Yes?

Yes?

I noticed that the man in the next compartment has the same last name as you. Are you related?

Yes, he's my loser brother.

Going after his share of the inheritance.

Did someone die?

Our father. It's just me and my brother now.

Sorry to hear that.

Thank you.

Is the inheritance large?

Hardly. A dilapidated house and a scrap of land, that's it.

But for some people even that is a fortune.

So you're not going after the inheritance?

It's more trouble than it's worth. But without me, my brother won't get anything.

How so?

Such was my father's will.

Only the person who presents both halves of the government bond specified in the will can get the inheritance.

Me and my brother have a half of it each.

Why don't you just give your half to your brother, then?

I guess I'm still hoping... that this trip will help us reconcile.

Have you had a falling-out?

Yes, we haven't been on speaking terms for quite a while.

Did you hurt him, or the other way around?

I think he's just resentful that my life turned out better than his.

All the more reason to give him your share of the inheritance.

I'm thinking about it.

What's stopping you?

The fact that my brother has spent his whole life expecting to get things from others.

He always expects someone to come and solve his problems.

Mom would give him a toy, Dad would buy him a house, our older brother would lend him money, and a lucky break would let him win a lottery...

With our constant patronage, he never grew up.

Never learned to take responsibility for his life into his own hands.

He only knows how to demand things from others, not from himself. But the world is cruel. It owes us nothing.

So you doubt that this inheritance will benefit him?

Yes, I'm afraid it will only strengthen his infantile outlook on life.

Perhaps you're right. Sometimes we need harsh lessons to grow up.

That's why I'm still hesitating.

You're right, the world is cruel.

But I don't think it's a family's job to make it even more cruel.

And that's why I'll most likely give my share to my brother.

I just hope we manage to have a conversation.

Why?

I think he wouldn't mind talking to you.

You think so?

So it seemed. But I'm not sure he'll dare take the first step.

Sounds just like my little brother. I'm used to it.

I'll go talk to him, then.

You know, a good newspaper helps pass the time, but I've already read mine three times...

I'm not sure I'll be able to procure the latest issue for you.

Even an old one will do! It can be entertaining to look back at past events years or months later.

Will this do?

Perfect! Thanks!