Delbert Gray was an amateur photographer with a hunger for fame. The camera Delbert used was a cheap Kodak Instamatic. You can see why Delbert dreamed of owning a Nikon like his rich friend Michael. Michael would let his friend Delbert develop his pictures in his darkroom while he was developing his own. Delbert really envied Michael's photographs and would often close his eyes and day dream about being a famous photographer some day. Delbert was only 15 years old. He wasn't old enough to get a job like his friend Michael and bring in a big paycheck.

As Michael was puffing on his cigarette in the dark room developing his film beside Delbert, Michael would often make remarks about Delbert's photographs and tell him if he wants to take pictures like him he needs to throw that cheap camera in the trash and buy one like his. Delbert replied with a lump in his throat "You know I don't have a job and my parents wouldn't even consider buying me a camera such as yours."

Michael replied back saying, "You know something Delbert, either you get a good quality camera or I'm going to ask you to stop developing your photographs in my dark room. Your photographs are pathetic."

Delbert answered back in a sad tone of voice, "That wasn't a very nice thing to say to your friend."

"I know, but it's the truth and sometimes the truth hurts," exclaimed Michael.

"Well let me tell you something Michael, I'm going to own a camera like yours someday and when I do you'll be jealous of me," said Delbert in a stern voice.

Morning came and Delbert wiped the remaining tears from his cheeks. Delbert took a deep breath and said a prayer. Delbert decided instead of lying in bed all day sulking about why his friend Michael would be saying I told you so. Delbert got dressed and grabbed an apple from the kitchen and a soda headed down the road on foot in search of that special camera. As Delbert was walking around the town square he came across an Antique shop that had an old bellows camera in the display window. Delbert said to himself, "If I could just have that camera I bet it would take better pictures than Michael's." Delbert slumped over with tears again flowing down his cheeks knowing in reality there was no way he could afford such a beautiful camera. Just as Delbert was walking past the Antique shop, an old man opened the door and came up to Delbert and said, "I noticed you were looking at that old camera in the window as if it belonged to you."

Delbert answered, "Yes, Sir, I was only wishing. I knew in my heart I could not afford such a beautiful camera. Besides, I don't even have a job or any money to give you and my father told me the only way I could buy a new camera was to get a job next year. By that time your camera would be gone and I would be heartbroken once more. Well I better be on my way, because if I don't get home soon my dad is going to whoop me."

"Not so fast!" the old man said in a tender voice. "I've never had anyone come by my shop and want any of my antiques like you have. I tell you what if you really want the camera it's yours to keep. Don't worry about the money your money is no good to me. There's only one condition. Bring me a copy of the photos you take. I have a scrap book that I would like to place them in. That's all I ask of you. What do you say?"

Delbert answered back eagerly, "Yes, Sir." Delbert started crying because his prayer had been answered.

Delbert should have known that nothing is free in this world and why would this old man give such a rare and expensive antique to this little. I think something is wrong with this picture.