The Mango Tree and Other Stories
Page 3
Charlie’s behaviour, and she tried several times to make him understand the importance of brushing. She told him that if he did not brush properly, his teeth would start decaying and might ache. But all her efforts were in vain. Charlie paid no attention.
One evening, after having dinner Charlie went to his room, jumped into his bed, and started reading a book. Mother saw that he had not brushed his teeth, so she went to his room and reminded him. Charlie tried to give some silly excuses, but finally got up, brushed his teeth and got back to reading again.
Mother went back to the kitchen and worked at her household chores. After some time, Charlie’s grandparents called on the telephone. Mother picked the phone and went to her room to talk to them.
Charlie heard that mother was talking on the phone and thought that it would be a good time to have some candies. He sneaked into the kitchen and grabbed a few from the jar. He tiptoed back to his room and quickly finished them off. Charlie knew that candies stick in your teeth, mother always told him that, and he knew that he should brush after eating them. But he ignored this and went to sleep.
While sleeping, Charlie had a bad dream. He had the feeling that all his teeth had decayed and were falling out. He tried hard to hold onto them, but soon there were no teeth in his mouth.
Charlie got scared and started screaming. Mother came running to his room and noticed that Charlie was sweating badly. Mother took Charlie in her arms and asked, "What’s the matter, Charlie? Why did you scream?"
Charlie, who was still half asleep, held Mother tightly. “All my teeth fell out! They're all gone!” he cried.
Mother hugged him tightly and assured him his teeth were still there. She said, “You are alright, Charlie. Nothing has happened to your teeth. I think you had a bad dream.”
Charlie opened his mouth and touched his teeth and said with excitement “Oh yes, Mom, my teeth are perfectly fine! They have not fallen out. It was surely just a very bad dream.”
He clung to his mother and said, "Mom, in my dream I saw that my teeth fell out. There were no teeth left in my mouth!"
"Son, it was only a bad dream; forget it and sleep," said mother.
Charlie replied, "Mom, I am sorry. This dream has made me understand the importance of caring for my teeth. I was so scared by the thought of losing them in my dream. What would happen if I really lost them? I promise I will always take good care of my teeth."
Mother smiled, kissed him, and said, "I am sure you will. Now sleep well sweetheart, you have to get up early for school tomorrow."
About the Author
Rachna Srivastava is an author of children's books. She strives to convey everyday morals and sensitivities in young minds. Her stories use simple characters and sometimes animals as characters to allow children to imbibe the values from the stories easily. She enjoys watching cartoons movies, reading and writing children’s books. To know about other books from the author and to access free e-books and stories,
Connect with Rachna:
Website: https://rachnasrivastava.com
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