A Price for Directions

“Hold on… hold on… young boy, we are not rich.”

Out of curiosity to hear from the boy, Nelson absentmindedly pointed to Stacey. “I mean, I am not rich. Any assistance you render to me now will be an act of generosity, and you shouldn’t expect anything in return.”

The boy immediately swung his hoe onto his arm and walked away without responding, leaving Nelson standing there, stunned.

As Nelson stood in awe, reminiscing about how humble he had been to the boy despite his young age, Stacey cut into his thoughts.

“Do you have the man's location on your Google Maps? I guess not. And you let him leave? Okay, I just hope you’ll be able to explain to my father how you found someone who could help, yet let him go because of your pride.”

Nelson turned to her, his face displaying anger, but he said nothing. Instead, he immediately followed after the boy, yelling, “Hello… stop!” He started jogging to catch up with him because the boy seemed to be walking as if his ears were under his feet.

“Young man!” Nelson called again, trying to sound more respectful as he got closer.

The boy turned slowly, his expression clearly questioning Nelson: Why are you disturbing me?

“Now, are you ready to let me finish my sentence before cutting me off? Because I can’t share discreet information with someone who interrupts before I even finish speaking.”

Nelson, still catching his breath from running, nodded quickly. “Yes, I am.”

“Okay. I know the store you seek. Only a few people in this district know about it, and I can’t disclose such information without receiving compensation. Looking at you, I know you’re wealthy,” he said, glancing at Nelson’s old Nissan.

Nelson quickly justified himself. “Young boy, where I come from, this car is used to carry loads to the market. It’s an old model—no one would even accept it as a gift.”

The boy smirked. “I’m happy you said it yourself. It’s used for transporting goods to the market, which means you make money from it. Just an appreciation.”

Nelson mumbled, “But I don’t have any money with me right now,” pulling out his empty pockets to show the boy. “I haven’t been able to work lately,” he pleaded.

Without a word, the boy picked up his hoe, about to leave.

Nelson, desperate to avoid another chase, called out immediately,...