The Search. Ethan’s silence prompts Tara once again to begin a search for her two year old.
“Mommy, I think he’s in the bathroom,” four-year-old Aidan beams, his hands on his hips, and his head tilted to one side.
Tara stumbles over a dozen Hot Wheels as she hurries down the hall. Stopping at the closed bathroom door, she listens for evidence of mischief.
“Ethan, open the door please.”
The Sneak. Muffled giggles echo in the newly tiled bathroom as the faucet begins to flow freely. Tara turns the knob while leaning to push the door open, only to find it blocked. Ethan takes cover—barricaded by an open drawer, securing him from all outside intruders.
“Ethan!” Tara demands.
Again, Ethan refuses to respond to his mother’s request. Safe behind his fortress and proud of his temporary victory, he chuckles.
The Snack. After hearing her young prankster, Tara pauses to plot how to extricate him from his makeshift hideout. Then, she smiles and announces to her other preschooler, “Aidan, thank you for not playing in the bathroom. Let’s go pick something for you from our treat box.”
Listening for Ethan’s predictable reaction to her bait, Tara leads Aidan toward his coveted reward.
“I’m coming—wait!” As Ethan struggles to open the door, he slams the cabinet drawer and drops a handful of toothbrushes. Then, he bolts to the kitchen leaving the bathroom faucet running.
When Ethan turns the corner into the kitchen, he witnesses his older brother choosing a snack. And Ethan whines, “Can I have some candy, Mommy?”
“I’m sorry, Ethan. You chose not to obey me, so you won’t get your special treat today.”
The Sorrow. Ethan stops and frowns in disgust as Aidan provokes him with a sly grin. Then, Ethan glares at his older brother, obviously angered by his mother’s response. Suddenly, Ethan turns and stomps into his bedroom.
As Ethan stares out his bedroom window, he crosses his chubby little arms and glances over his shoulder, hoping to earn some sympathy. Even at his tender young age, he learns the high cost of disobedience.
© 2009 Karen Jordan
