It was a warm summer evening, and Mr. Johnson was tending to his garden when his neighbor, Mr. Stevens, strolled over, eager to catch up on the latest neighborhood gossip.
“Say, Johnson,” Mr. Stevens began, leaning against the fence separating their yards. “How are those four sons of yours doing these days?”
Mr. Johnson looked up from his gardening.
“Well, Mr. Stevens, they’re all still living at home.”
“Oh, so what are they doing with their lives, then?”
“Well, let me tell you,” he said, dusting off his hands.
“My eldest, he just earned a degree in Economics from a prestigious university.”
Mr. Stevens let out an impressed whistle. “Now, that’s something to be proud of,” he remarked, nodding approvingly.
Emboldened by his neighbor’s reaction, Mr. Johnson continued.
“And my second son, he recently completed his MBA, graduating at the top of his class.”
“Remarkable!” Mr. Stevens exclaimed, his eyebrows shooting up in admiration.
Mr. Johnson’s chest puffed out ever so slightly as he spoke of his third son.
“And then there’s my third boy – he’s just been awarded his PhD, putting years of hard work and dedication behind him.”
Mr. Stevens shook his head in disbelief. “Three accomplished sons, Johnson. You must be one proud father.”
But just as Mr. Stevens was about to congratulate his neighbor further, Mr. Johnson’s expression shifted, a hint of sheepishness creeping into his eyes.
“Well, now, about my fourth son,” he began, clearing his throat. “He’s, uh, he’s a bit of a black sheep, you might say.”
“You see, my fourth son is a thief, if I’m being honest.”
Mr. Stevens recoiled, his brow furrowing in disapproval.
“A thief? Good heavens, Johnson, why on earth would you allow him to remain under your roof?”
Mr. Johnson let out a deep sigh, his shoulders sagging slightly. “Well, you see, Stevens,” he explained, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation.
“While my first three sons are living off my purse…”
“But, my fourth boy, well, he is the only one making any money.”
