The Letter

Dear Joan,
I would like to thank you again for the money you gave me for the baby my wife and I were expecting. We greatly appreciate it. I write to tell you that a few days ago, my wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy and to request that you name him. It is a custom among my people that a baby's name should be given by another who wishes their name to live on. Since you gave us money towards our son's healthcare and education, I believe it is you that should be allowed to name our boy. I hope to hear from you soon. All the best and God bless you,
Michael


Joan stared again at the letter in her hands. This didn't make sense. How did he get her information? Who was he? Why did he want her to name his son? It is a custom among my people he had said. And then, she remembered...

A few months back, Joan had gone on a trip to Vanuatu. In Port Villa, she had gone on a tour, and Michael, their tour guide had told them of the hardships Vanuatu faced in the way of medicine and education and had shared with them his excitement of impending fatherhood. Feeling sorry for the man, and touched by his story, Joan remembered now, she'd given him money as she left the bus. "Take this." She had said, closing his fingers around the notes. "Use it for your baby. For it's healthcare, for it's education. To give it a good life." She remembered clearly now the tear that had fallen from his eye and the overwhelming gratitude he showed. Joan remembered giving him her contact details, hoping to keep in touch. And now, here he was again, writing to her. His wife had had a healthy little boy.

Looking over the letter again, she noticed that Michael had left his contact number and so she dialed it. Only a few rings passed before Michael picked up on the other end.
"Hello?"
"Michael, it's Joan. You took me on a tour a few months ago. I gave you money for your boy." She explained quickly, hoping he'd remember her. She let out a sigh of relief as he spoke.
"Joan!" He said and she could almost see the wide grin on his face. "Of course I remember you! Thank you thank you so much for the money. Our boy is well."
"I can't name your boy, Michael." She said bluntly.
"Oh but Joan you must." He insisted.
"It is too much of an honour"
"You must name our boy Joan. Please. It is a custom of my people that when money is given for a baby, they should name them."
Joan was silent for a moment, thinking about it. This was obviously important to Michael. A custom of his people. "Ok." She said finally. "I'll do it. You must give him my late husband's name, Aaron."