What goes around comes back around
Today….I had this wake up call…a wake up call about etiquette, about manners, about respecting others.
Last week I said ‘yes’ to a promise with a teacher and a fellow colleague to see this kitten, which was saved and taken care of by another colleague. I said ‘yes’ that day because I was reluctant to reject their warm invitation, not that I actually wanted to see the kitten. The three of us agreed to take the train and eat lunch together before going to the kitten’s place.
One week passed, and I had completely forgotten about the promise. After school had finished, I went to the administration office, then to the post office, and finally strode home. At some time along the way, I suddenly remembered about the promise. But ‘ahh…’, I thought, “they would already be having fun anyway”.
Once I reached home, I quickly made my lunch and finished it. When I was washing the dishes, I heard a ‘ding-dong..’. My colleague was standing on my doorstep. “Hi”, I said.
“Hi…so you are going to eat lunch with us?’
“But I have taken lunch. Where are you going to eat?”
“Shinfuku..Ok I’ll just ring your bell after we’ve finished eating.”
Starting to feel bad about the whole thing, I quickly took a shower, and walked my way to Shinfuku, just to sit and chat with them…so we could go to the kitten’s place together too.
My teacher and colleague were warm, like always. We chatted animatedly while waiting for them to finish eating.
Suddenly my phone rang.
“Moshi-moshi Inoue sensei?”…it was from a teacher in the administration office. She told me that I had to move a test date. And it had to be done AT THAT MOMENT.
I called the test registration office. No answer.
Called again. No answer.
I emailed them. The answer could only be out in three days time.
I called for the third time. Yosh! The person answered.
I stated my registration name and number, and asked to change the test date from August 25th to August 11th. “Sorry Miss…there is no seat left in the Kinki area for August 11th.” Panic started to make my heart race.
“Are there no seats left before the date of August 11th?”
The operator held my call…
“Yes there is. It’s two days from now. July 28th.”
“Please change the date to July 28th.” My insides started to churn because of how close the exam is gonna be. Only two days left for preparation. Not even two days…remembering I still have work tonight and class next morning.
“Please tell me your credit card name and number.”
Okay. I don’t have a credit card. My dad has one, but he’s in Indonesia.
“Can I cut the call first and look up for the credit card details?”
“Ermm I’m afraid you can’t…If you cut the call we have to start from the beginning, and there is a high chance that the seat would have been filled by then.”
THEN WHAT SHOULD I DO. I tried to text my dad, but there was no reply. I tried to call him with my mobile, but I could not hold this call with the officer. I tried to call my dad on skype, but he’s not online. Embarrassed by my own situation, but left with no choice, I asked my teacher whether or not I could use her mobile to try for international call.
With a ‘yes’, I tried to call my dad for several times, but none was successful. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW.
Then my teacher started to ask about the situation. I explained everything in such a hurry and frustrated way….but she seemed to understand.
“Do you want to use my credit card first? I have it here with me.”
That line made my heart jump. I quickly shared the card details to the officer on call. And within a few minutes, everything is settled.
I am saved because, at last, I went to meet a promise that I did not try to keep. How ashamed. How immature. Yet how lucky and blessed.
Michelle, you really have to start thinking more about your manners and integrity.
