It was late at night by the time I got back to Allen’s place. Leon wasn’t asleep yet, and prompted by Allen, he reluctantly apologized to me.
I said, “It’s okay.” Then I gave him the gift I’d brought back—a limited edition Stephen King novel.
He glanced at it, not wanting to take it: “I don’t read novels.”
I smiled, still holding out the book: “That’s okay, I’ll bring you something else next time.”
Allen, afraid I’d be upset, urged him to take it: “This is a gift from Aunt Cathy, take it quickly.”
Leon took it unwillingly, didn’t even say thank you, and went back to his room. Allen wanted to call him back, but I smiled and stopped him: “It’s fine. Come see what I brought you.” It was a neck massage device.
Allen liked it very much. This honest man said it was the first gift he’d ever received. I smiled: “Glad you like it.”
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