New Year, New Life!

Walking down the street, calmly, Roberta, age 8, headed to the nearest park. She sat down in her favorite swing and stood still, thinking about life.  

She had a good year. Even though she didn’t study much, she was approved at school.  

The Christmas party had been very good, with loads of food, fruit, sweets, chocolates and candies. Besides, she had received a lot of gifts, even a new bike, what she wanted. 

However, even though everything was fine, something bothered her. She remembered Christmas, which represented Jesus’ birthday, and got to the conclusion she only thought about herself. The year was about to end and she was sad.  

As New Year would come in some days, Roberta thought that she could improve her life. 

But, what to change?  

As for school, she should study more, not only be approved, but really learn. 

As she thought of school, immediatley Tereza’s image popped up in her mind. She was a classmate of hers and they got into a fight, and haven’t talked since then. And she missed her. 

— Wanna swing? Come, I’ll help you! 

She took the girl and started swinging her, as the little girl laughed. They were soon friends. Roberta learned that her name was Carolina, she was 4 and lived far from there. When the girl’s mom arrived, they talked and Roberta said: 

— I’ve got some toys and I want to give them to Carolina. I’ve also got clothes and shoes that don’t fit me anymore, and candies that I got from Christmas. Come to my house. It’s near here. 

The mom got happy: 

— You have no idea what it means to us. Without money, I couldn’t buy Carolina anything. We don’t have even food.   

Sad, Roberta took them to her home, he introduced them to her mother, and as lunch was ready, she invited them to eat.  

As they said good bye, the woman was happy. She thanked for everything she had received. Carolina hugged Roberta and said: 

	— Thanks, Roberta. Now you’re my best friend!  As she was hugged, Roberta realized she’d never felt that way.            Later, she went to Tereza’s. She rang the doorbell and, for her surprise, Tereza herself opened the door.  — Roberta! You, here?
— I came to apologize, Tereza. I’m sorry for what happened that day.

— Roberta, I should apologize. I said what I shouldn’t and we ended up arguing. Do you forgive me? 

Both laughed. 

— Well, I guess we’re friends again, aren’t we? 

They hugged each other, glad to have solved the issue.  

As she left Tereza’s, Roberta came back home and told her mom what had happened, she was friends with Tereza again: 

— Mommy, thanks God we’re friends again. 

— I’m happy, my daughter, that you and Tereza made up. That’s it. 

— You’re right, mom. I’m relieved. Ah! I’ve also decided that my New Year will be different, that’s why I wanted to ask: can I take ballet lessons next year? 

— If you really want to, of course you can! 

— Thanks, mommy! I’ll call the teacher and get enrolled in the course. 

Over the next days, Roberta wrote down everything she wanted to do next year, and decided to do some things that year: she visited her grandparents and a classmate that was sick, she bathed the dog; she organized her bedroom and realized she could give away many things.  

On December 31, she was happy with herself and the world.  

When it was midnight and the party started, the sky was beautiful with the fireworks display. The city was great, with honks horning, people shouting and partying.  

Underneath the sky, her mom looked at her and said:   

— Happy New Year, my daughter!         

— Happy New Year, mommy!  

Roberta was now sure: NEW YEAR, NEW LIFE!  

                                                        Aunt Celia