Chapter Three: The Price of Pride

Freddie leaned back against the bench and encouraged Charlie to sing something. Charlie hesitated, glancing at the sandwich in his hand, but Freddie assured him that he could hold it while he performed.

"Go on, lad. Let everyone hear what you've got. You might be the best singer in Salford for all I know."

Flattered and eager to prove himself, Charlie handed Freddie the sandwich and stood up. He took a deep breath and began singing a song he had practised for the school talent show. His voice carried across the churchyard, attracting a few curious glances from passers-by.

When Charlie finished, he turned expectantly towards Freddie, only to find him taking a large bite of the sandwich. Freddie smiled, thanked him for the food and began walking away.

"Wait a minute! That was my sandwich!" Charlie called.

Freddie shrugged. "You were happy to let me hold it, weren't you?"

Charlie stood speechless as Freddie disappeared down the pavement towards Bolton Road. The realisation slowly dawned on him that the compliments had never been genuine. Freddie had simply told him what he wanted to hear until Charlie gave him exactly what he wanted.