The White Crow

 The White Crow

Two friends, Ben and Steve, were sitting on a park bench. A crow landed on the branch opposite them.

Ben: Look—a white crow.

Steve: (glancing) That’s a black crow, Ben.

Ben: Are you sure?

Steve: Fairly.

Ben: I’m telling you, it’s white.

Steve: Okay.

Ben: Okay? That’s all you’re going to say?

Steve: What else is there?

Ben: You could prove me wrong.

Steve: Why would I?

Ben: Because I’m wrong.

Steve: If you already know that, I don’t need to prove it.

Ben: So you’re not interested in an argument.

Steve: No.

Ben: Why not?

Steve: Because there’s no point. It’s a bird, not a debate.

Ben: You’re afraid you’ll lose.

Steve: (smiling) If that makes it easier for you.

Ben: You’ve agreed with me three times. It’s maddening.

Steve: I’m not agreeing with you. I’m refusing to fight you.

Ben: Same thing.

Steve: Not to me.

Ben: You think I’m just arguing for the sake of arguing?

Steve: I think you’re trying to get a reaction. I’d rather keep the friend than win the point.

Ben: You mean I don’t know how to argue?

Steve: I mean you’re better than this. And so am I.

Ben: (standing) You’re a tough nut.

Steve: Maybe. But I’m still your friend.

Ben starts walking away. Steve calls after him.

Steve: Ben.

Ben stops.

Steve: It’s easy to prove someone wrong. It’s harder to keep them. Don’t lose a friend over a crow you’re calling white. The white crow won’t come to your rescue—but you still have my number.

Ben is quiet. Then he shakes his head and almost smiles.

Ben: Same time tomorrow?

Steve: Only if you bring a real white crow.

Ben: Deal.

They both laugh. Ben sits back down. The crow flies away.

Moral: Never try to convince someone who has already decided not to be convinced.

M.L. Narendra Kumar