Long ago, in the quiet lanes of Manchester, a man named Thomas Wilson found himself in a spot of bother. His wife, Eleanor, watched in dismay as he tucked a note with his number beneath the windscreen wiper of a car hed accidentally scraped while reversing.
What on earth are you doing? Eleanor whispered, glancing around the dimly lit street. No one saw. This isnt even our neighbourhoodlets just go.
It wouldnt be right, Thomas replied stubbornly. How would I feel if someone hit my car and drove off?
Look at that motor! Its worth more than our flat. A scratch means nothing to them.
I cant, Ellie. I just cant.
They climbed back into their modest car, and Thomas carefully navigated out of the lane.
And how do you intend to pay for the repairs? Eleanor pressed, frustration edging her voice. Weve barely two pennies to rub together, and half of thats earmarked for rent.
The new job pays well. Ill sort it within the yearyou wont even notice, Thomas assured her, following the satnavs route with care.
You havent even started, and already youre in debt, she muttered, staring at unfamiliar terraced houses. I warned youthis honesty of yours will land us on the streets one day. You cant afford to be this principled.
Thomas said nothing.
Half an hour later, as sunlight crept over the rooftops, they arrived at their new lodgings. The landlord, a fastidious man in a tailored suit, waited as they inspected the flat.
Just the two of you, then? he asked, already drafting the lease at the kitchen table.
And a cat, Thomas added. Eleanor rolled her eyes.
A cat? The landlord frowned. Your wife made no mention of a pet.
Eleanor wished the floor would swallow her whole.
Had I known, Id have refused, the man continued, setting down his pen. He hesitated, watching the young couple squirm, then relented. Very well. An extra fifty quid a monthfor wear and tearand you may move in.
I dont think Eleanor began.
We accept, Thomas cut in. Our apologies for not mentioning it sooner.
Then were agreed, the landlord said, smiling as he finished the paperwork.
***
Why did you tell him about the cat? Eleanor hissed the moment the door shut. I left it in the car for a reason!
It wasnt honest to hide it, Thomas protested, unpacking their belongings.
And paying six hundred extra a year is? She flung her clothes onto the bed. I love you for your decency, but there must be limits!
At least weve a roof over our heads. Dont fretthe new job will cover it.
If you even get it. Eleanor scoffed. With that scrupulous nature of yours, no regional firm will hire you. They want smooth talkers who can spin a yarn. Youd overpay a vending machine if it gave you the wrong change.
You think theyll turn me down? Thomas looked stricken, fumbling a mug that shattered against the cracked kitchen tiles.
We could hide that under a rug. But youd insist on replacing them, wouldnt you?
Thomas nodded guiltily.
They wont hire you, she said flatly.
What should I do? He slumped onto a stool, despair weighing heavy.
The job was their lifelinetheir chance for a mortgage, a family.
Show them you can bend when needed. Learn to spin a tale. Everyone lies, Thomas.
He nodded, defeated. He knew the world exploited his honesty. Perhaps it was time to change.
Alright. Ill do it.
***
At the interview, Thomas was impeccable. His qualifications spoke for themselves. The director nodded approvingly after each answer. The position seemed his.
Based on our discussion, youre an excellent fit, the director said, setting aside the papers. One final question: Would you act in the companys interest, even if it meant stretching the truth with a client?
Pardon?
Could you spin a yarn if it meant securing a deal? Even if it werent entirely honest?
Thomass stomach twisted. He wanted to refusebut remembered Eleanors words.
Easily, he said, crossing his legs with false confidence. No qualms at all.
The directors smile vanished. Youre not what were looking for. Goodbye.
Wh-why?
Our reputation hinges on trust. Were not some fly-by-night operation. Honesty matters here.
But I misunderstood! Id never deceive anyone!
The director scoffed. More yarn-spinning. No, weve no use for dishonesty. Good day.
Thomas left, his world crumbling. Hed failed. All for abandoning his principles.
***
I got the job, Thomas lied when Eleanor called, his voice hollow.
If hed started spinning tales, why stop now? Hed feign employment until something turned up.
Then an unknown number flashed on his phone.
About the car you scraped, a mans voice said. Come sort it out.
Thomass stomach dropped. Hed forgotten the mornings mishap. Now their savings were gone.
At the address, his legs trembled as he approached the damaged car. Five minutes later, the director from the interview emerged.
Blimeyyou again! The man chuckled. Whyd you dent my wifes bumper?
It was an accident
More tall tales?
No. Ill pay for it.
With what? Youre unemployed.
Ill manage.
The director grinned. Oh, you willthrough payroll deductions.
Payroll?
Consider this your second chance. We value integrity here. He clapped Thomass shoulder. But why lie earlier?
Thomas sighed. Everyone does it.
Only when it harms no one. Sometimes, a white lie serves a purpose.
How?
Ill explainif you take the job.
The director had no intention of docking his wagesthe insurance would cover it. But Thomas wouldnt learn that for a year.
