The unexpected bonus, a windfall of ten thousand dollars, hadn't just changed David's relationship with his own money; it had subtly shifted his perspective on money's role in his relationships with others. He found himself contemplating gifts in a new light. Before, gift-giving had been a somewhat formulaic affair – a birthday card and a modest present, a holiday gift chosen from a pre-conceived list of acceptable options. Now, the ten thousand dollars felt like a tangible representation of possibility, a shimmering pool of potential generosity reflecting back at him.

He started small. He bought his parents a much-needed new washing machine, a practical gift that addressed a long-standing household inconvenience. The look on their faces, a blend of surprised joy and relieved gratitude, was far more rewarding than any extravagant purchase could have ever been. It wasn't simply about the material object; it was about the tangible expression of care, a demonstration of his financial security allowing him to ease their burdens. He felt a profound sense of satisfaction, a feeling far richer than any fleeting pleasure derived from a personal splurge.