In a social media post that quickly gained traction, a heartbroken teenager shared his story of disappointment and broken trust after his father failed to fulfill a significant promise.
At the center of the tale is a deal struck between the original poster (OP), who is a young pianist, and his father, offering the prospect of a new car as a reward for reaching a particular milestone in his piano studies.
The Piano Prodigy
The post begins with OP recounting his childhood love for music and the piano.
From an early age, OP embraced the instrument, becoming known as the “piano guy” at school, performing at concerts, accompanying the jazz choir, and playing for retirement home residents.
However, as OP grew older, he expressed a desire to explore other interests, citing a lack of time for extracurricular activities due to his commitment to the piano and academics.
A Deal He Couldn’t Say No To
It was at this juncture that OP’s father proposed a deal:
If his son continued his piano lessons until he reached level 10 RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) and maintained good grades, a new car of his choice would be his.
Thrilled by the prospect, OP eagerly accepted the agreement, and they sealed the deal with a handshake.
Here, OP sheds light on his father’s proclivity for finding loopholes and winning at all costs.
This tendency, although seemingly lighthearted to the father, served as a constant source of frustration for OP.
As OP voiced his complaints about the unfairness of his father’s actions, his father would dismiss them with the oft-repeated mantra: “Life isn’t fair.”
The Loophole He Didn’t Consider
Years of hard work and dedication paid off when OP successfully passed his level 9 RCM exams, fulfilling his end of the bargain.
Expecting a brand new BMW X5 plug-in hybrid SUV, OP was shocked to instead be presented with a toy replica on his birthday.
The father found humor in OP’s crushed expectations, claiming he had fulfilled the deal by providing a miniature version of the promised car.
OP, however, felt betrayed and foolish, shattered by his father’s deliberate deception.
The fallout from this incident was immediate and impactful.
The Fallout
OP distanced himself emotionally from his father, struggling to reconcile the broken promise and the subsequent mockery he endured.
OP refused to accept any alternative offerings, fearing that by doing so, he would diminish the significance of his father’s betrayal.
This decision, though tinged with a hint of pettiness, served as an expression of his hurt and frustration.
When Trust Hits a Sour Note
The comments section of the post was flooded with empathetic voices and words of support for OP.
Slight-Bar-534, for example, suggested an act of retribution, proposing OP send a framed photo of himself to his father for future holiday gatherings, reminding him that he may be physically absent but forever present in spirit.
Buttercupgrump chimed in, acknowledging that life may indeed be unfair, but that fact does not justify the father’s cruelty.
“Life might not be fair, but that doesn’t justify your father being cruel. I’m sorry he finds more enjoyment in letting you down than being a good dad.”
The comment highlights the disappointment and sorrow felt by OP, affirming that his father’s enjoyment in letting him down is far from the behavior expected of a good parent.
The sentiment expressed by FakenFrugenFrokkels aligns with the general consensus, condemning OP’s father’s breach of trust.
As a parent of an older child, the commenter asserts that they would never inflict such emotional harm on their own offspring.
The act is deemed slimy, unfair, and manipulative, eroding any semblance of trust between father and son.
Lastly, Sadielady3 offered a balanced perspective, acknowledging that while a brand new BMW may have been an extravagant request, it was the father’s decision to include it in the deal.
“It’s a clear breach of trust. What your dad did was slimy and unfair, and he basically manipulated you into doing what he wanted but then failed to meet his obligations. I would never trust him again.”
The commenter highlights the importance of clarity and transparency in making deals, advising OP to learn from this experience and ensure clear terms in future agreements.
The Verdict
OP’s experience struck a chord with social media users, who empathized with his sense of betrayal and supported his decision to distance himself from his father.
The broken deal not only highlighted the fragility of trust within families but also sparked a broader conversation about parenting, communication, and the importance of fostering healthy relationships based on honesty and empathy.
OP’s story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us all of the significance of keeping our word and the impact our actions can have on our loved ones.
It is a sad reminder that trust, once broken, can take time to heal.
What do you think? Let us know in the comments. Do you think the OP from this social media post was wrong?
Featured Image Credit: Milkos /Depositphotos.com.
This article originally appeared on Ash & Pri.
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