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He was so angry that he could not help his legs walk slower. He wanted to get away from that school to home. He wanted to get away from whoever was in the school by arriving home. He wanted to do this right now.

His mom noticed his anger when he arrived. When she asked about it, though, she did not get much of an answer. He just ran to his room and locked the door.

The mom waited. The boy waited. But finally, the boy came out. He was calmer but still a bit frustrated.

‘I will never talk to John again.’, he immediately said.

‘Why?’, asked the mom.

‘Because he told me off in front of everyone today. I accidentally stepped on his foot and apologized. But still, he started shouting at me.’

‘What did he say?’

‘He said that I was careless.’

‘What else did he say?’

‘Nothing. He was just cursing me.’

‘Did he say anything about pain?’

‘Yes. He said that his foot hurt a lot’.

‘What did you do?’

‘I was angry that he called me careless and said all these bad things. So I left. But he was limping a bit.’

‘And you did not try to help?’

‘No. Why would I? He called me all these words.’

‘Do you remember that one time you fell from the tree and you were cursing at the tree for minutes?’

‘Yes I do.’

‘Why did you do that?’

‘Because it hurt and I did not care what I say amidst pain.’

After a brief silence, the boy just said a long ‘Ohhhh’ with a deep sigh.

‘Sometimes, we may not have enough control over our words if we are in too much pain. None of us is strong enough to watch out for ourselves at all times. At those weak times, we should learn to forgive. Will you?’

‘Should I go to visit him in his home now?’

‘Is there any other option?’

The boy ran again. This time, with forgiveness and empathy in his heart.