Boule de Suif (loosely translated as Ball of Fat) is possibly the late 19th century French writer Guy de Maupassant most famous short story. This is one of those stories which I would remember for life.
You can read the full story for free at Project Gutenberg:-
In the story, set during the Franco-Prussian War, a courtesan named Elisabeth Rousset (aka Boule de Suif due to her horizontally-challenged physique), was fleeing Prussian-occupied Rouen in a coach together with nine other travellers.
Realising who she was, her companions gave her the cold shoulder. They whispered among themselves and even spoke with audible derogatory terms concerning her.
By the by, when they became hungry and had nothing to eat, Elisabeth offered to share her basket of provisions consisting of two whole chicken, four bottles of clarets, bread rolls, pies, fruit and dainties of all sorts. Then, their attitudes towards her changed somewhat.
Alas, their progress was slow and they stumbled into a Prussian-occupied inn en route to Le Havre. There they were detained by a Prussian officer. Over the next few days, the office asked for Elisabeth repeatedly and she eventually disclosed to her companions that all of them could not leave unless she agrees to sleep with him.
Elisabeth's staunch refusal was initially supported by her companions. Then they turned on her and reasoned with her to acquiesce. She said finally: "I am doing it for your sakes, remember that!"
After her ordeal, she was reportedly unwell and did not join them for dinner. Through a discreet inquiry with the innkeeper, they learnt that: 'It is alright.' Cheered on by their imminent release, they celebrated over dinner. None of them, not even the ladies inquired on Elisabeth's well being.
The very next morning, they were let off. But, instead of gratitude, her travelling companions avoided her and looked at her with disdain. They even gossiped and spoke unkindly of her.
In her haste, Elisabeth forgot to bring provisions and was hoping that her companions would share some with her. Nobody offered her any morsel of food and her sobbing went unheeded. Her heart's cry goes beyond mere physical food.
Food For Thoughts:
When we do the right thing against our will, we sacrifice ourselves for the good of others. Alas, we may end up having to bear the pain by ourselves.
It is always easy to laugh with those who laugh, but would we spare a thought or a cup of kindness towards those who cry?
"Life is a song - sing it. Life is a game - play it. Life is a challenge - meet it. Life is a dream - realize it. Life is a sacrifice - offer it. Life is love - enjoy it." -- Sai Baba
