From Point A to Point B

The other day I was rushing to school and remembered that I had to get a money order. When I entered the check cashing place a woman was talking to the cashier as she was heading out. They shared a laugh as I stepped to the counter to ask for a $400 money order.

I took the $400 out of the bank envelope that was in my pocket and slid it under the glass to the cashier.

"400 dollars and 69 cents", he said as he took the $400 and started counting it.

I slid him a dollar bill and waited.

He then slid me the 31 cents change, the $400 money order AND the $400.

I thought he slid it back to me because it was short so I took the change and the money order and counted the $400. I slid the money back to him.

He looked at me and asked, "What are you doing?"

I stared back at him and said, "I'm paying for the money order."

"But you already paid for it."

I couldn't believe it.

I told him that I already paid for it and that he just counted it and handed it back to me.

He looked at me, looked at the money then opened hs cash drawer and held up a 10 inch thick stack of bills.

"Okay. Well, if I come up $400 over then I'll give you a call", he said with a smile.

I laughed and left the counter to write out my money.

I thought for a few seconds then turned back to him.

"I can't believe I just did that", I told him.

"Well. Honesty will get you far in life."


Do you know how bad I could use that 400? What I could do with that?

But shortly afterwards I really thought about it and realized that karma always finds a way to get back to me.
Even though that was only the second time I've been to that business, he could've replayed the security cameras (if they were in place), he could've cancelled that money order, which would've led to a nasty situation that I would've been extremely embarrassed about. I've learned the hard way that the short cut is the longest way to get around.