It was a quiet afternoon in the small village where BiBi and her younger sister LaLa lived with their mother. The cupboard was nearly empty, and their mother had gone out looking for extra work, leaving the girls alone at home. LaLa’s stomach growled loudly, and her eyes welled up with tears. BiBi hugged her tightly, whispering, “Don’t cry, I’ll find you something.”
BiBi looked around the house, desperate. That’s when she noticed her mother’s purse hanging by the door. She knew it wasn’t right, but hunger had clouded her judgment. With trembling hands, she opened the purse and took a small bill—just enough to buy a loaf of bread.
She ran to the corner shop, her heart pounding in her chest. The shopkeeper, Mr. Toma, gave her a curious look but said nothing as she handed over the money. Clutching the warm loaf, she sprinted home, where LaLa sat waiting with hopeful eyes. Together, they tore the bread and ate slowly, savoring every bite.
When their mother returned, tired and dusty from her day, she noticed the missing money immediately. “Who took it?” she asked, her voice low but firm.
BiBi lowered her eyes, guilt washing over her. “I did,” she whispered. “LaLa was hungry.”
Their mother sighed, a mix of sadness and understanding in her eyes. “You should have waited. We’re poor, but we’re honest.”
Tears ran down BiBi’s cheeks. “I just wanted to help.”
Her mother knelt beside her, wiping her tears. “I know, my brave girl. But next time, talk to me. We face hard times together—not in secret.”
That night, the family shared what little they had, but their bond grew stronger. BiBi learned that love sometimes meant sacrifice—but never at the cost of honesty.
And LaLa, warm and full, held BiBi’s hand and smiled. “You’re the best sister ever.”
