Tom was fond of playing football. However, he had to play with his friends secretly because his father banned him from playing football, saying that the game would hamper his studies.

Tom felt upset about lying to his father. Each time when he wanted to play football, he would find an excuse to go out.

One afternoon, one of his friends called him.

“Hi, Tom, how about playing football this afternoon?”

“Well, you know, my father doesn’t like me playing football,” Tom said.

“So... Is your father home?” asked his friend.

“No,” Tom said.

“So you are free. Just go. OK?” said his friend.

“Hmm... OK.”

Tom spent the whole afternoon playing football. When he came back home, his father asked him where he had been. Tom had already figured out an answer for this. So he said without hesitation: “Henry and I went to the nearest library and studied there.”

To Tom’s surprise, his father said nothing.

Tom felt upset again. “I don’t like telling lies. Lying to people is such a bad a thing. Should I tell father the truth? Will he blame me for this?” Tom hesitated for a while.

Then he made up his mind.

“Dad, I have something to tell you,” Tom said.

“Sure.” His father showed more patience than ever.

“I lied to you just now. I went out to play football. You know, I like playing football. And I know, you want me to pay more attention to my studies. So I’m afraid you would blame me for this and I lied,” Tom said honestly.

“Actually, I already knew it. Your face told me everything. You were sweating. Your hands were dirty. But I won’t blame you. How about this? You can play football once a week. But never lie to me again,” his father said.

Of course Tom agreed and he felt happier than ever. “Trouble can be solved as long as you are courageous to face it and tell the truth. But don’t lie,” Tom said to himself.