Afza’s Lost Uniform: A Lesson in Responsibility

A Lesson in Responsibility

BY:Ubaid

Afza lived in the busy streets of Lyari, Karachi, where homes were small but filled with love, and life carried a rhythm of its own. She was a lively eighth-grade student—bright, cheerful, and full of curiosity—but she had one terrible habit. Afza never cared to keep her belongings in their proper place. She left her socks under the bed, her uniform on chairs, books scattered on the floor, and often misplaced her things. Her mother had warned her many times, but Afza never truly listened.

The Morning Chaos

One ordinary weekday morning, Afza’s mother was busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast when Afza shouted,

“Ammi! Where are my socks? Please find them for me. I’m getting late for school!”

Her mother came out with a frown and replied,
“Afza, how many times have I told you to keep your socks in the drawer? You never listen. You keep throwing things here and there, and then you panic.”

“Ammi, I promise I won’t do it again. Please, just help me today. I’m already late,” Afza begged.

Her mother bent down, pulled the socks from under the sofa, and handed them to her with a light smack on her head.
“See? You had thrown them here. From now on, you must change this habit.”

Afza nodded quickly, wore her socks, and ran off to school.

The Announcement

By the third period, Afza and her classmates were busy listening to their teacher’s lecture when suddenly the principal entered the classroom. Everyone stood up respectfully and greeted her with “Assalamualaikum.” She smiled and asked them to sit.

“Children,” the principal began warmly, “I have some good news for you. This Saturday, the school management has planned a picnic for all of you. Those who want to join must give their names to their teachers. Remember, you must come in a neat, clean uniform because many important guests will also be there.”

The room filled with whispers of excitement. Children’s faces lit up with joy. They began asking each other, “Will you come? What will we do there?”

Afza turned to her best friend Fatima and asked eagerly,
“Fatima, are you going?”

“Of course, Afza! We’ll go together and enjoy every moment,” Fatima replied with a grin.

That evening, Afza rushed home and begged her mother for permission. Her mother smiled and said yes. Afza clapped her hands in delight. All week, she could hardly wait for Saturday.

The Big Day Arrives

Finally, the much-awaited morning arrived. Afza woke up earlier than usual, her heart dancing with excitement. She quickly brushed her teeth, washed her face, and went to pick up her uniform. But when she opened the wardrobe, her uniform was missing. She searched the cupboard again, checked under the bed, looked behind the door, and even peeked into the laundry basket. It was nowhere to be found.

Her smile faded. Fear and worry replaced her excitement. Then she remembered—yesterday, she had carelessly tossed her uniform somewhere instead of hanging it in its place. She could not even recall where.

She ran to her mother in tears.
“Ammi! I can’t find my uniform. I don’t remember where I put it yesterday. What will I do now? I can’t go on the picnic.”

Her mother’s face hardened with disappointment.
“Afza, I always tell you to keep things properly. But you never listen. You don’t value your belongings. Today you’re suffering because of your own carelessness. How will you go without your uniform?”

Afza’s heart sank. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She whispered,
“Ammi, I’m sorry. I never listened to you. I was always careless. Today I learned my lesson. I don’t even deserve to go on the picnic. Please forgive me.”

She stood there crying, her head lowered in shame. For the first time, Afza truly realized the weight of her mistakes.

A Mother’s Love

Her mother sighed, her heart softening as she saw her daughter’s genuine regret. She reached out, hugged Afza, and said gently,
“I am happy you finally understand the importance of responsibility. Promise me you will take care of your things from now on.”

Afza nodded quickly, wiping her tears.
“Yes, Ammi! I promise. I’ll never repeat this mistake again.”

Then her mother walked to the cupboard, opened the top shelf, and brought out a neatly pressed uniform.
“Here, Afza. I found your uniform lying in the wrong place yesterday. I washed and ironed it for you.”

Afza’s eyes widened. Her face lit up like sunshine after rain. She hugged her mother tightly.
“Thank you, Ammi! I love you!”

Her mother smiled warmly and kissed her forehead.
“Now go, my little one. Get ready for your picnic.”

The Lesson Learned

Afza dressed quickly in her clean uniform and rushed to join her friends, her heart overflowing with gratitude. As the bus drove off toward the picnic spot, she thought about the morning’s lesson. Carelessness had almost cost her the most awaited day of the year. She realized her mother’s words were not scolding but guidance, born out of love.

From that day onward, Afza tried her best to keep her belongings in their proper places. She became more organized, and each time she did so, she remembered the morning she nearly missed her picnic.

Her mother’s forgiveness and wisdom became her strength. The day ended with laughter, games, and beautiful memories at the picnic, but what Afza cherished most was the lesson of responsibility—a lesson that would stay with her forever.