Patrick lived in Emoryville, but every Saturday morning he rode two city buses to his uncle’s bookstore in Northview, where he worked. He didn’t mind the commute because he loved his job. He loved spending time with his uncle, but he also loved going to work because he had become friends with Andrew, one of his co-workers. The boys would talk about everything from baseball scores to movies to favorite pizza toppings. So this Saturday, when Patrick got to work, he and Andrew got to talking as they always did. “Hey, Pat,” Andrew said casually. “Hey,” said Patrick. “Did you have a good week?” “Yeah,” he said. “Great week. My basketball team made it into the semifinals. The game is tonight. We’re playing Emoryville, our nemesis.” Before Patrick could say another word, Andrew continued. “I don’t like Emoryville. I don’t think I could ever be friends with someone from that town. Our schools are such rivals.” Patrick was speechless. “Where are you from, Pat? I can’t believe I’ve never asked you that before!” Patrick fumbled over his words. “Not too far from here,” he said before he quickly changed the subject to the new shipment of

Question

Patrick lived in Emoryville, but every Saturday morning he rode two city buses to his uncle’s bookstore in Northview, where he worked. He didn’t mind the commute because he loved his job. He loved spending time with his uncle, but he also loved going to work because he had become friends with Andrew, one of his co-workers. The boys would talk about everything from baseball scores to movies to favorite pizza toppings. So this Saturday, when Patrick got to work, he and Andrew got to talking as they always did. “Hey, Pat,” Andrew said casually. “Hey,” said Patrick. “Did you have a good week?” “Yeah,” he said. “Great week. My basketball team made it into the semifinals. The game is tonight. We’re playing Emoryville, our nemesis.” Before Patrick could say another word, Andrew continued. “I don’t like Emoryville. I don’t think I could ever be friends with someone from that town. Our schools are such rivals.” Patrick was speechless. “Where are you from, Pat? I can’t believe I’ve never asked you that before!” Patrick fumbled over his words. “Not too far from here,” he said before he quickly changed the subject to the new shipment of

Answer 1

books that had just arrived.

As the day went on, Patrick couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. He had always kept his hometown a secret because he knew the rivalry between Emoryville and Northview was intense. He wasn’t sure how Andrew would react if he found out the truth.

After work, Patrick decided to come clean. “Andrew, I have something to tell you,” he said nervously. “I’m actually from Emoryville.”

Andrew looked shocked for a moment, but then he smiled. “That’s okay, Pat. I don’t care where you’re from. You’re still my friend.”

Patrick felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had been worried for nothing. His friendship with Andrew wasn’t defined by where they came from, but by the bond they shared. From that day on, Patrick felt even closer to Andrew, knowing that their friendship was stronger than any rivalry.