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| "I present you...your brand new home!" |
THE ARCHITECT AND THE ENGINEER
by Night Celestine
Once upon a time, there lived two men who became had been the best of friends for a long time. Since childhood, they loved playing construction and role-playing as builders. Eventually, they had the ambition of building something great; such as houses, skyscrapers and buildings. So, they promised each other that one day, they would be partners and work together on building great with there own hands.
Time passed and the two boys grew into fine young men. Pursuing their dreams, the first boy finished architecture as his college degree, while the other finished engineering. After graduating, they decided to build a construction company and worked together. They have built bridges, tall buildings, roads, houses and many metal and concrete wonders on different parts all over the country.
After a long time of partnership, the two young boys turned to old men. They have talked about each other’s retirement plans. But not before a last project that they have to do together.
“So it seems that I have to do this last project before I can retire?” said the engineer, while glancing at the construction plan for a large house that was handed to him.
“Yes. This is my final request. I hope you can do it. You are the only person in the world that I can entrust with this project.” the architect explained.
The engineer frowned.
“I know this looks simple to your perspective. But you see, I am really looking forward on retiring now and take care of my family. It’s been a long time since we’ve become partners, and I really feel grateful for that. But still, now is the time for me to live for myself.”
“I know. But please, I am begging you. But just do this for me the last time. It is important for me to get this finished.”
The engineer is having two-thoughts. He doesn’t feel like doing this project, but at the same time, he is thinking of his friend’s request. Finally, he replied.
“Fine, I will do it.”
The engineer started to work on the house that his partner, the architect asked him to build. But having a heavy heart while working on it, he thought of doing it as fast as possible. He was thinking that once this house is finished, it’s over. He can finally proceed with his own life.
Finally, the house was finished. But it did not look exactly like how it was planned to be. It looked pretty on the outside, but in truth actually, it was shabby and unfitting. The foundation is poor, the windows and doors are not tightly hinged, the color is too pale and unevenly painted, the roof is lacking support and the rooms inside the house seemed to have problems due to cheap and low-quality of materials used. Even the electrical wiring and plumbing is poorly done.
The time came for the engineer to bring a report with regards to the project. Having read that the house is in finished according to plan, the architect was so happy. He asked for the engineer’s presence in his office and decided to talk to him in person.
“I am really, thankful that you did this last project for me. I know that I could count on you. You are not just a great partner in business, but a true companion, my best friend. So as a symbol of gratitude for everything that you’ve done for me for all this years, I present you…your brand, new home. Enjoy your retirement!”
- Story written by Night Celestine
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