The Vern and Monica Parable

Vern worked hard and saved his money so that he could buy his own truck and start a delivery service. His continued hard work allowed him to keep buying more trucks and expanding his business. Each time he bought a new truck, he advertised that he was hiring and was willing to pay $15/hr. Kevin applied and Vern hired him.

One of Vern’s clients, Monica, worked hard and saved her money and opened a bakery. Every morning Kevin delivers Monica’s flour in one of Vern’s trucks. Monica’s specialty is sourdough cobs which she offers for sale at a price of $4.95.

On one particular Monday morning, Monica’s flour delivery doesn’t arrive and Monica has to close her bakery. When she phones Vern to find out what the problem was, he tells her that his drivers went on strike demanding an increase to $18/hr. Vern assures her that the problem has been solved and the her deliveries will continue tomorrow morning as usual.

Sure enough, early the next morning her delivery arrives and all is well in the bakery again. Later that day, Kevin drops by Monica’s on his way home and asks her for a sourdough cob. Monica takes one off the shelf, puts it in a bag and places it on the counter. She looks at Kevin and say “That will be $6.95 please.” Kevin looks at the price board and says to Monica “But you offered to sell it for $4.95”. Monica responds “I changed my mind”. Kevin doesn’t buy the loaf and turns to leave. The next person in line says “I’ll take that loaf” and Monica responds “That will be $4.95 please”.

Kevin looks back at Monica and mutters “That’s not fair”.