Short Stories » Ma Likes Me

Ma Likes Me

THERE was once a little boy of four years who was very unfortunate in having a disposition to do just the wrong thing instead of the right one. He required constant watching, being so forgetful of all the ad- monitions he had received; it seemed almost of no use to talk to him. If the chickens were securely locked into their own inclosure, they were generally to be found soon after, scratching in the garden. If the milk-closet was properly closed, somebody had the mysterious faculty of letting a swarm of flies in, which cook might discover at her leisure. No matter if cook gave him a handful of cakes and a glass of milk while dinner was getting ready, this little fellow could not refrain from slyly nipping the cake or pie, and tasting the honey or preserves, as signs upon the tablecloth proved. It was "somebody" who added extra bluing to the rinse water when the washerwoman's back was turned, and who was it had pulled the melons before they were ripe? and who well, there was no end of perplexing questions that never were quite answered, and all the time a certain little boy was looking the picture of innocence. But at last questionings ceased and accusations were the order, and after a while this small boy used to receive lectures, and be asked often enough " where he thought he was going to by and by if he did not change his course." This oft-repeated question seemed to have no rousing effect upon him, for he always made the same reply, that he "didn't know;" and I don't suppose that his questioners could have answered any better if it had been left to them. Well, after spools of colored thread had been unraveled and tangled ruinously, the ma- chine-oil can hopelessly spiked with needles, and auntie's lovely lace pattern unraveled "to see the crinkles in the thread," the assembled ladies mother, auntie, and a guest, with such onlookers as cook and laundress began to talk to him again, more impressively than ever, if possible.

Auntie said the most, and her remarks received expressiveness and indorsement from the uplifted hands of the laundress, the frowns, shakes of the head, and the declaration of the cook that "that child almost outdid hisself in contrariness." "Who can love you?" "Love him! who can even like him?" "See what you've done. Who would have such a boy? Not I, as a gift." " Nor I, if I was paid for it." Things began to look dark for somebody, as he looked from one face to another. In mother's look he discovered not indignation, but sorrow, and felt a little of the heavy feeling removed. " Why don't you say something, bad boy?" said auntie, and, thus . urged, he braved up and answered, " Ma likes me." How could ma deny this and destroy his only dependence?

That thought was something he could lean back upon, though all around were against him. Ma beckoned him to her, took him out, washed the ink-marks from his fingers, put a clean apron on him, and just asked him, "Now won't you try to be good?" He promised, and all the afternoon was the most un- easy being imaginable, trying to keep his word; and it tired him so that he fell asleep before three o'clock.

Ma Likes Me - Takeaway for Class 1,2,3

Ma loves all her children equally and wants them to know how special they each are.

Ma Likes Me - Takeaway for Class 4,5,6

Always be grateful and kind to others, just like how Ma and Fin learned to appreciate each other's unique qualities and the special bond they shared.

Ma Likes Me - Takeaway for Class 7,8,9

Understanding and valuing the love our parents show us, even if it's expressed differently than we expect, can strengthen our relationships and appreciation for them.

3 Fun Facts

• The story revolves around the playful misunderstandings between a young boy named Tony and his pet dog, Max.
• Tony tries to teach Max tricks, but Max only seems to care about staying close to Tony and sharing fun moments.
• By the end of the story, Tony realizes that Max shows affection in his own special way, just by being a loyal friend.

Quiz for Class 1,2,3

• What was the name of the boy in the story who thought his mother disliked him?
• How did the boy's mother show her love to him even if he didn't always notice it?
• What lesson did the boy learn about his mother's love by the end of the story?

Quiz for Class 4,5,6

• What change happened with Li Chang that made it difficult for him to live happily with his parents?
• How did the wise old man help Li Chang understand the love of his parents?
• What was the special thing Li Chang's father made for him while he was away?

Quiz for Class 7,8,9

• What did the girl compare to the animation she had watched, and how did this comparison make her feel?
• How did the girl's perception of her parental love change throughout the story?
• What role did the kite play in the story, and how did it influence the girl's understanding of her relationship with her mother?