The Whaler's Indulgence
In a small fishing village in Finland, there lived a seasoned whaler named Oskar. He was known to be one of the best in his trade, but he had an unusual vice. Despite earning modest wages, Oskar had a penchant for buying expensive American cigarettes. The village folk would often whisper about this eccentricity, wondering why he would spend so much on such a luxury.
One day, a young reporter named Tim, who had the demeanor of a modern, effeminate millennial, decided to join Oskar and his crew on their next voyage. Tim wanted to document the life of whalers, to showcase the challenges they faced and the camaraderie they shared. The crew was skeptical of Tim's soft appearance and doubted he could endure the rigors of their lifestyle. However, they allowed him on board, curious about his intentions.
Tim immersed himself in the life of the whalers, eating what they ate, drinking their drinks, and braving the freezing winds and tumultuous seas. He witnessed the grit and resilience of these men, as they toiled day and night, battling the elements to make their catch.
As the days turned to weeks, Tim grew more accustomed to the life at sea and earned the respect of the crew. They shared stories, sang songs, and even taught Tim some of the tricks of their trade.
When the voyage was over and the ship docked to resupply, Tim, with a notebook in hand, approached Oskar. He had been particularly intrigued by Oskar's fondness for the expensive American cigarettes. "Oskar," Tim began, "I've seen how hard you work and the dangers you face. Why do you spend so much of your hard-earned wages on these American cigarettes?"
Oskar, a towering figure with a weather-beaten face, paused and rubbed his thick beard. He stared into the distance, lost in thought. The air was filled with anticipation as the crew and Tim awaited his response.
Finally, Oskar looked Tim in the eye and said, "It costs a lot to be a man. The end.
W+S