It’s hard not to lend when a friend pleads. - Zachary

Henry was the live wire of the party. He organised gatherings to keep people connected. He was generous and fun to be around.

He would go out of his way to help people. Like driving across the city and spending time with distressed friends in the wee hours of the morning when they called. People felt cared for around Henry.

Henry was also generous when dating. He bought the latest gadgets and luxury products for the women he courted. He paid for exotic trips. He wanted to impress, to show he cared through lavish gestures.

But Henry's expenses exceeded his pay. Significantly.

He began to use his credit cards. The balances grew. Soon, he had accumulated debt about three times his annual salary.

Desperate, he began to borrow from his family and friends. "Just until I sort things out," he would say.

Friends who declined to lend him money were called names. "I thought you were my friend!" he said. "You're selfish. I've always been there for you!"

The scolding was harsh. Public, sometimes. People began to avoid his calls.

Zachary, his secondary school friend, felt conflicted when Henry reached out. He knew Henry was in trouble. And Henry had been there for him during difficult times.

Zachary loaned him $2,000. All he had in his savings.

A few days later, Zachary saw Henry's social media posts. A new gadget unboxed. Photos from a fancy restaurant with another girl, wine glasses raised, laughter.

The $2,000 was gone. Not on rent. Not on debt repayment. On more luxury spending.

Zachary felt sick. That was his entire savings.

When he confronted Henry, Henry became defensive. "I need this relationship to work out."

It took years of repeated begging before Henry finally returned the money. By then, the friendship had long since faded.