Chapter 5 - What Money Is ForRuth found three things on the table.
The newspaper.
The savings book.
A cup of cold coffee.
“What happened?”
James pointed toward the chair.
“Sit down.”
He told her everything.
The illness.
The hospital.
Clyde paying.
The wages.
The refusal to accept repayment.
Ruth listened quietly.
“Why didn’t you pay him back later?”
“He would not let me.”
“Why?”
“Because he didn’t want to own my gratitude.”
James turned the savings book toward her.
Ruth’s eyes widened.
“Dad.”
“I’ve been saving a long time.”
“For what?”
“I didn’t know.”
He touched the foreclosure notice.
“Now I do.”
“You’re buying the farm?”
“I’m trying to save it.”
“You’re going?”
James looked away.
His health had become unreliable again.
A long trip and stressful auction were risks he should not take.
“I can’t.”
Ruth felt disappointment.
Then James looked at her.
“I need someone who can.”
“Me?”
“Thomas will drive.”
“I’m fifteen.”
“I noticed.”
“Why not let him bid?”
“He can.”
“Then why me?”
James leaned back.
“Because I want you to understand what money is for.”
“Buying farms?”
“Choices.”
He tapped the savings book.
“People can spend their whole lives collecting money and start thinking keeping it is the purpose.”
He pointed toward the newspaper.
“This is the purpose.”
Ruth looked at the balance.
“What if the auction goes too high?”
“Stop.”
“What if people laugh?”
“They probably will.”
“What if I’m scared?”
“You will be.”
She frowned.
“You’re terrible at making me feel better.”
“I’m trying to make you useful.”
Eventually Ruth said:
“I want to go.”
Over the next several days, James prepared everything.
Legal authorization.
Proof of funds.
Thomas as guarantor.
Maximum price.
Auction strategy.
“Never reveal your limit.”
“I know.”
“Never bid because someone makes you angry.”
“I know.”
“Do not confuse courage with recklessness.”
“I know.”
The morning they left, James stood beside the Ford.
“And Ruth?”
She looked back.
“Don’t come home with that farm in somebody else’s name.”
May you like
Ruth smiled.
“I know.”
Related Stories
