Lend a Hand.

As children, Adam and Philip didn’t mind social standards. Adam simply looked upon Philip as a fellow who shared the same interests, who he learned to trust, and thought of as a best friend. The boys would be off to the same university in the fall. Philip had worked his butt off during high school to maintain his 4.3 GPA, and even more in his attempt to receive as much scholarships as possible. On the contrary, Adam’s family was big money. He had his tuition fully covered since birth. Philip’s graduation celebration was a backyard barbeque. Adam’s was, to say the least, an extravaganza. The boys, dressed in their best attire, one arm over the other, held their diplomas high in the air, smiling in pride of their achievements.

Adam and Philip met again their senior year at the university; Adam’s pockets still burning with money, Philip’s still empty.

“Philip! How’ve you been?” Adam smiled, as he shook Philip’s hand, pulling him in for a hug. The boys, ecstatic to be reunited, carried on with their conversation.

“I’ve been good. Ready to graduate! I’ve already got a job lined up at the New York Post,” Philip explained.

“Journalism? Not bad.” Adam’s eyes stared at the ground, hands in his pockets, caressing the bunch of bills he was carrying. “Yeah, I’m going to Law School next year. Then I’ll be working at my dad’s firm. Family business, you know.” Adam chuckled.

“I see. You’re still living your father’s dreams.”

“They’re mine as well,” Adam lied.

“I remember differently.”

“Your memory is failing you.”

“You never wanted to be tied down because of the money.”

“Money,” Adam pondered. “Ha, this money is the highlight of my life. It’s a shame you don’t have any, really. Here, I’ll lend you a hand.” Adam took out a five dollar bill and held it out for Philip to take. “It’ll buy your meals for half a day.” Adam laughed.

“It’s sad that you have to depend on your daddy’s money. There’ll be a day when all you have will be worth nothing.” Philip snatched the bill from Adam’s hand. “I’ll have everything.”

Seven years later, Adam was working at his father’s law firm. On this particular day, he sat right across from his father. “What do you mean the money is gone?” Adam asked.

“I mean it’s gone,” his father told him. “The firm is shutting down. We’ve lost everything.” Adam felt like he had finally hit rock bottom. All this time his future was set. Now, he lost it all.

Seven years later, Philip had written and published a bestseller. On this particular day, he sat across a Hollywood director who had taken interest in making a film out of Philip’s novel. Philip felt that all his struggles were finally paying off. The money was only a small increment of a dream come true.

Later that month, Adam searched his pockets, scrabbling for enough change to buy a tall cappuccino at Starbucks. After collecting his drink, he turned around, and stopped in his tracks.

“Philip,” Adam said. Philip, about to order his drink, turned to look at Adam.

“Adam,” Philip replied. “How’s the high life?”

“The firm shut down. How’s the low life?”

“Bestseller. Hollywood.”

“I see now money is the highlight of your life.”

“Not at all. I’d be happy to lend you a hand.” Philip pulled out the same five dollar bill Adam gave him seven years ago. “It’ll buy your meals, for about, half a day?”