Part 1. The Paycheck
SCENE 1 — CONSTRUCTION SITE, EVENING
The workday is over. The son approaches his boss to collect his paycheck.
BOSS:
— Here’s your money.
The son takes the envelope.
SON:
— Thank you, boss.
He doesn’t count the money and puts the envelope in his pocket.
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SCENE 2 — HOME, EVENING
The son comes home. His father is lying in bed, looking sick.
SON:
— Dad, how are you feeling?
FATHER:
— I’m okay, son. But I’m running out of medicine.
The son takes the envelope out and starts counting the money.
Suddenly, he stops.
SON:
— That’s strange…
He counts the money again.
SON:
— Dad, they gave me much more money than usual.
FATHER:
— Are you sure?
SON:
— Yes. I usually get less than this.
The father becomes serious.
FATHER:
— Then you have to ask your boss tomorrow. Maybe he made a mistake.
SON:
— Okay. If it was a mistake, I’ll return the money.
The son puts the money on the table.
FATHER:
— Remember, son. Money that doesn’t belong to us will never bring us happiness.
The son nods.
END OF PART 1.
Part 2. Returning the Money
The next day, the son arrives at the construction site and approaches his boss.
SON:
— Boss, can I ask you something? Yesterday, you gave me my paycheck, but when I counted it at home, I realized there was much more money than usual.
BOSS:
— Really?
SON:
— Yes. I brought the extra money back.
The boss takes the envelope and looks at the son.
BOSS:
— Alright. Give it to my wife. She’s in the office.
The son goes to the boss’s wife and hands her the money.
SON:
— This is the extra money. The boss told me to give it to you.
The wife silently takes the envelope.
SON:
— Alright, I’ll go then.
He leaves.
Later, the boss comes home.
BOSS:
— Did you receive the money I told that worker to give you?
The wife looks at him in confusion.
WIFE:
— What money?
The boss’s expression changes.
BOSS:
— The worker was supposed to return some money to you.
WIFE:
— He didn’t give me anything.
BOSS:
— Are you sure?
WIFE:
— Of course I’m sure.
The boss begins to suspect the son.
END OF PART 2.
August 19, 2026 8
