Chapter 4: The Cost of Generosity

“Derek, building a road isn’t a small matter—it’s about the total cost. Your house is at the very end, and building out there would mean laying dozens of extra yards. It’s not cost-effective.”

The manager took out one of his own cigarettes and offered it, looking troubled.

“Don’t give me that. Just because we’re the last house, we’re not part of the town?”

“There are 113 homes here, and every single one gets a road to their front porch—except mine.”

“Mike, aren’t you playing favorites? Or do you just think my family is easy to push around?”

I didn’t take his cigarette, narrowing my eyes.

“Derek, you’ve misunderstood. Building the road is a community matter. I can’t decide it alone.”

“If I could, I’d build it right into your yard, not just your front door.”

He even put on a pitiful face.

“Come on, the plan’s posted right outside. Should I tear it down and show you?”

“You can’t decide? Then how did the road get built to your backyard and chicken coop?”

“You weren’t worried about extra costs there. Isn’t that just abusing your position for personal gain?”

I waved my hand impatiently.

My house is at the end, sure, but that’s no excuse.

On the plan, the manager’s front and back doors—even his chicken coop—were marked.

What, my family isn’t even as good as the manager’s chickens?

“Derek, no use telling me. The route was decided by everyone, and we have to go with the majority.”

“I’m the manager, so everything goes through me. Building extra roads to my house is just so neighbors can find me for business.”

“You say I’m abusing my power? That’s not fair. I’m just serving everyone.”

He kept arguing.

“Serving everyone? What, your chickens serve the town too?”

“Alright, Mike, you’ve done well these years. You haven’t improved at anything else, but you sure can talk like a politician.”

“With your skills, if you dressed up a bit, people would think you were the county commissioner.”

I sneered.

“Really?”

His eyes lit up, actually thinking I was complimenting him.

“Really? I was just saying that, and you actually believe it?”

I curled my lip, and his face turned dark.

“Enough, I don’t have time to mess around.”

“About the road—whether it’s your idea or someone else’s, it has to be built to my front door.”

“Listen carefully: this is a demand, not a request.”

With that, I stood up to leave.

“Derek, you think you’re something just because you made a little money? Now you’re ordering me around?”

“Like it or not, the road will be built according to the plan. That’s final.”

The manager slammed the table and yelled.

My jaw clenched so hard it ached, but I kept my voice flat. No way I’d let him see how much it stung.

“Mike Sanders, am I being too polite to you? Slamming the table at me—do you really think you’re an official?”

“I haven’t even brought up how you argued with my dad, and you’re already getting cocky.”

“I tried to talk nicely, but you won’t listen, huh? Go on, slam the table again and see what happens.”

I stared him down, pointing at his nose.

Have I been too low-key these years, letting this old jerk forget how he used to grovel in front of me, thinking he’s somebody now?

Does he really think Derek can’t handle a fight anymore?

“Derek, the town road belongs to everyone, and where it’s built is up to everyone. I really can’t decide alone.”

He shrank back, much more obedient now.

“Clap, clap, clap.”

I applauded. That was a good line. I let my hands hang for a second, the slow sarcastic rhythm echoing in the empty room, daring him to meet my gaze. He didn’t.