A guilty conscience can be a heavy load to carry, no matter how much time has passed.
The blurry memory of a drunken mistake can be even worse to come to terms with, as this bloke found out.
More than a decade ago, he ran out of a bar in Italy with his pals without coughing up for their booze bill.
But after 15 long years, he still hadn't learnt to live with his drink and dash.
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So instead, the man plucked up the courage to confess his sins and sent a heartfelt letter of apology to the Simposio Bar.
Staff at the establishment in the city of Trento were bowled over when they opened the post from the anonymous punter asking to make amends.
The mystery visitor settled his tab and begged for forgiveness for ducking out without paying for his drinks.
He explained he was simply being young and foolish, admitting that he had got carried away after a few glasses of vino.
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Andrea Bosisio, the manager of Simposio Bar, shared the letter on social media in the hopes of encouraging others to boycott bunking their bar tabs.
It read: "One Saturday evening 15 years ago I came to your restaurant with some friends and drank a few glasses of wine.
"Out of fun, we left without paying.
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"We have wronged you and us by becoming thieves. That's why I haven't set foot in your house since that day."
His drunken mistake has clearly been haunting him for the best part of 15 years - which is something we can all relate to.
So, to truly atone for his boozy behaviour, the bloke finally settled up with the bar.
Inside the envelope was €30 (£26) - which was four times the amount of cash he actually owed.
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The boozy bandit added: "Today I am here to apologise to you and try to make amends for what is owed.
"I enclose quadruple the cost of that chalice and add a few more euros for each person in that group of friends, as a balance and a small token to also repair their mistake.
"Now I will be able to return to your place with my head held high."
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That plonk must have been some decent stuff if he's that desperate to go back.
The good news is, the Simposio Bar promised to give the guilt-ridden drinker a warm welcome - and a glass of wine on the house.
Manager Andrea said: "A person who apologises and sends money after 15 years. You are wonderful.
"It's not for the money, but obviously it's the gesture. In 18 years of work, this is one of the best days we've ever had.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you. We await you with open arms for a good glass and to thank you in person."
If this doesn't give you the push to cop to your bygone behaviour, I don't know what will.
Topics: Food And Drink, Good News, World News, Travel, UK News