New Year was just around the corner. Haris, like every other child in his class, was busy thinking about making a New Year resolution. In fact, making a New Year resolution was their “task of the month”. Each month the children were given a task and whoever did the task best was declared as the ‘Star Child of the Month’. But this time, the reward was even more than just being the star kid — the best resolution would be sent to their school magazine to be published.

Haris was a nine-year-old child, who was very intelligent and obedient too, but he had one habit that his classmates really disliked about him. Haris would not share anything with anybody, not even with his friends and siblings. His parents had tried many times to make Haris share his things but all of their efforts went in vain.

Days passed and the end of the month was approaching fast. Haris had not yet found any resolution. Lost in his thoughts, Haris was sitting on the bench with his stationary box and notebook on one side, and lunch still in his hands. He suddenly heard the bell announcing the end of recess. He quickly put the lunch in the lunch box, kept it inside the bag and ran with it towards the class. He forgot his stationary box on the bench.

It was an important test and if Haris failed, then he would have to resit that test in the next term. Haris remembered each and every time when others wanted something from him but he had always refused

He had a science test that day. His teacher came and the test papers were distributed. Haris suddenly realised that his stationary box was missing. He asked the teacher if he could go out and take his stationary but the teacher refused as it was not allowed to leave the class during a test.

Disheartened, Haris sat down on his desk again and asked the boy next to him if he could borrow a pencil.

The boy immediately refused, remembering how Haris had refused to share with him the colour pencils in their art class. Much disappointed, Haris asked Saad, the boy sitting in front of him. He refused as well, because of the same reason — Haris had never shared a single thing with him.

It was an important test and if Haris failed, then he would have to resit that test in the next term. Tears started rolling down his face. Haris remembered each and every time when others wanted something from him but he had always refused. He felt really bad and desperately prayed to God for help.

To his fortune, the boy sitting at a distance from him noticed him crying. He immediately gave Haris the stationary that he needed. Haris had never felt happier. The test went well and Haris was very happy at the end.

That day was indeed very lucky for Haris. He not only got the stationary but a very loyal friend too, and, above all, a New Year resolution! Haris had finally found a resolution and it was that he would be sharing whatever he had, with everyone.

Thus, hopefully, he would not only be bidding goodbye to 2015 but also to that old Haris who didn’t share anything with others.

Published in Dawn, Young World, February 6th, 2015