“They Weren’t Your Real Friend if…”

Summary

Stephen Dalton recounts a childhood memory where his mother disciplined him and his friend for playing dangerously close to the road, illustrating a lesson about friendship and responsibility.

Abstract

In a brief 100-word short story titled "They Weren’t Your Real Friend if…," Stephen Dalton reflects on a childhood incident triggered by a Facebook meme. The story unfolds as Dalton and a friend play near a road, prompting Dalton's mother to intervene harshly to teach them about the potential dangers of their actions. When the friend deflects the scolding by saying Dalton's mother isn't his parent, she responds by disciplining Dalton and sending the friend home, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the true nature of friendship. Dalton, a retired US Army First Sergeant with a journalism degree, shares this personal anecdote to illustrate the importance of respect and the role of a real friend, even in the face of discipline.

Opinions

The author suggests that a real friend does not use someone's absence of authority as a parent to avoid responsibility or discipline.
The mother's reaction implies that true concern transcends the boundaries of being someone's biological parent.
The meme on Facebook serves as a catalyst for the author's reflection on past experiences and the lessons learned from them.
The story subtly criticizes the lack of accountability in some friendships, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and caring.
The author's background as a retired military professional and journalist lends credibility to the moral insights shared in the story.

I saw this meme on Facebook, and I was reminded of a time as a child. This happened to me.

Facebook Meme from That One Friend

My friend and I were playing close to the road. We were building roads to drive on with Matchbox cars.

My mother grabbed us both by the ear, pulling us into the house. She was screaming the whole time. “What if one of those cars had a flat tire? You might be killed.”

My friend said, “You can’t yell at me. You’re not my mother.”

My mother took off her slipper and hit me, saying “Don’t you ever talk back to me like that. You, Mister Man, can march home while I call your mama.”

Then, he really started crying.

About Me

Stephen Dalton is a retired US Army First Sergeant with a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland and a Certified US English Chicago Manual of Style Editor. He is a freelance journalist currently living in the Philippines.

You can see his portfolio here. Email [email protected]

LIFE LESSONS: A 100-WORD SHORT STORY

“They Weren’t Your Real Friend if…”

I saw this meme on Facebook, and I was reminded of a time as a child. This happened to me.

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