The telephone bell rang to break the silence. I picked up the receiver. Before I could speak, I heard the voice tinged with warmth and friendship. "Hi, is that Bill?"

I was delighted to hear the voice of my old friend, Melanie, especially at that peaceful moment.

Can a voice smile? I would bet my head on Melanie’s voice.

"Melanie! I thought you had banished me from your life. It has been centuries since you called me last!" I exclaimed.

She laughed. This Melanie always laughed. When she did not laugh, she would smile.

We exchanged pleasant words for a few minutes. Suddenly she asked, "Bill, how is your business?"

I had a ready curse on my tongue that I did not allow to escape my lips. I recited an old poem in a philosophical tone, "Eyes can watch the distant stars in the galaxy but hands are too short to reach them."

Melanie giggled, "What if I give you a spaceship to reach your stars?"

What’s she up to?

"There’s something up with you, isn’t there?" I was curious.

"Bill, John said some disturbing things about you. Don’t worry. I am with you," she said in a tender voice.

I hated John. "Thank you, Melanie, I know you," I mumbled with shame.

"My cousin Ralph telephoned me just now to talk about some family affair. He has truckloads of money. He wants to lend his money to good businesses. The moment he said that, I thought of you," Melanie said.

The rain grew more and more. Large drops that fell on the window shades made a musical noise.

"Melanie," my heart started to beat heavily, "I don’t have any property to secure his money." Though I wanted to have that money, I knew the rules of the money game.

"He doesn’t insist on any security other than a good business and honesty." Melanie‘s voice reassured.

I was silent for a moment. Why did Ralph want to lend to me? Did Melanie have any hidden agenda behind the transaction?

Thoughts swiftly passed through my mind. I knew Melanie. Nevertheless, I wanted to play it safe.

"Perhaps Ralph expects a high interest rate?" I was doubtful.

"No. Ralph has all his money in bank deposits. He gets just 5%. Bank lends to small businesses at 11%. Ralph wants to lend for 8%. You gain 3% and he gains 3%. Both of you can have a great deal," Melanie explained patiently.

"Yes. It’s brilliant," I said.

"Bill, you don’t have any property to secure bank loan. Even if you are ready to pay 18%, banks will not lend to you," Melanie said with hesitation.

"Yes, Melanie. You are right." I was ready to agree to whatever she thought, said and felt. "How much will I get? What are the repayment terms?" I asked. Even the deaf could sense the impatience in my voice.

Melanie said, "I don’t know how much you need. But, I have already told him that you need $50,000. You must pay the interest at the end of each quarter. Whenever you can, repay the loan either in pieces or in whole."

"Melanie, what should I do next?"

"Nothing," Melanie laughed and said, "Ralph asked me to come to his office this afternoon. He doesn’t even want to see you as I back you. You can meet him when you feel good. I’ll collect the money and the documents that you need to sign and come to your apartment. Will you be free at two?"

There was a pause of some moments. I was speechless. Then, suddenly, I remembered to thank her.

"Melanie, I will make myself free on any day and at any time for you," I said and continued, "I have no words to express my gratitude. You have done something…"

"Bah, bah. Let us have lunch together on your dirty dining table at two. I’ll bring food," Melanie laughed, "Bye, Bill."

Before I could say anything, she hung up the receiver.

* * * *