Brotherhood and Loyalty

Jack and Clement were at the doorstep leaving a party, when the host, Nelson, was calling out, "Hey Clement, don't you want to stay back for the next exciting session?" Jack stood by the side, neglected.

The hostess Sally noticed Jack and waved for him to stay back. At that moment, memories flashed through Jack's mind.

Jack remembered the days in the past when Nelson used to hang out with him so often. After every party, Nelson would make sure that Jack stayed back for the "exciting next session". Jack was always part of Nelson's inner circle. Nelson had always spoken highly of Jack. They were both epitome of brotherhood and loyalty.

Then one day, something happened to Jack. He had some personal issues and was bogged down by emotions. Nelson found Jack to be annoying, as Jack slowly faded off his inner circle. For a while, there was no contact between the two of them.

Few months passed by. Jack was back on his feet, and started to throng the parties like he used to do. Whenever he bumped into Nelson at the parties, he would hope that they could make up for the lost times. But every time, Nelson would just casually greet him, with minimal eye contact. It was from then that Jack knew things had changed.

Many times, Jack wondered. Were those words, which Nelson had spoken highly of him during their good times, genuine? Or was it merely because he still belong to Nelson's inner circle back then? What happened to their epitome of brotherhood and loyalty?

Back to reality. Jack waved back at Sally, signalling that he won't be staying back. In his heart, Jack had wanted to stay back. But he was hurt. He understood that it wasn't appropriate for him to stay back. Most importantly, he didn't feel welcome. And so Jack bade Sally goodbye, as Nelson continues to focus on his new buddy Clement.

True brotherhood and loyalty thrive not only during good times, but bad times as well.

Choose your association wisely.