RAM LEARNS ABOUT SELFISHNESS
SUKETU: I can’t wait for the class party. I am so excited. Aren’t you?
RAM: I am excited too. I think it will be fun, fun, and just plain fun.
SUKETU: My mother is making popcorn for me to take. I really do like them.
RAM: My mother is making a dozen chocolate chip cookies.
SUKETU: I love chocolate chip cookies.
RAM: I don’t care if you like them or not, but I am the one who is bringing them. Not you!
SUKETU: Aren’t you going to share your cookies?
RAM: Are you kidding me? Look out face, open mouth, ready teeth, down into the stomach, here they come! A dozen chocolate chip cookies, delicious cookies and they are all mine to eat. Mine, Mine, Mine.
SUKETU: We learned in our Pathshala class that we should share what we have with others. To start such a habit, we are going to share our refreshments with others.
RAM: That is kiddy stuff. If I bring them, I am going to eat them, all of them.
SUKETU: I will see you at the party tonight.
(Both leave)
After the party:
SUKETU: The party was a blast. Wasn’t it fun?
RAM: (Head hanging very low) Boy I feel terrible! And I do mean terrible.
SUKETU: What is wrong with you?
RAM: My tummy is killing me. It hurts so bad. I think two bears are fighting inside of me.
SUKETU: Do I need to call your mother?
RAM: No, Suketu! I was told to share the cookies, and I didn’t. I will get grounded. I ate all of those cookies myself.
SUKETU: Why would you get grounded?
RAM: Because I ate all of the cookies.
SUKETU: Why didn’t you think of that before, so you wouldn’t have eaten all of those cookies?
RAM: I was selfish and didn’t want anyone else to have any.
SUKETU: You should share and not be selfish with other people.
RAM: You have that right….I think I am going to die. My stomach hurts so bad. My stomach even told me to share.
SUKETU: When did stomachs start talking?
RAM: It told me to never, never, eat by yourself, always share your things.
SUKETU: Have you learned your lesson?
RAM: Yes, I will share things for the rest of my life. I will be fair and this won’t happen ever again. I promise to do what is right, SHARE.
SUKETU: I will share with you too, Ram, and I will do that right now.
RAM: Share what?
SUKETU: My mother’s Pepto-Bismol! Let’s go.