Sorry

Elizabeth decided to surprise Nancy in the evening. She waited at the bus stop for Nancy to return. The school bus pulled over and the kids started to alight. With drooping shoulders and head hanging low, Nancy slowly started walking towards home. Elizabeth tapped her on the shoulder expecting her to be ecstatic.

“Hi, mom,” came a cold response from Nancy.

Elizabeth was concerned. “Are you ok, Nancy?”

“Mom, I did a bad thing today.”

“Let’s talk while walking back home,” said Elizabeth. “What happened?”

“I was doing an assignment with my other friends. Tina came to me as she needed some help. I asked her to wait. She asked again in a couple of minutes and I lashed out at her. In the heat of the moment I said things I shouldn’t have.”

“Is that why Tina wasn’t sitting with you today?”

“Yes, she hasn’t spoken to me since.”

“Remember we spoke about mindfulness?” asked Elizabeth.

“Yes, I do.”

“So, always be mindful when you speak. Be aware of what you speak, how you speak, and when you speak to avoid such situations,” said Elizabeth.

“If only I was that good,” said Nancy in a low-tone.

“Don’t be too harsh on yourself. What is done cannot be undone but you can make amends,” said Elizabeth.

“What should I do?” asked Nancy.

“Apologise to Tina, I’m sure she will forgive you. You know, Nancy, there are three parts to an apology. Acceptance that something done wasn’t right. Truly being sorry for what was done. Finally, an assurance, that it won’t happen again. You have accepted what was done was wrong, now time for the other two,” explained Elizabeth.

“I’ll apologise tomorrow,” said Nancy.

“Why wait till tomorrow?” said Elizabeth. “Don’t waste time. Go and talk to her right away.”

“Are you sure, mom?” 

“Yes, I am. Friends are precious, love. We don’t want to lose the first friend you made here, do we?”

“No, not at all!” exclaimed Nancy.

“So give me your bag and go now.”

“Thank you, mom,” said Nancy, gave her bag to Elizabeth and ran to Tina’s house.