Day 38: Acknowledge whatever you have

Serrea will always have something to complain about. Everyday after school, she always comes home with an expression of fury and disappointment. There is always one thing that she complains about during lunchtime: her way of living.

"I don't like this crap", she complains angrily. "I want to be like the rest of them- wearing designer clothes, eating delicious food, using stylish stationery."

Her mother Hera is always tired of hearing the same questions and giving the same answer each day- it's like a part of their routine to have an argument.

"What's wrong with this way of living?" Mom asks

"What isn't!?" Serrea replies coldly.

"Mind your language, young lady!" Hera screams

"Ugh... please try to understand my problem before you reproach me"

"What is your-?"

Before she could finish, Serrea goes straight up to her room.

A few minutes later, Hera enters the room and tries to reconcile.

"You know that there are children less fortunate than you, right?" Hera starts. "There are children who are deprived of necessities such as food, water, shelter, parents, people to rely on, basic education and much more."

"I guess so", Serrea replies nonchalantly.

The next day, at school, a new girl has joined. She would be someone with "disgustingly horrible dressing sense" according to the divas, since she is wearing clothes that were shabby and worn-out shoes. Serrea suddenly remembers what her mom told her the previous day about children who were less fortunate and wonders if the newbie was one of them. She doesn't like to judge a book by its cover and decides to ask her.

"Hi", Serrea says warmly. "You must be new here. I'm Serrea. What's your name?"

"Hello there", the newbie replies. "I'm Kayrah."

"Welcome to Arthur's High, Kayrah", says Serrea joyfully

"Whoa", exclaims Kayrah surprisingly. "Your jacket is like... world class!"

"Oh", replies Serrea perplexed. "You really think so?"

"Duh"

Serrea and Kayrah hit it off straight away. Within a few weeks, they were inseparable... like best friends! They also got to know a lot more about each other.

One day, Serrea invites Kayrah to her house since she wants to know about Kayrah and Kayrah to know about her. d Serrea shared her problem of not getting everything she wants, how often her dad goes on business trips and how he barely even has time for her along with her mother arguing with her on how she must be grateful for what she has.

When Serrea said the word mother, Kayrah suddenly bursts into tears.

Serrea tries her level best to console her, but all her efforts go into vain.

A few minutes later, Kayrah stops crying and instantly apologizes to Serrea.

"I'm so sorry", exclaims Kayrah. "It's just that everything has been though for me."

"It's okay", says Serrea. "Just let it all out!"

"I lying to you when I said that I had parents", says Kayrah with a trembling voice. "You see, my dad had passed away when I was little, so I barely even remember him."

"Oh", Serrea said sympathetically.

"And my mom... well, she loved me- but we were tight on expenses and she wanted me to live a comfortable life. So, she sent me to foster care a few months ago. She tells me that everything will be okay and that she will come back for me- but her eyes show uncertainty and sorrow ad it makes me upset too."

"What about your clothes?" Serrea asked

"Oh, Alison, my foster parent, had convinced me to wear nice clothes to school. You know, the ones that the divas wear- but I preferred the shabby, worn-out ones. I mean, come on, how could I enjoy the luxury I am provided with while my mother is toiling in a place I don't even know", explains Kayrah.

"How do you find Alison?" Serrea asks inquisitively.

"We don't talk much... we have quick, short conversations once in a while", Kayrah replied quietly.

"Don't you worry... whatever you are going through, always remember that I'm there for you", says Serrea reassuringly, putting an arm around her shoulder and patting her head.

"Thanks", Kayrah says happily.

A few hours later, when Kayrah goes, Serrea goes to her mother and gives her a big hug.

"What is this!" Hera says in astonishment and happiness.

"I'm so sorry for everything", Serrea says her voice breaking while she was crying. "I am grateful for everything I have now.- especially you and dad"

"It's totally alright", says Hera, hugging Serrea back. "At least you understand your mistake."

When Hera asks Serrea the reason for her apology, she tellls everything that Kayrah had told her a few hours ago.

"You did the right thing when you consoled her", says Hera proudly. "We'll be there for her when she needs us."

Warmest Regards,

Medha