Melody’s realisation

Melody a 12-year-old girl, had a mesmerising voice, well suited to her name. She participated in various singing competitions. Her parents were always there to encourage and support her during her competitions.

These days, Melody was very excited as her mother was expecting and the thought of the new expected baby made her very happy and excited. She and her father took great care of her mother and soon 9 months passed happily and joyfully. They named the new baby Joseph. He was loved and cared by all and initially Melody enjoyed this. In fact she herself gave all her attention and time to Joseph but as a few months passed, Melody started to feel neglected. Previously, her parents never missed her competitions but they were unable to attend her last two performances. Melody felt very bad, her parents tried to make her understand how sad and unhappy they were that they missed her performance but they urgently had to take Joseph to the hospital. With time, Melody’s feelings grew more intense. Her mother tried very hard to make her understand that Joseph was still very small and required a certain amount of care and attention that she too required when she was this small. But Melody refused to understand anything.

One fine day, mother told Melody that she would have to take care of Joseph for half an hour as mother needed to urgently go out and she could not take Joseph with her.

“You are his elder sister. It is your responsibility to look after your little brother, I will be back soon.” Initially Melody was hesitant but she later agreed and promised to be by his side throughout this half an hour and not leave him even for a moment.

As soon as the mother left, Melody sat beside Joseph. He suddenly started to cry. Melody tried to entertain him with his toys but Joseph wouldn’t stop crying. Later she remembered about the milk bottle her mother had left for Joseph. She gave it to him and he stopped crying. Melody watched Joseph drink his milk peacefully and it made her very happy. After some time Joseph again started crying, to pacify him Melody again gave him his bottle but this time he rejected it. Melody couldn’t understand this. It was then that she realised it was the time to change his diaper so she managed to change his diaper. Thereafter Joseph was all happy and chirpy and they both enjoyed a lot together.

Joseph was tired and he felt fast asleep. Melody too was quite worn out and she realised how her mother was continually working round the clock to manage everything. Her thought broke when the doorbell rang. It was her mother. Melody embraced her and apologised for her behaviour. Her mother hugged her back and they both enjoyed a cup of chocolate milkshake while Joseph was enjoying his sleep.