Grandmother and Granddaughter

I vaguely remember that day—I don’t even know why I can’t recall it clearly. Maybe I was too young?

One evening, we were all sitting together having dinner when our neighbor, Soliha aunt, suddenly came by. I didn’t really understand why she had come. After a short while, she quietly left without saying much. When we finished eating, we said a prayer, and then my younger sister took the dishes to the kitchen to wash them. My father went into the living room to watch television.

At that moment, without telling anyone, I went into my room and started reading my book. I don’t even remember how I fell asleep.

At dawn, half-asleep, I heard my mother and father performing the Fajr prayer. After finishing, they began whispering to each other. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t hear what they were saying. After sunrise, I ran to my mother.

“What are you doing?” I asked with a smile.

“Can’t you see? I’m cleaning the house,” she replied. Then she looked at me and said, “We have a gift for you.”

“Oh, Mom, but it’s not my birthday,” I said, laughing.

“My dear daughter, are gifts only given on birthdays? They can be given at any time,” she said.

“That’s great! What kind of gift?” I asked excitedly.

“You’ll find out in the evening. Now go and finish your tasks and read your books,” she said.

I finished all my chores and waited impatiently for the evening.

Finally, evening came. After washing my hands and face, I went to my bed—and there she was, my dear grandmother, sitting beside it. I was so happy that I hugged her tightly. Maybe I hugged her too hard, but I couldn’t help it—I loved my grandmother so much.

I loved sleeping next to my grandmother in the evenings because every time she came, she would tell me wonderful and fascinating stories. The stories she told would come alive right before my eyes.

“Grandma, may I ask you something?” I said.

“What is it?” she replied.

“Grandma, what was your school like? Please tell me.”

“Oh, my curious granddaughter,” she said, “I will tell you, but you must not interrupt me, alright?”

“Okay,” I agreed.

“Our school didn’t have the conditions and facilities that you have today. There were many children in our family, and our parents could barely afford enough for us to eat. My dear granddaughter, you have great opportunities for studying. Don’t waste your time on meaningless games. Study while you can, learn as much as possible, so that you won’t regret it later. If you study, many doors of opportunity will open for you—never forget that.”

“Grandma, I will do as you say. I will study and learn,” I replied.

“My smart granddaughter…” she said lovingly.

Saitkulova Fotima 

Uzbekistan