The True Friendship

       Martin was a very bad boy. He lived in a small town with his dotting mother who would, pamper him a good deal. He was 'given such clothes to wear as no other children had. His mother gave him delicious food to eat and many story books with colorful pictures.

        Martin had a boxful of toys which he would refuse to share with his playmates. They would often talk about his easy life and wished they had as many toys as Martin had. All such goodie things had spoilt him and he began to think too much of himself. He would look down upon his friends who did not have nice clothes to wear and lovely toys to play with.

        One day his friend Willie said, "Martin, I want to play with that ball of yours. "
         "Hey Willie, why should I give my ball? My mum gave it to me on my birthday."
       Willie felt bad, but did not say a word. Martin was in the habit of picking up quarrel with his friends right 'and left. He became very unpopular and one by one all his friends deserted him. Martin would feel very lonely now.

          Now, since Martin had lost all his friends, he had no one to play with. So, the whole day long he would study. He did well in the tests and was made the head boy. But he became more conceited than ever, and thought there was no one quite like him. Empty pride had got into Martin's head.

         After some time, Martin had to leave the place. He moved to a far bigger town. Life in this city was very different, There were tall buildings, huge markets with dazzling light and broad roads with a fleet of cars running day and night. Here Martin felt like a frog that had not known life beyond its well He was lost in the crowd.

      In his new school, Martin did not do well in any of the tests. His repeated failure shattered his pride. No one would help him. One day when Martin was sitting alone, his eyes fell on a face he knew well. It was Willie. He went to his small­ town friend Willie and said, "Willie, I'm Martin, your old playmate. I had refused to give you my ball But today I've come to seek your help."

       Willie was very happy. He was a simple boy and helped Martin. It was now that Martin. realized that there was nothing great about him.

        Before you find fault with others you should peep within. It is when you shed off your ego that you realise that in comparison to others you stand nowhere. Martin thought too much of himself till there was a small town guy who helped him. He realised that friendship is really important in this life.

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