A Lesson in Protection

A Lesson in Protection

BY:Ubaid

Savira walked quietly beside her grandmother as they entered the school gate. She loved the warmth of her grandmother’s hand and never minded the short walk from home. But her classmate Farhana noticed and could not resist making a remark.

“Savira!” Farhana giggled. “Did I just see you coming to school with your grandmother again? We’re in high school now, not kindergarten. Don’t you think it’s time you started coming alone?”

Savira stopped for a moment. Her eyes narrowed. “Yes, I come with my grandmother—and sometimes with my grandfather too. What’s the problem? My mother always says no matter how old we grow, we’ll always be children to our parents.” With that, she walked off angrily, leaving Farhana smirking in the classroom.

During lunch break, Savira stayed silent, her mood darkened by the teasing. When school ended, her grandfather arrived to pick her up as usual. But the sting of Farhana’s words remained.

That evening, after dinner, Savira finally shared the story with her mother and grandmother.

“Who is this Farhana? I’ve never heard that name before,” her mother asked.

“She’s new in our class,” Savira explained.

Her grandmother shook her head gently. “Child, it doesn’t matter what she or anyone else says. The world has never been safe, not in the past and not now. Having someone accompany you is for your protection, not your weakness.”

Her mother added, “Your grandmother is right. Parents love their children dearly, and no distance is too short to risk safety. Next time someone questions you, explain to them there’s nothing shameful in being cared for. It’s a blessing.”

Savira nodded. “Yes, Mama. If anyone says something like this again, I’ll answer them properly.”


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A Dangerous Encounter

A few days later, classes ended as usual. Farhana decided to walk home by herself. Her house was a little farther away, but she enjoyed the independence. She passed familiar streets, but soon noticed a man and woman walking behind her. Their appearance was odd—unkempt clothes, suspicious eyes—and though she tried to ignore them, unease crept into her heart.

Her pace quickened. So did theirs.

When she turned toward a quieter alley, fear overcame her. What if they followed her there? She shifted toward the busier main road, but her legs were trembling now. Then the woman called out behind her, “Stop, girl!”

Farhana’s heart pounded. She ignored the voice and walked faster—then broke into a run. Behind her, their footsteps grew louder. Panic set in.

Suddenly she remembered: Savira’s house was just around the corner before the main road. Without thinking, her feet carried her there. She ran up to the gate and banged furiously, pressing the doorbell again and again.

“Open the door! Please! Someone is following me!” she cried desperately.

Inside, Savira and her family had just settled after school. Alarmed by the frantic banging, they rushed to the door. Savira’s elder brother grabbed a wooden stick, unsure if this was a trap. But when they opened the door, they saw Farhana—terrified, breathless, on the verge of tears.

The suspicious man and woman, realizing attention had been drawn, disappeared into the distance.

“Savira, isn’t this the same Farhana you told us about?” her mother asked.

“Yes, Mama. This is her.”

“Let her in, child,” the grandmother said gently. “Can’t you see how shaken she is?”

Farhana stepped inside and clung to Savira’s mother, bursting into tears. Between sobs, she explained everything that had happened on the road.


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Realization and Regret

Ashamed, Farhana looked at Savira with guilt. “I’m so sorry. I laughed at you for coming with your grandmother… but now I understand. If I hadn’t reached your house, I don’t know what could have happened.”

Savira’s grandmother stroked her head. “It’s all right, dear. The world outside can be dangerous, especially for children and young girls. Safety is not something to be mocked.”

“Come, I’ll walk you home,” the grandmother offered.

“I’ll come too,” Savira’s mother added. Together, they escorted Farhana to her house and explained everything to her parents.

“Please don’t let your children go alone,” Savira’s mother urged. “Even a short walk can be risky. If they must go somewhere, send them together or with an elder. Protection is always better than regret.”

Farhana’s parents listened carefully and thanked them.

From that day on, Farhana changed. She stopped teasing others and never again made fun of children accompanied by elders. The incident became a powerful reminder that sometimes, what looks like overprotection is in fact an act of deep love.


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Moral

Being cared for by parents and grandparents is not a weakness. It is a shield of love in a world that often hides dangers in plain sight.