In the Ivanov household, there was incredible disorder. The family was preparing to move to a new spacious home. Everyone was very excited about this event, although moving is a troublesome and difficult affair. All family members had a lot of tasks to do, since all their belongings had 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, left 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, Mike, running around the apartment, also wanted to help Mum.
Mummy, I want to help with the packing too, let me do something to help.
Mike said.
Well, let's do it!
Sighed his tired and stressed Mum.
She knew her son well and was sure that his help would be useless. Do you want to know why? Mike always did only what interested him, ignoring the requests of others.
For example, Mum says that it's necessary to water the flowers on the windowsill and balcony, but Mike wants to vacuum the floor.
So what if it's clean, I want to and that's it!
The boy insisted.
And it was always like this.
Mum, how can I help you?
The restless son asked for the umpteenth time.
Thank you so much for the offer.
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.
Mum said.
Well, I don't want to go to the neighbour, I want to go to the shop!
Mike 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.
Mike said firmly.
Alright, go.
Mum gave in wearily.
Just don't take too long, Dad and your sisters will be home soon, we'll have dinner.
Mike took his wallet and bag and happily ran out of the building. He quickly got to the supermarket, bought the necessary products and headed back.
At home, on the children's playground, the boy saw his friend Kostya.
Mike, look, I got a ball for my birthday, shall we play together?
Happy Kostya shouted when he saw his friend.
Really? Let me see!
The boy agreed instantly.
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 dark. He immediately remembered 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, Mike 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, Mike saw pieces of bread, and in the glasses—kefir poured out.
Wash your hands and sit down to eat. Put the products in the fridge, we don't need them now, I borrowed everything we needed from the neighbour.
Mum said quietly and calmly.
Mike sat down in his place and, without looking up, ate his whole portion. Thinking it all over, he realized how ashamed he felt!
Before bed, as usual, Mum came into Mike's room to kiss him and wish him a good night.
The boy said in a quiet voice:
Mummy, I'm sorry, please forgive me! You have so much to do with our move, and I let you down every time. I'm honestly very ashamed. I promise that from now on I will do what you ask. What's needed, not what I find interesting and want to do.
I'm so happy to hear this.
Mum said with a sincere smile.
I think you've grown up a lot this evening. I'm sure everything will work out for you. Now, close your eyes, sweet dreams.
Mum hugged the boy tightly, kissed him tenderly and affectionately.
Mike immediately felt so much lighter.
Tucking her son in with a blanket, Mum turned off the desk lamp and closed the door.
Tired, the boy fell asleep right away. He decided once and for all that from tomorrow morning he would do only what he was asked and listen to others.
