The School boy..
Long time ago, there lived a little girl.. ..
Sorry !!
I’ve already told you that story. I even promised I would come with a boy story next time. So, I’ll keep my promise and won’t bore you with the same old girl. Or with the same opening line. So here he is.. .. He’s coming today !!☺
The School boy who inspired and developed the compassion for others, right from early school days.
Long time ago, I know.. .., I know.. ..!
But it’s such an irresistible storytelling way. I used to dislike elders as a kid, starting storytelling with this opening line.☺ But guess what? Despite that dislike, I used to get glued to them and ‘the stories’.
Same is true with you all now! I secretly believe, you too get glued secretly, when I start such. Aren’t you??☺ What to say.. .., I can’t lose the opportunity to be heard more.☺
Back to the story..
Long time ago, there lived a little boy. Happy one? No..!! Sad ? Definitely yes !! Why?? That’s a long story. The story for today.
So here he is. He’s coming today !
A sunny day, like any other day!
I’m in a hurry..!
I can’t be late.
How can I be late? I need to rush. I shoved books into the bag and rushed towards the main door. Packed lunch in one hand.
I’m getting late.
The teacher left for the day , after the bell rang. Quickly, I stood up and swung out of the door. My legs started to run. My mind wished go quickly.
I saw him walking thru the door.
I tried to greet him cheerfully. Nope, he’s the same again. Another day with the same low. Going down day by day.
→ Just like we do.
Do you go low, when things go otherwise? What do you do to come back ?
He’s not getting better. But if this continues every day? It’s not good for him. How to stop?
The next morning..
I have a train to catch. Early morning train. Very important one. I shouldn’t miss the train. Not for me, but for him.
Train stopped with a screeching brake sound. I am standing on the empty platform. I am not sure what to do. I started thinking while looking at the train waved me farewell, leaving me behind on the platform.
“Don’t switch on the light !!”
His voice was sharp. I took back my hand. And my mind too, from the idea of switching it on! The sharpness in his voice will stop anyone.
I tried to make a conversation about work and family. His response was none. He is reluctant to listen too. Slowly I dozed off.
Suddenly I woke up, I could sense something was wrong!! Immediately I understood, I woke up late. I missed the train.
The whole purpose of coming to the town and taking a room was to catch that early train. To wave him back, who is withdrawing himself day-by-day. As he found no-one waves back to him.
Disappointment!! Huge disappointment. I missed the train. I couldn’t make my son happy !! He returned to his town by the next available train.
Disappointment!! Huge disappointment. No one waves me back. Why? Despite me waving so hard! Despite me not missing a day to see the train at the railway crossing, while going to school.
The train passing-by. With an awe, I’m started waving like everyday. With a HOPE, at least one will wave back. Even though, I know it wont happen.
→ HOPE !!
Do you believe in HOPE? Do you give HOPE to someone?
WAIT !! Is it?! I couldn’t believe my own eyes. Is he waving me back??!
Yes, he is. I started waving with more energy ! With the energy of all those disappointed days. He is a stranger but guess what — we waved each other for long time, till I could see the train.
I’ m happy!! Like never before. I need to say this to Papa, soon I finish school and go home !
The School boy who inspired and developed the compassion for others right from early school days. An attempt to pay respects to him.
‘The Night at the Hotel’. A short story by Siegfried Lenz. The touching story of a father’s efforts to help his extremely sensitive son.
The story of a stranger, who fulfils the wish of a desperate father and lifts the spirits of a depressed son.
A scene in the story. The missing link.
→ “I don’t have enough money” I conveyed to her, the receptionist. She came up with a solution. Suggested to take a sharing room to save on my pocket. Sharing room with a stranger? Concerning, yet looked like a good fit, I agreed.
In the room, I saw or didn’t see the stranger. He didn’t allow me to switch on the light. I couldn’t see him. I shared my work and family whereabouts with him. My reason to come to the town. My concerns about my son’s health.
Small ACT → Big IMPACT !!
Struggle, unnoticed mostly. Do you feel that or see someone going thru that ?
What small ACT do you take? For you or for someone else? To address that unnoticed struggle.
Thanks to Motivate The Mind, for giving this opportunity to write.
