The Dish

Crash! Danielle Brown was washing the dishes when she dropped one that was too soapy to hold. "Oooh you’re in trouble!" said Danielle’s 7-year-old little sister, Shelly. "Mom’s gonna kill you, especially since that was one of her best china." Mrs. Brown walked into the kitchen and said, "What was that-" she looked at the shattered china on the ground. Then she looked at Danielle. "Danielle!" Mrs. Brown said, "That is the third one this month! I don’t know what I’m going to do with you." Danielle hung her head and said, "I’m sorry." She started to cry. " I am being very clumsy, what is wrong with me?" she said between sobs. "Danielle, I know it was an accident, but you need to be more careful with the dishes, especially my good china," Mrs. Brown said. "OK, mom," Danielle said, "I will try to be more careful with the dishes." They hugged and Shelly squeezed into the hug. "Now, I’ll clean this up and finish the dishes. You go work on your homework," said Mrs. Brown. She started to wash the dishes and Danielle went to her room to do her homework. Shelly sat down at the table confused. "Mom?" she asked, "How come, since Danielle dropped your good china, you didn’t punish her?" she asked, "I mean, I thought that you were going to be really mad at her." Mrs. Brown thought for a moment. "Because she apologized and it was merely an accident. I can always get a new china plate," she said, "Besides, I am having a good day and I don’t want to spoil it by something that can always be replaced." Mrs. Brown started again at the dishes. "OK, mom, well then I have to tell you that I wrecked your car" Shelly said. Mrs. Brown put the dish down that she was washing and went to the garage. Her car wasn’t wrecked. She came back into the kitchen and in a happy scowl she said, "Come here you!" Shelly, giggling, ran out of the kitchen and said, "I’m just kidding! I’m just kidding!"

The Dish©