In the Ivanov flat, there was an incredible mess. The family was preparing to move to a new spacious house. Everyone was very pleased about this event, although moving house is a troublesome and difficult business. All family members had a lot of tasks to do, as everything 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, leaving their own tasks, agreed, because they understood how difficult it was for Mum to cope alone with a mountain of problems. 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 worries.
She knew her son well and was sure that his help would be useless. Do you want to know why? Misha 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 the balcony, but Misha wants to vacuum the floor.
Well, 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 son 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, as usual, to argue.
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, as if cutting it short.
All right, go.
Mum gave in wearily.
Just don't be long, Dad and your sisters will be home soon, we'll have dinner.
Misha 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.
Misha, look, I was given a ball for my birthday, shall we play together?
Shouted a delighted Kostya, seeing 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 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 had just finished dinner. Among the plates on the table, Misha saw pieces of bread, and in the glasses — spilt kefir.
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.
Misha sat down in his place and, without looking up, ate his entire portion. Turning everything over in his head, 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 move, and I let you down every time. I'm really 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 and kissed him tenderly and affectionately.
Misha immediately felt so much lighter.
Tucking her son in with a blanket, Mum switched off the bedside lamp and closed the door.
Tired, the boy fell asleep straight away. He decided once and for all that from tomorrow morning he would only do what he was asked and listen to others.
