I grew up in a town in the south of Spain. I was 16 when one morning, my father told me I could drive him into a village, 18 miles away, but 1 had to drive the car to be serviced at a nearby garage. Having just learned to drive, and hoping to have a try, I immediately 2 .
I drove Dad there and promised to pick him up at 4 p.m., then drove to the garage. With a few hours to spare, I decided to catch a couple of 3. However, I became so immersed in them that I completely forgot the time. When they finished, it was six!
I knew Dad would be 4 if he found out I'd been watching movies. He'd never let me drive again, so I decided to tell him the car needed some 5 , which had taken longer time. When I drove back, I saw Dad waiting patiently. I said sorry for being late. But I would never forget the 6 he gave me.
"I'm disappointed that you have to 7 to me, Jason."
"What do you mean, Dad?"
Dad looked at me again. "When I was waiting, I called the garage. They told me everything was done and you hadn't 8 the car. So you see, there were no problems with it." A rush of 9 came to me as I told the truth. Dad listened carefully as a sadness passed 10 him.
"I'm angry, not with you but myself. I realize I've failed 11 I've brought up a son who even lies to his own father. I'm going to walk home now and think seriously about the mistakes 12 I've made these years."
"But Dad, it's 18 miles. It's already dark."
I had let my father down. Dad began to walk along the dusty roads. I quickly jumped in the car and followed behind. I 13 all the way, telling him how sorry I was, but he simply ignored me, continuing on silently, thoughtfully and painfully. For 18 miles, I drove behind him, 14 . Seeing my father in so much physical and emotional pain was the most painful experience.
However, it was also the most 15 lesson. I have never lied to him since.
