Pipin's Rich Life Extract - Limited Budget

Limited Budget

The late summer sunlight struck Liam’s face as he opened the door. Blinking rapidly against the glare, he raised a hand to shield his eyes as he stepped out of the car. He’d turn 19 in just a few days and was at university only a week later.

‘Good day for it, ay Son?’

Liam’s heart raced as they both entered the bustling car auction. The air was filled with the excited chatter of potential buyers and the distant hum of engines as cars were driven up for display. Despite the palpable energy, Liam couldn’t shake the sinking feeling in his stomach. This wasn’t how he had imagined buying his first car.

In just a few months, Liam had been saving diligently and managed an impressive ￡1,000 from the extra shifts he had worked at the club. However, it was still far from his goal of having enough to purchase a sleek, reliable vehicle. Instead of the ￡3,000 he had initially hoped for, Liam found himself walking around the car auction in a desultory fashion, his dad desperately trying to help him stretch his limited budget.

After an hour of looking Michael pointed to a particularly battered-looking Renault Clio. ‘What about this one?’

The car was nearly two decades old, and its once-vibrant blue paint had dulled to a muted rust colour.

Liam shook his head frantically. ‘No way, Dad. That thing looks like it’s about to fall apart.’

Michael sighed. ‘I know it’s not what you had in mind, Liam, but we must be realistic here. Going to a car auction is our best chance of finding something within your budget. It might not be perfect, but it’ll get you from A to B.’

Liam knew his father was right, but it didn’t make the pill easier to swallow. He had always been a dreamer, his head filled with grand aspirations and lofty goals. Settling for something so far from his ideal felt like a bitter defeat.

As they approached the auction room, Liam overheard a conversation that made his heart sink even further. The driver of the Renault Clio was warning potential buyers about the car’s issues.

‘I wouldn’t buy this one if I were you,’ the driver said. ‘The clutch is going, and the steering feels off. Best skip this one.’

Liam’s face fell, but Michael remained optimistic. ‘Let’s just see how the bidding goes,’ he suggested. ‘It might be a good opportunity to get a feel for the process.’

Reluctantly, Liam followed his father into the auction room. The auctioneer’s rapid-fire speech filled the air as the Renault Clio was driven up to the front. Liam watched as the bidding started at ￡300, quickly escalating as a few eager buyers raised their arms.

Before he knew what he was doing, he raised his arm, and the auctioneer called out the bid of ‘￡900!’ as he thrust the gavel in Liam’s direction. His heart raced with a mix of exhilaration and nervousness. That was it, his first-ever bid. But as he looked around the room, he realised no one else had raised their arm.

‘Once… Twice…’ The auctioneer’s gavel fell with a resounding thud. ‘Sold! To the young man in the back for ￡900.’

Liam’s stomach dropped. He had done it – he had bought a car. But it wasn’t the car he wanted, the car he had dreamed of. Tears stung his eyes as the reality of the situation crashed down on him. He bolted from the room, unable to face the other buyers’ congratulatory smiles and well wishes.

Michael found Liam sitting on the steps outside, his head buried in his hands as sobs wracked his body. He sat down beside his son, pulling him into a tight embrace.

‘I know it’s not what you wanted,’ Michael said, his tone gentle as he tried to look Liam in the eye, ‘but this is just a stepping stone, Liam. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. This car, it’s just the beginning.’

Liam sniffled, wiping his eyes. He wanted to believe his father’s words, but the disappointment still weighed heavily on his heart.

As they made their way back inside to finalise the purchase, Liam was hit with yet another blow. The cashier requested a payment of ￡1,015. Liam’s eyes widened in disbelief.

‘But I only bid ￡900,’ he argued, his voice trembling. ‘There must be some mistake.’

‘￡900 was your bid, yes,’ the cashier replied, as if being accused of something, ‘but the fee and commission bring the total to ￡1,015.’

Liam felt as though the wind had been knocked out of him. Not only had he ended up with a car he didn’t want, but it had also cost him more than he had budgeted. Tears of frustration and disappointment threatened to spill over once more, but he blinked them back, determined to maintain his composure.

As they left the auction house, Liam glanced at the Renault Clio – now his. It sat there, a tangible reminder of the harsh realities of adulthood and the sacrifices that sometimes had to be made. He had yet to find out whether this car, with all its hidden issues, had been a waste of his hard-earned money. He wouldn’t even be able to find out what it was like to drive straight away as he had passed his test only two weeks prior and wasn’t allowed to drive under the temporary insurance. However, as Liam sunk into the passenger seat, he was left feeling the worn fabric beneath his fingers, the stagnant smell of stories lived over the decades. Michael turned the key making the engine splutter to life and, as they pulled out of the car park, Liam felt an odd but satisfying connection to the car’s imperfections – he saw himself.

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Pipin's Rich Life

Liam’s life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of an official letter, catapulting him from carefree youth into the world of adult responsibilities. Guided by his wise neighbour, Ms Hartman, and supported by his faithful Cavapoo, Pipin, Liam navigates the complex challenges of adulthood — from managing finances to making life-shaping decisions.

As Liam faces these trials, Pipin’s constant companionship teaches him valuable lessons about resilience, patience, and unconditional love. Together, they tackle everything from everyday hurdles to life’s bigger tests, proving that it’s okay to stumble as long as you get back up.

Pipin's Rich Life is more than just a coming-of-age story; it’s a journey filled with laughter and tears, triumphs and setbacks. This heart-warming tale will inspire you to embrace the ups and downs of life, reminding you that with curiosity, and support from those we love, we can overcome anything and build a lasting legacy.

Why I Wrote Pipin's Rich Life

Click below to read about why I wrote this book and why it is so important.

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This is a fictional work. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This publication aims to provide accurate information but does not constitute financial or life advice. It is sold for entertainment purposes only, with the understanding the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services or advice. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, this is not a comprehensive treatment of the subjects. The author and publisher are not liable for any loss or damages, including financial, resulting from the content. You are responsible for your choices and should consult a professional when necessary.

Copyright ? 2024 Rob Reed. All rights reserved.

Rob Reed asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted by any means without prior written permission from the Author, except as permitted by U.K. copyright law or for brief passages quoted in a review.

For permission requests, contact the Author at [email protected].

Pipin? is a registered trademark of Monix Technology Limited. Used by permission.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

Paperback: ISBN 978-1-0686279-0-3

Ebook: ISBN 978-1-0686279-1-0

For information about educational needs and professional financial advice, contact the Author via [email protected].

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