A traffic violation

I was driving to hospital to see my father who spent two days in intensive care. I was driving slowly and listening to the conversation between my mother and my sister when a policeman asked me to pull over. I did it at once and left my car to talk to him.

The following conversation took place between us:

– Hello

– Hello

– Your papers please!

– with pleasure. Here you are!

He checked them well and he said:

– you have broken the traffic law. You didn’t respect the traffic lights.

– No Sir, I don’t share your view.

-No you did.

– how could I commit any violation and I was watching you in front of me. Besides I was driving slowly and carefully.

– I see but you committed a violation

– ok Sir, do your job and I will assume my responsibility.

– mhhhh.. what kind of violation do I have to write down?

– I beg your pardon!

– you seem to be a respectful and courteous person and I don’t want to spoil your day.

– do your job please and I am ready to pay the fine.

-really I feel shy to do it and your family seems to be lovely.

-thank you!

– is this going to be your first violation?

– yes since I had never committed any infrigement since I started driving.

– then I will help you to keep your record blank but you will pay a small sum of money.

I fell silent for a moment not knowing what to do then I handed him a banknote and he said:

-is this a bribe?

– it’s for you to choose the name.

He took it and put an end to our conversation by:

– forgive me if I made a mistake.

I left feeling guilty about the moral vice I was forced to commit, but I was also obliged to avoid any problem that might occur in the presence of my mother in such circumstances.