It was a bright, cheerful morning. The birds were indicating the arrival of spring with their chirping around the trees, indicating they were trying to get the best of twigs to make their nests.

I saw clouds floating blissfully and the sun was bright, in fact too bright as my face when my teacher told me that I had come first in my arduous, gruelling exams.

I went home in high spirits and when I told my dad about my results, he was very proud as well. He said he would take me to get a gift and I was absolutely thrilled and on the edge of my seat.

No doubt every child wants a gift, a token of appreciation for their hard work! Isn’t it?

Thinking of a present that I was going to get, my head was dizzy with delight. I lay in bed, trying to figure out what I should buy. I was watching the ethereal, brooding shadows when my mum burst into my room and said that my brother was very ill and they were going to the hospital.

Hearing the terrible news, I was filled with misery. There were two things that made me sad: one, that my little bro was not well, and two, because of this, I would not go shopping for my present that day. Being a kid, I didn’t know how to channel my emotions.

The next day at school, I couldn’t concentrate and my gloominess was soon noticed by my friends, but I kept my emotions in check.

Later in the day, noticing I was quiet, my father came to my room. He said he wouldn’t have broken his promise if the emergency hadn’t come up and added that he would take not just me, but also my little brother to the market on Saturday. I was elated and started jumping with joy.

As promised, on Saturday, my dad took both of us to the bustling market. I got a smartwatch and an endearing band for it as well. My little brother bought a remote controlled car. My happiness knew no limit. That night, I customised my watch, downloaded a few apps, and was filled with a sense of bliss.

Later on while reflecting, I realised that even when promises are broken, we should consider the situation before getting angry, because we don’t know if the promise was broken on purpose or due to unavoidable circumstances.

And if some unavoidable circumstances occur, we must control our emotions and not have an outburst. Just like I did, when my little brother needed more attention than my present, but being naïve, I behaved irresponsibly.

This incident taught me the art being patient.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 21st, 2025