Speaker A:
This started as a normal favor.
Speaker A:
James let a friend borrow his car for a couple of days.
Speaker A:
They said theirs was in the shop.
Speaker A:
They promised they'd be careful.
Speaker A:
They said they'd bring it back exactly as it was.
Speaker A:
So James said yes.
Speaker A:
The car came back on time.
Speaker A:
No scratches, no dents.
Speaker A:
Everything seemed fine.
Speaker A:
A few days later, a letter arrived in the post.
Speaker A:
It was a speeding fine.
Speaker A:
At first, it didn't make sense.
Speaker A:
Wrong plate, maybe camera error.
Speaker A:
Then James checked the date.
Speaker A:
It was the exact day his friend had the car.
Speaker A:
When he asked about it, the friend laughed, Said it must have been a mistake.
Speaker A:
Said they'd cover it.
Speaker A:
Then another letter arrived.
Speaker A:
This one was a parking ticket.
Speaker A:
Different location, same day?
Speaker A:
James asked again.
Speaker A:
That's when the explanation changed.
Speaker A:
The friend admitted they hadn't been the only one driving.
Speaker A:
They'd let someone else borrow the car, just briefly, just to run errands.
Speaker A:
They hadn't asked first.
Speaker A:
They hadn't mentioned it after.
Speaker A:
Over the next week, more notices showed up.
Speaker A:
Toll charges, late fees, a warning about unpaid fines.
Speaker A:
When everything was added up, it came to hundreds.
Speaker A:
James asked for the money.
Speaker A:
The replies slowed down, then stopped.
Speaker A:
Messages were left on read.
Speaker A:
Calls went unanswered.
Speaker A:
Eventually, James posted the story online.
Speaker A:
People had questions.
Speaker A:
Why lend the car out again without asking?
Speaker A:
Why not pass on the tickets as they came in?
Speaker A:
Why?
Speaker A:
Nothing at all.
Speaker A:
The final update was short.
Speaker A:
The fines were paid.
Speaker A:
The friend blocked him, and they haven't spoken since.
