The Voice Within

THE VOICE WITHIN

In the small community of Kali lived a young boy named Victor. He was known for being exceptionally responsible. His parents had taught him to be helpful and respectful, qualities he embraced wholeheartedly, endearing him to his community members. Kali was a quiet place with a modest market offering just a few necessities, so everyone went to the neighbourhood market to do large scale shopping.

Victor and his mum usually went to the large neighbourhood market together on the first saturday of every month, unlike his friends he was not allowed to go on his own.

One day, Victor's mother called out to him, "My baby, you're 13 now. I believe you're mature enough to handle purchases from the neighbouring market on your own."

Victor was thrilled. He had eagerly awaited the day he would be permitted to venture to the big market alone. Most of his peers had been making solo trips since they were eight; after all, it was merely a ten-minute walk.

Yet, Victor's parents had always deemed him too young for such independence. Whenever he mentioned the market's proximity, they would caution him against traversing the bush path alone, even for a minute. Victor, ever the obedient son, never heeded his friends' urgings to sneak out.

"Everyone has gone by themselves, except you. Let's go together," his friends would say. But Victor stood firm, trusting his parents' judgment over his friends' suggestions.

On the day he was finally allowed, Victor burst out of his house, brimming with excitement. He carried his favourite bowl, a market bag, his mother's shopping list, and the money for the market. Humming worship songs, he cheerfully made his way along the bush path to the large market.

As he neared the centre, a loud cry for help halted him. It echoed from deep within the bush. Accustomed to aiding others, Victor instinctively moved toward the source of the plea. That's when he heard an inner voice, "Don't go, son, head straight to the market." Initially, Victor dismissed the voice, attributing it to fear. However, the voice persisted, more urgently, "Son, go to the market now." Heeding this second call, Victor swiftly turned and dashed toward the market.

TeamWork

The army of ants gathered for duty on a sunny Saturday morning.

“Attention!” the captain shouted. “Line up, everyone! I present to you King Kokum.”

King Kokum, the leader of the ants, stood up from his royal chair next to the lovely Queen of the ants.

“Good morning, my friends,” the King said in a loud, strong voice.

“Good morning, King Kokum,” all the ants replied.

“First, I want to thank you all for the hard work you do every day. The Queen and I are very proud of you. Remember, we are one big family. Look out for each other. Together we are strong, but alone we fall. So go out there and do your best!”

The ants cheered for their King. The supervisors took their places and started organizing their groups.

“Group 1, search the yard for tasty things. Group 2, move the dead bugs. Group 3, build an anthill to store our treasures. Group 4, make a line to carry the goodies. Let’s get to work! Groups 5 and 6, bring the items back to the kingdom.”

All the ants got to work right away, and each group did their job carefully. But then, Ant Loni from Group 5 got very tired and fell out of line. Her team was upset because she was slowing them down. They didn’t stop to help her; they had to keep working.

Ant Loni tried to get up, but she was too weak. She even tried to call for help, but no one heard her.

When it was time for Groups 5 and 6 to start their task, Ant Bimo and Ant Ket saw Ant Loni. Unlike the others, they left their line and ran to help her. The other ants were upset because it messed up their order. But Ant Loni was finally carried back to the kingdom.

The next morning, King Kokum called for Ant Ket and Ant Bimo. They were worried because they thought they were in trouble for leaving their line.

To their surprise, King Kokum made all the ants cheer for them and gave them special gifts for saving Ant Loni. He told everyone, “Remember to look out for each other. Because of you two, Loni is safe.”

GRANDMA'S VISIT

It was 2 p.m. on Friday, and the school bell had just rung. School was over, and all the kids were excited that it was Friday again.

“Hi, Mrs. Briggs,” Cynthia said.

“Hello, Cynthia, how are you doing today?”

“I’m very fine, thank you. Caleb! Boma! Your mum is here.”

“Bye, Miss Cynthia,” the kids screamed as they ran to their mum’s car.

Boma and Caleb sat quietly in front of the TV, watching their favourite show on CBeebies.

“Ring, ring, ring,” the doorbell rang. Caleb stood up and ran towards the door.

“Come back,” Boma said. “Mummy said we are not allowed to answer the door.”

“So should we keep the visitor waiting?” he asked.

Just then, the children’s mum rushed out of her room and went straight to the door.

“Grandma!” she said with excitement as she opened the door.

“Grandma! Grandma!” the kids screamed as they both hugged their grandma.

They loved their grandmother, particularly because she always had many gifts for them and fun stories to tell.

The next day was the 21st of June, and it was Grandma’s 70th birthday. The kids were so excited that they woke up very early that morning. They helped Mum bake Grandma’s cake and make some special cookies. Next, Mum, Dad, Caleb, and Boma entered Grandma’s room to surprise her.

“Good morning, Grandma,” Boma said.

As Grandma turned to respond, the four of them chorused a loud “Happy Birthday!” They also presented the cake to the celebrant. Next, Caleb started the Happy Birthday song, and everyone joined in.

Later that day, the kids designed birthday cards for their granny, Mum prepared a special dinner, and Dad got her a beautiful gift. Grandma was so grateful; she loved her family so much.

The next afternoon, it was time to say goodbye to Grandma. Once again, the kids took turns hugging and kissing their grandma. They went to bed early that night because Monday was a school day.