What kind of friend would I be if I refused? - Remi

Remi had neighbours and friends who would come to him with dire situations and pressing needs.

One had an elderly mother who was grievously ill and needed medical care they couldn't afford. Another had a son whose school fees were overdue. The boy might be kicked out if payment didn't come through. Yet another had a loanshark after the family, threats growing more dangerous by the day.

Each time, Remi would lend them money. Sometimes it was repaid. Often it wasn't.

Word spread. Remi earned a reputation for being "a loyal friend," someone you could count on when times were tough. People spoke warmly of his generosity, his big heart, his willingness to help when no one else would.

In the meanwhile, his wife stretched every dollar to put food on the table. His children wore hand-me-downs and skipped school excursions because there wasn't enough money. The family lived hand to mouth, unable to improve their circumstances. Further education for the children? Starting a small business? These remained distant dreams, always just out of reach.

Remi's wife would sometimes ask gently, "Can we say no this time? We need to think about our own family too."

But Remi would shake his head. "How can I turn them away when they're desperate? What kind of friend would I be?"

And so the cycle continued. Remi, the loyal friend. His family, still waiting.