Mary needed new brakes, Brittany’s student loans were tight, and Melissa had to wait for her paycheck. Soon, I was out $2,000 and feeling used. The night before the trip, I sent a cheerful group text, hiding my plan. The next morning, I stocked the cabin with groceries, then left with the keys and garage door opener. When my friends arrived, they found the cabin locked and bombarded me with calls and texts. I replied, “Oh no! So sorry, guys. Must have left the keys at home. But hey, the good news is I’m on my way back now!” I finally sent, “Look, I’m happy to come back and let you all in, but only once everyone has sent over their share of the rental cost.” Payments started rolling in within an hour. Returning to the cabin, I found my friends relieved but awkward. “I hope I made it on time!” I chirped. Apologies were made, and we managed to have some fun. By the end of the trip, the tension eased, and they understood the consequences of not keeping their word.
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