This Sunday evening, I found myself returning home after having dinner at my parent’s home. As I got off the elevator, I turned the corner to go down the short hallway where my apartment is located. As I got to my door, I looked down the end of the hallway where there are two additional apartments. On the ground, just a few feet in front of me was the unmistakable colour and design of a Canadian $20 bill.
The placement of the slightly crumpled up $20 bill was a bit suspect. It was right in the middle of the hallway, as if placed on purpose. I quickly looked around to see if there were any cameras that were observing. Of course, there were none… I think. I wasn’t really sure what to do at this point. Should I just grab the money and dash into my apartment? Should I try to see if the $20 bill belonged to anyone in one of those two apartments?
Just taking the money seemed too easy and it really wasn’t my money. I decided I should at least make a half-assed attempt to return the bill to its rightful owner. Since I was going to do it half-assed, I decided I would only knock on the door of one the apartments down the hall (the bill could have only come from those two apartments). Now I don’t know much about my neighbours. I think I may have said hi to each of them once so far. I do know both apartments are two-bedroom units. I also know one of them is occupied by a young couple and the other is occupied by two young ladies who share the place. Guess which one I chose?
After a solid knock and a curious look through the peephole, one of the roommates opened the door. It was the tall, brunette one. I could see her shorter, blonde roommate behind her, wondering why I had knocked.
“Oh hey, did one of you just drop this $20 bill in the hallway? I found it on the floor.”
“Oh… no, but the pizza guy was just here, so I guess it’s your lucky day.”
“Oh, alright. Well, thanks!”
“But thanks for checking with us first.”
“Yeah, no problem!”
So with that, the awkward exchange ended and I walked back to my apartment door and let myself in. Considering I spent almost $50 in groceries today, the $20 I found certainly is most welcome. I also appreciate the honesty of the young ladies down the hall. They could have made up some crazy story on the spot and I pretty much would have had to give them the money.
I know you’re wondering but I am indeed going to continue working. I just wouldn’t know what I’d do with all that free time.
I think you should have given those young ladies the twenty bucks. For, you know, services.
First lesson is you don’t tell people how much, you just ask them if they may have lost some money. If they say $20, then it could be theirs.
Second lesson… that should have devolved into a “Dear Penthouse” embellishment. Next time, think of your readers.
Cam, good suggestions on both points.
Garrett, next time I see them, I’ll find out what $20 gets me.