The Bargain at the Market
She approached the old man and asked, “How much are the eggs?”
“$0.25 an egg, Madam,” he replied.
She quickly countered, “I’ll take 6 eggs for $1.25, or I’ll walk away.”
The old seller, desperate, responded, “Take them at your price. Maybe this is a good start—I haven’t sold a single egg today.”
Satisfied with her bargain, she took the eggs and walked off, feeling victorious.
A Different Scene at the Restaurant
She got into her luxurious car and drove to an upscale restaurant with her friend. There, they ordered whatever they fancied. After eating only a little, they left most of the food untouched.
When it was time to pay, the bill came to $45. She handed over $50 and told the owner to keep the change.
A Stark Contrast
To the restaurant owner, this was just another generous tip. But to the poor egg seller, her earlier actions were a painful reminder of inequality.
The Bigger Question
Why do we flex our power when buying from those in need, yet show generosity to those who don’t require it?
A Lesson from a Father
My father often paid extra when buying simple goods from poor vendors, even if he didn’t need the items. Curious, I once asked him why.
His response? “It’s charity wrapped in dignity, my child.”
