I considered running back to get two more eggs, but was stopped when I realised I had no money left. What should I do? The more I thought about it, the more absurd thoughts would come to mind. Briefly, I even contemplated running away from home. Although I was mere metres away from home, I continued to wander around outside aimlessly for a long time. Even when the moon hung high in the sky, I still didn’t return home.
Eventually, my mother came out to look for me and found me in a bush nearby. “What are you doing here? Why didn’t you go home after so long? I was so worried about you!”
“I’m sorry mom, I broke the egg…” I cried as I spoke.
“The eggs broke? How?”
“You told me to come back quickly so I placed the eggs in my pockets so I could run faster and return sooner. I only realized the eggs broke after that.”
“You didn’t dare to come home because of this?”
“Yes… I’m sorry mom…”
“Don’t be silly. If the eggs broke, so be it. It isn’t that big of a deal. Besides, the guests have long left. It’s late, let’s go home.”
That day, my mother held my hands throughout the entire journey as we made our way back home. Holding her hands, all of my worries disappeared and warmth coursed through me.