It was a rainy morning. Tresa was busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast and packing lunchboxes for her kids. Johny was always there to help; today, he was grating coconut. Mathew was taking his bath, and Mary was completing her daily revision work. Stephan, their pet, was waiting for his breakfast—milk and bread. He looked at the kitchen with great expectation.
In between, Tresa called out to Mary, "Dear, it's already 8 o'clock. Yesterday, the bus was waiting, and the uncle wasn't happy about it. Please get ready on time."
"Yes, Ma, I’m coming," Mary answered.
The sound of English music from the bathroom could be heard, and Tresa knew Mathew hadn’t finished his bath. "Darling Jo... we can finish the song later," she called.
"Oh, it's started again. If you say another word, I won’t go to school!" Mathew replied arrogantly.
Tresa felt sad. "Oh God, why is he always so rude to us?" she thought.
"Tresa," Johny reassured her, "it’s just his age. He’ll change, and one day, he’ll start behaving normally. Just wait."
By 8:30, the kids were ready and went to school. Tresa was ready by 9 o'clock and started for her office along with Johny. Both of them work in government departments. Johny heads the finance section, and Tresa works as clerical staff in the health services.
While having lunch with his colleagues, Johny’s mobile rang. It was Alina Francis, Mathew’s class teacher. Johny answered, “Hello Sir, this is Alina Francis, Mathew John's class teacher. Mathew has been selected for the national level of the International Mathematics Olympiad. The school wants to provide him with special coaching to help him clear the next round. However, after discussing it with Mathew, he is not agreeing with what the principal is suggesting. Please have a discussion with Mathew.”
