They say that a man with a briefcase arrived at a train station and bought a ticket.
His name was Santiago.
The one who sold him the ticket said … Sir, the train is one hour late. Santiago told him: “Don´t worry I will take it anyways because I need to travel today”.
So that time would pass more quickly, he bought a newspaper and fragrant cherries that a woman sold close by.
Santiago looked for a bench to sit on, read his newspaper and eat some of his cherries.
He found one, sat down and opened the newspaper, at the same time he put the bag of cherries beside him to take out one after the other.
He was preparing to read and eat when at that moment a man with a long coat stood next to him.
This did not call Santiago´s attention because the seats are public.
Santiago continued on his own, took a cherry and ate it, the man next to him also took a cherry from Santiago’s bag and ate it.
Santiago’s surprise was so much that he said nothing. Then Santiago took another cherry and the man next to him took another and smiled at him.
Clearly this was a provocation.
Santiago was totally confused, never in his life had something similar happened, I thought to myself “This is a joke or a nightmare”.
Santiago glimpsed at the man in the coat.
Santiago this time with more caution returned to take another cherry, but already making a face of discomfort, the man who was at his side without flinching took another cherry and smiling ate it.
Santiago was not a man of discussions, but this time he exploded, took his briefcase, got up from the bench very annoyed and went to stamp a claim to the window.
The man in the coat looked at Santiago, surprised.
He came to the window and said to the one who was attending … “Sir, I have come to make a serious complaint to that man who is sitting there on the bench.”
“And what is your claim?” asked the officer.
“What happened”, Santiago said, “I bought some cherries, I sat on that bench and I put them beside me to read and eat cherries, but … my surprise was great when the man who was next to me every time I took one, smiled and took one without my permission”.
“I think” Santiago said “That the guards should stop him because he is disturbed”.
“Okay, the official told him, but first show me your ID to stamp the claim”.
Santiago opened his briefcase to get his documents and stood still in shock.
The bag with cherries was completely intact inside!
THE TEACHING OR LESSON LEARNT
This short story leaves us a teaching.
The man next to Santiago had also bought cherries and it was Santiago whom without asking permission, was taking his cherries.
Moreover, the man in the coat smiled and had no problem sharing his cherries with Santiago.
Sometimes by hurrying or not observing we make mistakes.
Always watch, and don´t rush.
Situations are not always as you think, and many times you will also get help from the one you least expect it or you will hurt the wrong person.
Meditate and ask for this petty humanity.
