The Checkbook

There once was a son of a very wealthy man. His father commissioned him to go live in a nearby city and setup an office there, to extend the family business into a new market. The son went there, but found it difficult to find a place to do business. Office space was scare and rents were high. He simply didn’t have the money to afford the rents and so he started looking for cheaper, more out of the way places. He called his father to explain the situation.

“Dad, the rents here for office space in the business district are so high. I just can’t afford them. So I’m looking for some place out of town a ways.”

“I see,” his father replied. “So you’re saying that you cannot afford rent, is that it?”

“Right. I just don’t have the funds for it.”

“I see,” his father replied again. “Who’s business are you trying to set up there?”

There was a pause. The son started, “Well, ah… well, it’s the family business.” Another pause. The father didn’t say anything. “It’s your business, Dad.” 

“I see,” his father said once again. “And are you saying that I cannot afford the rent there?”

The son realized the vast wealth of his Dad and said, “Well, no. I mean,” the son grew quiet for a moment. “Ok Dad. I get it. Yes, of course you can afford the rent.”

“Well good. I’m glad we got that cleared up. You have the checkbook to our account, so we don’t really have a problem there, right?”

“Right,” the son replied. “I have the checkbook.”

“Good. Use it. Oh son,” said the father, “you were right the first time. It’s the family business. It’s my business. It’s your business. It’s our business. You’re not on your own, ok? We’re in this together.”