The bustling cafeteria was abruptly silenced as Sarah rushed in, her eyes red and her voice trembling. “Please,” she pleaded, scanning the faces, “does anyone have some food to spare? I haven’t eaten since yesterday.” Just as despair threatened to overwhelm her, Mrs. Collins, her manager, entered.
“Sarah, what’s going on? Why are you in such a state?” Mrs. Collins asked, her concern evident.
“Ma’am,” Sarah whispered, her voice barely audible, “I forgot my lunchbox on the bus. All my money was inside it, too. I’m so hungry I can barely focus.” Without a moment’s hesitation, Mrs. Collins reached into her purse and handed Sarah some cash. “Here, go buy yourself something,” she instructed kindly. Grateful, Sarah quickly made her way to the counter, purchased a meal, and began to eat with a newfound urgency.
Midway through her meal, a bus driver appeared at the cafeteria door, holding a small bag. “Excuse me,” he called out, “is this yours?” Sarah’s face instantly lit up. “Yes, that’s my bag! Thank you!” she exclaimed, snatching it quickly and sighing in profound relief as she opened it to find its contents intact.
The driver cleared his throat. “Miss, you promised me $100 for returning it. I even turned back halfway just to bring it to you.”
Sarah’s relieved expression hardened into a frown. “What? I never said that. Don’t make up lies. You already get paid for driving; it’s your duty.”
The driver’s voice remained soft but firm. “But I left my route for you. I trusted your words.”
Sarah’s voice rose, attracting more attention. “Stop bothering me, or I’ll call the police!”
At that precise moment, Mrs. Collins walked back into the cafeteria and witnessed the escalating confrontation. “What’s happening here?” she inquired, her gaze moving between Sarah and the driver.
“Ma’am, this driver is harassing me for money!” Sarah complained loudly, pointing at the man.
Mrs. Collins looked directly at the bus driver. “How much did she promise?”
“$100,” he replied quietly, meeting her gaze.
Without hesitation, Mrs. Collins turned back to Sarah. “You borrowed company cash earlier to buy food,” she stated calmly but firmly. “That incurs a fine of $200. Pay it now.”
Shocked, Sarah reluctantly handed over $200. Mrs. Collins then immediately gave $100 to the bus driver. “Thank you for your honesty,” she told him, a note of respect in her voice. Then, turning back to a crestfallen Sarah, she delivered a powerful lesson: “As for you, Sarah, learn this: Lying always costs more than telling the truth.”