The Money Bush

Summary

A child named Johnnie is given counterfeit money by an unnamed adult to buy goods, instructing him to lie about its origin by claiming it comes from a "money bush."

Abstract

In the narrative titled "The Money Bush," a child, Johnnie, is introduced to the concept of money not growing on trees, a lesson initially taught by his father. However, an adult character contradicts this by presenting Johnnie with money from a "money bush," which is actually counterfeit. The adult instructs Johnnie to purchase specific items and to keep the source of the money a secret, threatening consequences if he reveals the truth. Johnnie, who has been taught the importance of promise-keeping by his father, agrees and sets out to spend the money, excited by the prospect of a money bush and the promise of more to come. The story takes a serious turn when Johnnie is confronted by authorities for using counterfeit bills and maintains his story about the money bush, a tale he sticks to even when faced with the reality that money does not grow on trees.

Opinions

The narrative emphasizes the innocence and trustworthiness of children, as Johnnie believes in the money bush and keeps his promise despite the consequences.
There is a subtle critique of the adult world's corruption and its impact on children, as the adult in the story exploits Johnnie's naivety for potentially illicit purposes.
The story highlights the importance of honesty and the complex reality that children are often taught to be honest while also being asked to keep secrets that may be harmful or illegal.
It reflects on the harsh consequences that can arise from well-intentioned but misguided actions, as Johnnie faces legal trouble for his involvement with counterfeit money.
The tale serves as a cautionary reminder that the lessons taught to children about money and truth can have profound implications on their understanding of the world and their actions within it.

The Money Bush

“My daddy say money don’t grow on trees. My daddy don’t lie.”

“Yes Johnie, your Dad was right. This money didn’t come from a money tree. It came from a money bush.”

“Money bush yay. I like money bush.”

“Take this money. And here’s what I want you to buy. Now listen carefully and repeat after me….Very good, Johnnie. Now tell me what you are going to buy…Very good…Now this is very important. If somebody asks you where the money came from, you tell them It came for a money bush. You can’t tell anyone that I gave you money. If you do they will just take all the money away. You have to promise me that you won’t tell anybody that I gave you money.”

“Okay I promise. My daddy say always keep your promise.”

“That’s right Johnnie. Always keep your promise. Now where did the money come from?”

“It come from a money bush.”

“That’s right Johnie. Now be a good boy and buy all this stuff. I will come back in a few days and bring you more money.”

“More Money! From the money bush! Yay!”

“Now look here kid. You’re in a lot of trouble. Passing counterfeit is a serious crime. If you don’t tell us where you got this Money you’re going to jail.”

“The money come from a money bush.”

“Money doesn’t grow on trees!!!”

“That’s right my daddy say money don’t grow on trees. My daddy don’t lie.”

The Money Bush

This story is published in a Few Words, Medium’s publication that only accepts stories under 500 words.

If you have a few meaningful words to say and want to be a writer in our publication, visit here.