One day, Jinny and Mary were shopping at Olympic City. When they passed an accessory shop, they saw a variety of pretty hair accessories. When Jinny picked up one of the headbands and looked at the price, she was shocked. It cost more than she expected.
Jinny decided to leave but Mary was still inside the shop. Mary’s eyes were glued to one of the hairclips. However, when the shop owner was serving other customers, Jinny saw Mary slip the hairclip into her pocket. Then she pretended nothing had happened and left the shop.
Jinny was surprised by Mary’s actions. It was the first time that Jinny had witnessed Mary’s stealing. After this event, Jinny’s heart was in chaos. Finally, she decided to confront Mary about the hairclip. ‘Why did you steal the hairclip ? ‘ Jinny asked her, ‘Don’t you know that it is illegal ?’
At that moment, Mary burst into tears. She explained that she just wanted to prepare a gift for her mother but she did not have enough money. Jinny said in a sympathetic tone, ‘I understood you! But I think your mother will not want a stolen present.’
In the end, they returned the hairclip. Fortunately, the shop owner did not report Mary’s criminal act to the police. Mary promised never to steal again and be honest to her friends. At last, Jinny felt uneasy to query Mary’s misbehavior, but later she recognised that a sincere attitude was an essential ingredient to true friendship.