In the Ivanov household, there was incredible chaos. The family was preparing to move to a new spacious home. Everyone was very excited about this event, although moving house is a troublesome and difficult business. Every family member had a heap of tasks, as all their belongings needed to be packed into boxes.
Mum had the most to do, so she asked the older children to help her more often than usual. The girls, without hesitation, put aside their own tasks and agreed, because they understood how difficult it was for Mum to cope with a mountain of problems on her own. But the youngest, Misha, running around the flat, also wanted to help Mum.
Mummy, I want to help with the packing too, let me do something to help.
Said Misha.
Well, go on then!
Sighed Mum, tired and frazzled by all the worries.
She knew her son well and was certain that his help would be useless. Want to know why? Misha always did only what interested him, ignoring everyone else's requests.
For example, Mum says it's necessary to water the flowers on the windowsill and balcony, but Misha wants to vacuum the floor.
So what if it's clean, I want to and that's that!
The boy insisted on his own way.
And it was always like this.
Mum, what can I help you with?
The restless little boy asked for the umpteenth time.
Thank you so much for offering.
Mum said with a smile.
But are you ready to do what I ask, not what you want?
I can go to the supermarket and buy bread and kefir.
The boy announced his decision.
That will take you a long time, go down to the neighbour and borrow some. I need to cook dinner now.
Said Mum.
Well, I don't want to go to the neighbour, I want to go to the shop!
Misha started to argue, as usual.
You're at it again, I know what's best.
Mum tried to explain calmly to the boy.
I don't want to! That's it, I'm going to the shop.
Said Misha, cutting the conversation short.
Alright, go.
Mum gave in wearily.
Just don't be long, Dad and your sisters will be home soon, we'll be having dinner.
Misha took his wallet and bag and happily ran out of the building. He quickly got to the supermarket, bought the necessary groceries and headed back.
At home, on the children's playground, the boy saw his friend Kostya.
Misha, look, I got a ball for my birthday, shall we play together?
Shouted a delighted Kostya, spotting his friend.
Really? Let me have a look!
The boy agreed immediately.
He put the bag of groceries on a bench and started kicking the new football. Not noticing the time, the boy only stopped playing when it got quite dark. He immediately remembered his mum's request, as she was waiting for the bread and kefir.
After scoring one more goal, he grabbed the bag and ran home.
From the doorway, quickly taking off his shoes, Misha said:
It's me, Mum, I've brought the bread and kefir!
The whole family was sitting at the kitchen table, they were just finishing dinner. Among the plates on the table, Misha saw pieces of bread, and in the glasses—kefir poured out.
Wash your hands and sit down to eat. Put the groceries in the fridge, we don't need them now, I borrowed everything we needed from the neighbour.
Mum said quietly and calmly.
Misha sat down in his place and, without looking up, ate his entire portion. Turning everything over in his mind, he realised how ashamed he felt!
Before bed, as usual, Mum came into Misha's room to kiss him and wish him goodnight.
The boy said in a quiet voice:
Mummy, I'm sorry, please forgive me! You have so much to do with our house move, and I let you down every time. I'm honestly very ashamed. I promise that from now on I'll do what you ask. What's needed, not what I find interesting and want to do.
How happy I am to hear that.
Mum said with a genuine smile.
I think you've grown up a lot this evening. I'm sure you'll manage everything. Now, close your eyes, sweet dreams.
Mum hugged the boy tightly, kissed him tenderly and affectionately.
Misha immediately felt so much lighter.
Tucking her son in with the duvet, Mum switched off the bedside lamp and closed the door.
Tired, the boy fell asleep straight away. He had decided once and for all that from tomorrow morning he would do only what he was asked and listen to others.
