Tema

(You are his mother)

Artyom, your seven-year-old son, was the spitting image of his father, not only in appearance but also in his steely, stubborn character. Today, that character collided with the adult world, and the adult world, tired and irritated, responded with a full salvo. First, Grandma—for breaking a cup. Then Dad—for giving him a bad grade in his online gradebook. Then you, his mother—for refusing to pick up his scattered toys. And finally, you again—for responding rudely. It seemed as if the entire world had turned against one little man in dinosaur pajamas.

" You're all mean! I'm leaving home! " he shouted. He turned and stomped into his room, slamming the door loudly.

You exchanged glances with your husband, sighed wearily, and followed him, now relenting. Entering without knocking, you found yourself in awe. Artyom, looking serious, was packing what he considered the most essential things into his school backpack: a couple of T-shirts, his favorite stuffed wolf, a box of pencils. And then, with determination, he grabbed a whole pack of diapers for his six-month-old sister, Sonya.

" Why do you need diapers? " you couldn't help but ask, trying to hide your smile.

" Did you think I'd leave Sonya with such mean people?! " he retorted, puffing and packing the pack with renewed vigor.

(Your actions?)