“I knew you could do it!” yelled Sarah and gave a high five to her sister Mehreen.

Mehreen smiled and thanked God. Then both the sisters headed towards the main gate of their school.

“Mum! Mum! Mehreen got the first position in the art competition!” Sarah shouted while pushing the door of their house open. Mehreen followed Sarah into the room where their mother was praying. As she finished, they both hugged their mother and she kissed their foreheads, congratulating Mehreen on her remarkable achievement.

In evening, their father brought Mehreen’s favourite dish and all the family members excitedly celebrated her victory.

They slept early as the next day was the prize distribution ceremony and there was also a dinner at their house, so many things had to be done. Sarah’s friend had promised to pick her up on the way to school, whereas Mehreen was going by the school van.

The next morning, Sarah woke up and headed to the dining table but stopped as she saw her mother, whose eyes were red and swollen.

She said, “Mum, are you feeling okay? Have you slept properly, what happened to your eyes?”

“No, it’s just a bit of puffiness. It will be fine soon.”

Just then Sarah heard the honking of her friend’s car, so she kissed her mum and asked her to take rest and left. She reached the school and was greeted by her friends who wished her on her sister’s accomplishment. Then Sarah became busy until Mehreen’s best friend, Henna, came to her ask about Mehreen. Sarah glanced at the clock. Only five minutes were left in the ceremony but there was no sign of Mehreen. The bell rung and they all sat down on their seats arranged in the hall for the ceremony.

When the school ended, Sarah said goodbye to her friends and sat in the school van, wondering what had happened to Mehreen. She was restless by the time she reached home and rung the bell hurriedly.

Mehreen opened the door and cheerfully greeted her.

Sarah quickly asked, “Where have you been? Why didn’t you come to school? Everyone was asking about you! Your class teacher told me that you called them and told that there was an emergency so you won’t be able to make it to the event, thus I should represent you and take the prize!”

“Dear, dear! When I woke up, I saw mum had high fever and her eyes were swollen and red. I knew that she had to work all day as we are having a dinner party tonight, so I decided to stay and help her in all the chores. Receiving the prize in front of a huge crowd is exciting, but not as important as helping mum and taking care of her when she needs us. She is now resting in her room, I am satisfied. What’s more important than this?” Mehreen explained.

Sarah realised what her sister wanted to convey to her — that being caring towards our parents and family is more important than any award in the world. Sarah gave Mehreen her prize and hugged her.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 24th, 2016