The Measure of True Friendship

The Story:

Once upon a time in a village where the sun would kiss the earth and the winds would whisper tales untold, there lived a young man whose name was Kofi. Kofi would be described as well-known for his bright smile and a large number of his friends. So one day, Kofi was off to the village market now, alive with all colors, laughter, and smells of food being prepared. He went there with a close friend called Ama, who had to procure some items for the house.

As Kofi and Ama wandered through the market, Kofi spotted some of his close friends standing near the checkout counter. He became very excited at the sight of them and exchanged warm greetings. Kofi held a small trinket, some trifling thing costing only a few copper coins, in his hand. With his friends ready to pay, he asked if they wouldn't mind tacking this small purchase onto their tab.

In return, he was shocked to see uneasiness in the faces of his friends. One shrugged as another made an excuse of not having enough change. Kofi did not expect this. Now, this was a worthless thing, but still, his friends refused. While he was turning his back to leave, Kofi felt something in his heart. He started to question, What exactly was friendship?. Those were friends, or those were people he laughed with?

Ama had been watching the whole scenario unfold. She saw how his countenance fell. So she came forward to buy the item for Kofi. Turning to smile at Kofi, she said, "True friendship is not measured by what one can give or receive; it's sharing small moments, really being there for one another.".

He felt some warmth in his chest; the depth of which Ama's words had just dawned on him. Kofi did learn at that moment, after all, that friendship was not just about sticking around when things go fine but being there for each other in the slightest manner possible, even when the gesture seems immaterial.

Lesson to Learn:

True friendship does not have to do with material values. It is about the readiness to support and being there for each other, however small it may seem. Kofi came to learn that those who care for you will be there for you in those very small moments, which return the meaning of friendship.