One of My Oldest Friends by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Short summary

5 seconds

Charlie betrays his friend Michael. But when Charlie finds himself in trouble, Michael prevents him from committing suicide.

1 minute

Marion and Michael, a married couple, learn that their old friend Charlie is getting married. They decided to throw a gala dinner for him and invited guests.

But Charlie called in sick. The celebration had to be cancelled. The couple decides to visit the sick man and see that he has arranged a sumptuous banquet.

Marion confesses that he is not a friend of their family, as he had courted her several years ago and asked her to run away together. Michael is very upset over his friend’s betrayal.

Some time later, Michael and his wife are vacationing at the country house. Charlie comes to him.

He asks to borrow a large sum or he will be locked up. Michael refuses. Charlie hints that he will kill himself and leaves.

Michael worries about him and follows him. He finds Charlie on the railroad tracks and stops his friend from killing himself. He promises Charlie he will help with the money.