Sam, a farmer with a modest plot of land, found himself in need of some extra funds to expand his operations. He had been struggling to make ends meet and hoped that a loan from the bank would provide the boost he needed.
Determined, Sam put on his best overalls and made his way to the local bank. As he entered, he was greeted by the bank manager, Mr. Johnson, a stern-looking man with a no-nonsense demeanor.
Sam nervously approached Mr. Johnson’s desk and cleared his throat. “Excuse me, sir,” he began. “I need a loan to purchase some new equipment for my farm.”
Mr. Johnson eyed Sam skeptically. “And how much are you looking to borrow?” he asked, tapping his pen on the desk.
Sam hesitated for a moment before replying, “Well, I reckon I’ll need about $10,000 to get everything I need.”
Mr. Johnson raised an eyebrow. “And what collateral do you have to secure this loan?” he inquired, folding his arms across his chest.
Sam scratched his head thoughtfully. “Well, I’ve got my tractor, a few cows, and some land,” he replied.
Mr. Johnson shook his head. “I’m sorry, Sam, but that’s not enough collateral for such a large loan. Do you have anything else to offer?”
Sam thought for a moment before his face lit up with an idea. “Well, there is one thing,” he said eagerly. “I’ve got this old talking parrot back at the farm. He’s a real smart bird and could fetch a pretty penny at the market.”
Mr. Johnson’s interest was piqued. “A talking parrot, you say?” he exclaimed. “Well, bring him in tomorrow, and we’ll see if he’s worth the loan.”
The next day, Sam returned to the bank with his parrot perched on his shoulder. The bird, adorned in colorful feathers, greeted Mr. Johnson with a cheerful, “Hello there!”
Impressed, Mr. Johnson leaned in closer. “Can this bird talk?” he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.
“Sure can,” Sam replied proudly. “He’s the best conversationalist in the whole county.”
Mr. Johnson nodded, intrigued. “Very well, Sam,” he said, reaching for the loan paperwork. “I’ll approve your loan on one condition.”
Sam’s heart raced with anticipation. “What’s that?” he asked eagerly.
Mr. Johnson leaned in close and whispered, “I want that parrot to teach my wife how to cook.”
Sam burst into laughter, relieved that his loan request had been granted. As he left the bank, he couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of his talkative parrot becoming a culinary instructor.
From that day on, Sam’s farm flourished with the help of the loan, and his parrot continued to entertain everyone with his witty remarks. And as for Mr. Johnson’s wife, well, she became quite the chef, thanks to her feathered mentor.