Have you ever thought about stealing? Maybe even way back in your youth? Did you do, and if so, did you learn from it? On this episode of Smirk, Zack’s story leads us into a discussion on thievery and if it might just be necessary to teach us all right from wrong in the long run.
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Want to read Zack’s story “The Five Finger Discount” in full? Think you can identify the moral or theme for this episode? Read it below, and then take a listen to the podcast.
The Five Finger Discount
The facility had been on our radar for some time, but it always looked too well-maintained.
Through our nearby outpost, we kept watch night after night. Tristan was the most vigilant of the
group, mostly because he sought to please Miguel. Then again, we all did. The fourth of our little
squad with Tony, Miguel’s best friend and favorite partner. Tonight, Tristan sent us the message:
the facility was operating light tonight.
We had gathered at our forested outpost, so we could make the group decision. It was an easy
call, even after an hour we saw nobody enter or exit the facility, so tonight was definitely the
night. Even as approached there wasn’t a soul about.
Sweat beaded down my brow, stinging my eye. This was intense, and we’ve never had an
infiltration quite like this. Miguel leads us as always, constantly fearless and brave. His height
allowed an easy dismantling of the security camera above the door. Every time we strike out
together, I walk away impressed.
As Miguel creaked open the door, he waved us forward. He ducked out of sight, Tristan and
Tony close behind. As I approached, my jaw almost hit the floor. For what seemed to stretch on
for miles, was a warehouse full of goods. Pallets stacked high, forklifts abuzz with activity.
Despite how valuable the contents of the building were, it was truly on low-alert tonight. We had
made the right call.
We ducked in and out of aisles, using the pallets to hide us. Even though our dark clothing kepts
us hidden, it still surprised me how nobody noticed our foursome. Fools are so unaware when
they can’t sense the danger nearby. But we weren’t looking to hurt anyone. Not tonight, anyway.
We got to our goal, the real treasure of the building. This stuff was worth so much in the right
hands, we only needed a single container. But Miguel never was a fan of “good enough,” and
loaded a container into each of our hands. Without hesitation or thought, we accepted the heavy
burden. Stealing four was better than one, after all.
Unbelievably, we retraced our very same path with no issue along the way. It would be as if were
never there. We got back to our outpost and opened up the packages. Staring back at us was a
sight so beautiful, I couldn’t help but smile wide.
Miguel, as always, led us to victory. And
victory is so sweet.