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Chapter 350: Not alone in the world
Chapter 350: Not alone in the world
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«But then, why did they want my mommy? Why?» Scarlet asked, her eyes filled with tears.
«Don't turn the situation around. That happened later. And your friends just gave some drawings to your mother. They weren't stealing her away.»
«But I didn't have one,» she sulked.
«Because you threw a tantrum and didn't finish your task. That happens when one is too greedy and takes all the colours. They end up not using them.»
«Hmm?» she moaned, leaning her head on Nate's shoulder.
«Yes, Scarlet. You can't use everything for yourself, but you shall learn how to share.»
«But I don't want to share. Why should I?»
«Because you're not alone in the world. Other people need their things, and they have the same right as you to have them.»
«But...»
«Scarlet, do you remember the little hungry wolf? The one from that tail, with the three pigs?»
«Oh, yes! Poor wolf,» she sighed.
«But he had his family.»
«His pack...»
«Right. In the end, he went home, and they took care of him.»
«Yes, I remember.»
«His friends gave up part of their food for him. That's how packs work. But, also, the little hungry wolf would have given up his part if it was for any of them. They share their food, their toys, and their rooms too if it's necessary.»
«Why?»
«Because they live together. You can't be with other people and want everything for yourself. That's selfish.»
«Is it bad to be selfish?»
«Yes, Scarlet. Well, no, not if it's just a little. Like, your mother should be a little more selfish... But it's better to be less selfish than too much.»
«So, my mommy is good.»
«Yes, she is. She gave everything to Jaden and you, sometimes taking it away from herself.»
«Why?»
«Because that's the right thing to do. One day, when you will need it, someone else will help you. But only if we all act well and don't keep every single thing for ourselves only.»
«I won't be selfish anymore, daddy,» she said, hugging his neck.
«You don't need to convince me, Scarlet. But, next time you want to monopolise attention, pencils, or anything else, think twice about it: would your mommy be happy to hear that you stopped the other kids from doing their job? You're not alone in the world.»
«Okay,» she said, nodding.
«Also... What was that with Jaden? Why did you ruin his puzzle?»
«He didn't want to help me!»
«So what?»
«He's my brother. Why didn't he want to help me?»
«Help you do what?»
She blushed, realising it was late. Nate knew everything already. Even though Jaden didn't tell him but their mommy, she pouted and turned to glare at her brother. Did he have to play with his puzzles just then?
He could do it later!
«You can't force anyone to do anything. If Jaden doesn't want to help you, it's fine. You shall accept it. Also, I'm quite convinced that you didn't ask very nicely.»
«I asked nicely!»
«But then, you should have nicely accepted his rejection. People won't always say yes.»
«But, daddy! I needed him!»
«If Jaden asked you to help him with a puzzle while you're eating cake, would you have left your cake to help him?»
«Why?» she scoffed. «He can do his puzzle alone, and he doesn't ask me.»
«Scarlet...»
«But I don't like puzzles!»
«Then, how can you ask him to leave his puzzle to help you? Scarlet, have some empathy!»
«But daddy! I really, really needed him!»
«And did you say please?»
«No, why?»
«Then you weren't nice, and Jaden did well by rejecting you. You should learn how to be polite.»
He opened the fridge, holding Scarlet with a single arm. There was some milk, and he poured a glass for his daughter. He also prepared a few cookies for her afternoon break.
«Now, will you be a good girl and eat without causing any more turmoil?»
«I will, daddy.»
«And be gentler with other people, okay?»
«Okay.»
«Good,» he sighed.
«Am I grounded?»
«No, you're not. But I don't want to hear that you caused so much trouble ever again. I will get very mad, understand?»
«Yes,» she pouted.
«And, better for you if you don't fight with your brother. Not for something this pointless, and not for more relevant stuff. He's your first ally, Scarlet. He will be there for you his whole life, and you have to do the same for him. Help him when he asks, even if he doesn't help you. Okay?»
«But why?»
«Because that's how you live in a family.»
«Oh... Okay, then. But can I also ask you for help?»
«Yes, of course.»
«And will you reject me?»
«No, Scarlet. I won't say no.»
«But Jaden...»
«I am your father, but Jaden is your brother. You two are the closest friends in the world, and as friends, you should be there for each other. But you shouldn't force yourself on him, nor the other way around. It's different for me; I'm your daddy.»
«Will you be angry if I don't help Jaden?»
«I don't know, Scarlet...»
«I don't want you to be angry!»
«And your mommy?»
«She won't be angry with me. She loves me too much,» she said, lifting her chin until her nose pointed at the sky.
Nate made her sit on a chair and eat her snack.
«I'm the same. I love you too much to be angry. But I want you to be a good person as you grow up, just like your mommy. If I scold you, it's so you can understand. It's not anger.»
«I know, daddy. I also love you a little. But I'm not afraid you will be angry, actually... It's different.»
She didn't know how to explain what she feared. It was so complicated! But, at least, she would be loved.
«So, you love me, daddy...» she repeated, all happy. She reached out to the cookies and started eating.
«I do, and I also love your brother. Now, I shall go and see if he's all right.»
Scarlet nodded, already distracted by the food.