The True friendship

An abstract from aleph


      A man called Ali is in need of money and asks his boss to help him out. His boss sets him a challenge: if he can spend a night on top of a mountain, he will receive a great reward; if he fails, he will have to work for free. When he left the office, Ali noticed that an icy wind was blowing. He felt afraid and decided to ask his best friend, Aydi, if he thought he was mad to accept the wager. After considering the matter for the moment, Aydi answered, ‘Don’t worry, I will help you. Tomorrow night when you are sitting on top of the mountain, look straight ahead. I’ll be on the top of the mountain opposite, where I will keep a fire burning all night for you. Look at the fire and think of our friendship; and that will keep you warm. You will make it through the night and afterwards I will ask you for something in return’.


Ali won the wager, got the money and went to his friend’s house.


‘You said you wanted some sort of payment in return.’


Aydi said, ’yes, but it isn’t money. Promise me that if ever a cold wind blows through my life, you will light the fire of friendship for me’