I’m Guilty!

She stared at her child in disbelief, trying to recall when and where her daughter could have heard those words.

Silencing her, she moved closer and sat her down.

“Tell me, who taught you those foul words? It wasn’t me or your father.”

Silence.

“Answer me,” she demanded, her voice trembling with fear and anger.

“Mum, it was you,” her daughter said, sniffing back tears. It was the first time her mother had raised her voice at her.

Her mother frowned, unable to recall ever saying such words in her presence. “I did?”

“Yes, you did.”

“Please, refresh my memory,” she said sternly.

FLASHBACK.

She was on the phone with her mechanic, her voice high-pitched and agitated.

“Why isn’t my car here yet? It’s been almost three days! Hello? Hello!”

She looked at her phone screen, realizing the mechanic had disconnected the call.

“Is this mechanic mad?” she muttered.

Her daughter had been sitting at the dining table, listening.

PRESENT.

Realizing the truth, she placed her hands on her head, her eyes wide and mouth agape.

“That was six months ago. How do you still remember?” she asked, her voice shaky.

“I’m sorry, but you’re scaring me, mummy. Please, stop raising your voice at me,” her daughter said, frightened.

Seeing the impact of her reaction, she drew her daughter closer, lifted her onto her lap, wiped her tears, placed her head on her chest, and gently patted her back.

“Baby, I’m guilty of saying those foul words in your presence, and I’m sorry for raising my voice at you. Will you forgive me?”

She looked down at her fragile but intelligent child.

Her daughter raised her head and nodded, a broad smile revealing her small, well-set teeth.

“I will forgive you, mummy.”

“Thank you, baby. Now, you should know that mummy shouldn’t have said those words, whether angry or not. And you shouldn’t say them to me or anyone else. Is that clear?”

Her daughter nodded. “Yes, mummy.”

She kissed her head, placed it back on her chest, and gave her a soft pat on the shoulder.

In her mind, she thought, my child is so sensitive now. She just repeated what I said back to me. I have to be careful with what I say or do in her presence.

“Oh God, help me!” She lamented.