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 graphic novels.
As the day went on, Patrick couldn’t shake off what Andrew had said. He felt torn between his loyalty to his hometown of Emoryville and his friendship with Andrew. He didn’t want to jeopardize their friendship, but he also didn’t want to hide where he was from.
Finally, before he left for the day, Patrick decided to tell Andrew the truth. “I’m actually from Emoryville,” he said sheepishly.
Andrew looked surprised for a moment, but then he smiled. “I had a feeling you might be from there. But you know what, Pat? It doesn’t matter to me. You’re still my friend, no matter where you’re from.”
Patrick felt relieved and grateful for Andrew’s understanding. Their friendship was stronger than any town rivalry. And as they walked out of the bookstore together, Patrick knew that no matter what, their bond would always be unbreakable.