My Best

“Why not me?”

“Why is it that only she gets to wear new clothes, while I wear only rags?” asked an innocent boy, his voice full of hurt.

“She is getting married, and we have very little money to spend. Please understand, my child,” his mother replied gently.

Clutching a baby goat under his arm, the boy stormed out of the hut, hot tears streaming down his cheeks.

As he walked, he heard a voice calling out a challenge.

“Anyone who can hit a mango with just three stones will win a reward!” announced an old man.

The boy stepped forward and took up the challenge.

To everyone’s surprise, he won.

His tears dried, replaced by a proud smile. He dusted off his palms and quickly combed his hair with a little spit, trying to look his best.

“Here you go, your reward,” said the old man.

The boy tore open the package in excitement.

It was a banyan.

Overjoyed, he rushed home.

“Now I also have something new to wear,” he whispered to himself.

The big day arrived, filled with joy, laughter, and the aroma of festive food drifting through the air.

The boy stepped out wearing his prized possession.

But instead of admiration, he was met with laughter and curious stares.

His happiness quickly faded into sorrow.

Seeing this, his mother rushed to him, wrapped him in a hug, and softly whispered,

“You wear it beneath your clothes, not above them, my child.”

The boy looked up at her with innocent eyes.

“But that’s the only nice thing I have,” he replied softly.