During Tony’s last year at college, tragedy struck. His parents died in a car accident. According to the police, it was a hit and run. By the impact, they believed it was a truck which did not stop at a road junction. Neither the truck was found nor the driver was caught. At the funeral, Uncle Joe was the only relative present. Anne was there to support Tony also.
“Your father was a great man and your mother was the best wife a man could get,” Uncle Joe told Tony after the funeral. “Anything you need, any help or whatsoever, just call me. I will be here for you just like your father has always been there for me.”
“Thank you, Uncle Joe,” Tony replied. “I’ll remember that.”
Tony concentrated on his studies, meeting Anne only once till his final exams. On graduation day, only Uncle Joe was present. Anne could not attend as she had an important project to submit.
“A small gift for your hard work,” Uncle Joe gave Tony an envelope with lots of one hundred-dollar bills.
“Thank you, but you shouldn’t …”
“Your parents would have been proud of you,” Uncle Joe cut him off.
“I know.” A tear ran down Tony’s face.
“Ok, let’s go and celebrate. I know a good Italian restaurant in the city. By the way, where is your girlfriend?”
“She has something important to do.”
Right after college, Tony got a job as a junior electrical engineer. He sold his parent’s house and used the money as a large mortgage deposit for a house he purchased in the city. After university Anne went to work in a financial institution dealing with life insurance and investments. She moved in with Tony and a year later they got married. Having kids was not on their to do list as they preferred to be financially settled before thinking about it. Also, both had to pay back their student loans.
Two years later, Tony decided to fly with his own wings. He started his business as an electrical contractor. He worked at home. The beginning was difficult, as it was not as he expected. He had to use all his energy to market himself. The money he saved during the three years he has been working was of great help. On the other hand, Anne was spending a lot on clothing, toiletries, designer handbags, spas and other women stuff because she had to project a certain image that she liked to maintain
Three years later Tony’s business was a success. He has been doing a good job, he charged less than his competitors. He secured some contracts with some huge building contractors. With the boom in construction, his business flourished and he had to employ people to get the job done. He had his own office downtown with a personal secretary.
Sitting at his desk one Monday morning, he looked at the picture in front of him, taken on his wedding day. “Already five years,” he thought. “Time flies. The student loans have already been paid off for both of us. The house mortgage will be settled completely in a couple of years. Anne has been working hard on a contract lately.” He smiled.
Tony called Anne on her cell phone. “Hi honey,” Anne said. “The clients are here to sign the contract, I’m on my way to meet them. I have less than one minute to talk with you.”