How to share
Myroslava rushed into her room and hid the set of felt-tip pens behind her back.
— Myroslavka-oh, well, yes-a-ay! — her younger sister Karinka, four years old, ran after her. — I want at least one! Red one!
— No! It's for my birthday! Dad said it's mine!
— Well, please! I'll just draw a sun. A tiny one!
— Karinka, get off my back! Mine!
Karinka stopped in the middle of the room. Two tears appeared on her cheeks. And then two more. And then she quietly turned and went into the corridor.
Myroslava stood there for a second longer. Then she sat down on the bed. On her knees was the same set. Twenty-four felt-tip pens. Twenty-four new colors. Something pricked inside her.
«"I wanted to draw first. I didn't even give one..."»
She looked at the ceiling. She wanted to cry. And suddenly, something rustled above her head.
"I think we're a little late," said a thin voice.
— And I say — just in time. The crisis is in full swing.
Myroslava raised her head. On the wooden shelf above the bed sat… two. An owl with small round glasses. And a red squirrel with a pink scarf. The squirrel was holding an acorn in its paws.
"H-hello," Myroslava muttered. "Who are you?"
“I’m Sofiyka,” the owl introduced herself. “And this is Solomiyka.”.
"Congratulations!" squeaked the squirrel. "You have such an interesting thing here. Oh, markers! How many?! Twenty? Thirty?"
"Twenty-four," Myroslava grumbled.
"Twenty-four! Oh my! If I were your sister, I would ask for a red one too.".
Myroslava shrank.
— And I didn't give…
"We know," said Sofiyka softly. "We heard. Do you want us to explain what happens with felt-tip pens?"
Myroslava nodded.
🦉 Lesson from Sofiyka
1. Sharing is not «giving forever»
When you share, you don't lose your thing. Your sister will play with it and give it back. One marker won't disappear, it'll just be in someone else's hands for a moment.
2. This is someone else's mood too
Karinka didn't just want a marker - she's interested in you. Sharing = spending a moment together. She won't remember the marker, but the fact that you were kind.
3. The joy of giving is different
It's nice to paint yourself. It's nice to see how happy the person you gave your thing to is. These are two different joys, both worthwhile.
4. Not everything needs to be shared.
Some things are personal. A toothbrush, for example. Or a favorite doll that you sleep with. That's OK. But everyday things — pencils, markers, cookies — are worth sharing.
5. Sharing is strength, not weakness
The one who knows how to share is richer than the one who keeps everything to himself. Because he has not only his things, but also the smiles of others.
“What if she gets my new marker dirty?” Myroslava asked.
"It'll wipe off," Solomiyka shrugged. "The felt-tip pen will wipe off. But the memory of your sister coming crying and you not letting her go won't wipe off. You'll carry it with you for a long time.".
Myroslava was silent for a while. Then she got up and went into the corridor. Karinka was sitting on a small chair and drawing an invisible pattern on the carpet with her finger.
“Karinka,” Myroslava held out a red felt-tip pen. “Hold it.”.
Karinka looked up. The tears on her cheeks had already dried. She took the marker carefully, as if it were a treasure.
“Little sun?” she asked in a whisper.
"Well, yes, small," Myroslava smiled. "And big is also possible. I'll bring you some white paper.".
Solomiyka smiled softly from the shelf. And Sofiyka nodded with satisfaction and said:
"That was the best advice. Without words.".
Sofiyka believes in you. And Solomiyka too. 🦉🐿️