Late one night, Father, still in his office clothes, came into Amin's room to switch off the lights and wish him good night.
Amin: Father, how much do you earn in an hour at the office?
Father, taken a back, was upset at the question. Why was it any of his business. Angrily, he replied, "RM20 an hour. Why?"
Amin: Can i borrow RM10?
This upset Father even more. "Why should i lend you RM10? You'll just spend it on toys or sweets. Don't waste my money!"
Amin bowed his head sadly, and kept quiet.
Father stormed off angrily.
After his bath and prayers, Father calmed down. Perhaps Amin wants to buy school books with the money. That's ok, i suppose.
Going back to Amin's room: Amin, here is RM10. Its ok, i can lend you the money.
Amin took the money in his little hands, beamed a smile, flipped his pillow and pulled out another RM10.
Father: What?! You already have RM10! Why do you want more money? You just want to buy toys don't you!
Amin bowed his head once more, almost to tears at Father's loud admonishments.
Slowly, Amin reached out, pulled Father's hand and placed RM20 into it.
Amin: No, Father. I was happy because now i have RM20. I thought i could buy one hour of your time. Could you come home early tomorrow night, and have dinner with me and Mother?
Father: ...
Amin: Please?
