Roger was very happy. He had entered the living room and seen his father finishing a phone conversation. His father, pleased and with broad smile said:
 

	- My son, I have just closed a good business deal. Here's some money for you to buy something you like. - That's great, Dad! Thanks - said the happy boy. Roger  put  the  note  into  his pocket and left,
thinking about everything that he could buy: candy, chocolates, toys, balls, a board game... After all, that was not just any note; it was really valuable! His imagination ran wild.

He did not let go of the lovely note, not even when he went to sleep. Sometimes he would put his hand in his pocket to make sure it was still there.

In the morning, he went to school with the note in his pocket. At recess, he saw Maurice, a classmate with whom he was always arguing, and who when they met in the street would look the other way to show that he did not like Roger.
 

- My mother is sick and my father does not have the money to buy the medicine that the doctor prescribed.

Right then, Roger remembered the note in his pocket. He felt the urge to give him the money, but something held him back. Deep inside he thought: Should I give my precious note to him who always treats me badly? He who does not like me? Oh no...

Roger kept silent, thinking, then muttered:

- I'm sorry, Maurice. I hope your mother gets well soon.

The buzzer sounded and they returned to class. At the end of the class, Roger left in a hurry. He wanted to get home soon. Basically, he was not pleased with his attitude towards his classmate. His conscience accused him. He could have helped Maurice but he had not. Because of selfishness.

At lunch time his mother noticed that he was quiet and wondered what was happening. Roger replied that it was nothing; it was only that Maurice's mother was sick.

- Ah! Honey, maybe we can help in some way? I'll look for more information.

Upon hearing those words, Roger felt even guiltier. He got up from the table and went to his room.

The mother went after him, knowing that her son was not well. She opened the bedroom door and saw that he was crying.

- What happened, dear?

Then Roger told his mom about his problem of conscience, apologising:

- But, mom, Maurice never liked me! He always treats me badly and fights with me! Now I, who got a beautiful note of money from my dad, should give it to him? It's not fair! ...

His mother took him in her arms, cradling him in her chest, and said softly:

- I understand your difficulty, honey, and you have the right to act as you wish. After all, it's your money.

The boy looked at her with questioning and crying eyes, and his mother continued:

- However, precisely because this classmate is angry at you, your action would be even more important. Jesus tells us to repay evil with good. And you know why? If we only do good to those who love us, where is our merit? All people, even those who are not good, do the same. So, Jesus shows us, who believe in Him, that we have to act different from other people. And God, our Father, will be pleased with us because we will be helping another one of His children. Understand, Roger?

The boy showed that he understood. More excited, he got up from the bed and wiping his eyes, said:

- Mom, I'm going to Maurice's home.

- Go, darling. And God be with you! Later on, I'll also go there to find out how his mother is doing - she agreed, understanding that the child should go alone.
 

Roger hugged her and ran. Arriving at his friend's home he called and Maurice came to answer. He thought it was odd to see Roger there but treated him well. Roger smiled and said: - Maurice, I have come to bring you something. Take it! It's yours! - And, reaching into his pocket, he handed the beautiful note to his classmate. - Are you sure, Roger? It's a lot of money! After all, we were never good friends... - he said astonished.

- I'm absolutely sure, Maurice. If we have never gotten along, it does not matter now. What is important is your mother's problem. If this money can be useful to you, I'm glad.

Maurice reached out and hugged the boy with gratitude:

- You showed what a true friend you are, Roger. Thank you so much!

At that moment, when he received the embrace from his classmate, Roger felt that all the negative energy that existed between them had disappeared as if by magic. Both were moved and Roger asked:

- I would like to meet your mother, Maurice. May I come inside?

- Of course, my friend! You will always be welcome in this house!
 

MEIMEI
 

(Psychographed by Celia X. de Camargo on 05/05/2014.)