and disappointed at the dishonesty of this person, before whom she felt helpless because it was a word against her own.
I have more than enough evidence to prove my humble friend’s integrity. Unstoppable at 78, always willing to help. I have not doubted her, I do not doubt her. How many times have you been given the wrong change and given it back? Have you ever been given a 50 peso bill for a 10 peso bill or a 500 peso bill for a 5 peso bill? I have seen it, it has happened to me. The difference between a happy ending and an unhappy ending is honesty..
