Claudia was a grumpy girl who complained about everything all the time. At school, people called her Little Lemon without her knowing. Otherwise, she would be in an even worse mood. 

One day at school, her friends were sitting in the shade of a big tree, and one of them asked: 

- Hasn't our "Little Lemon" arrived yet? 

- Claudia? Not yet! But she surely will arrive complaining about something - said another. 

Daisy, a new student, thought that was strange and asked: 

- And why do you call her Little Lemon? 

The others burst into laughter, and Marcia explained: 

- Is just that no one can be more sour than Claudia. Nothing is ever good for her! 

While they talked, the classmates did not see Claudia approach, and hearing them speaking about her, she hid behind a tree to listen. Luckily, the bell rang and they rushed to class, as she cried. 

Claudia stood there, sad to hear what her friends thought of her. An employee saw her in the yard and wanted to know what had happened. 

- I had a headache but it is gone. I'm going to class - she replied. 

Claudia asked permission to the teacher and went in. She walked to her chair without looking around and sat down. At the end of the lesson, the girls came to talk to her. 

- Are you sick, Claudia? 

- No. I'm fine. I had a headache, but it has passed. 

- Ah! We were worried about you! 

Looking serious, Claudia thanked and said goodbye to them without giving them much attention, which her friends noticed. What would have happened to Claudia?... - they thought. 

Seeing her daughter arrive, her mother noticed her sadness and red eyes. When asked, she said everything was okay. They had lunch. Claudia ate little and went to her bedroom. Her mother followed her and saw she was crying. She sat on the bed next to her daughter, and embracing her with love, asked:

- Tell me why you're so sad, dear. 

- Mom, am I too annoying? Do I complain about everything? Am I always sour? - the girl asked. 

The mother thought for a moment and replied with another question: 

- What do you think, Claudia? Try to remember how you have acted, the comments you make and your reactions to others. 

The mother left her daughter reflecting in the bedroom and went to clean the kitchen. Claudia soon got up to do her homework. Her brother Breno commented that the sun was great, and he was going out to play with friends. 

- God forbid! I cannot stand so much glare! - she replied, sourly. 

The mother exchanged a look with her son and Claudia noticed. The woman said: 

- So, do not worry, dear. The news forecast says that it will rain tomorrow. 

- I also do not like rain, mom! Everything is wet and we cannot even leave the house! - she exclaimed, grimacing. 

The mother listened quietly, then asked: 

- So what do you like, dear? 

Claudia was thoughtful, and the mother insisted to know what she liked. 

- Actually I do not know, Mom. Why did you ask me this question? 

- Did you notice that you are always grumpy, and incapable of a nice comment? You do not like the sun, the heat, the rain, the cold. Well maybe you like spring. Soon we will have flowers sprouting and everything is more beautiful and cheerful! - the mother considered, smiling. 

- In the spring there is a lot of pollen in the air and I have allergies, Mom. Did you forget? 

The mother suggested autumn then, with its delicious fruit, but she remembered that at that time there were many flies and bees in search of fruit. The mother took a deep breath, and said: 

- Claudia, the problem is not the seasons, the heat or the cold, the rain or the sun. It is you. You are not pleased with yourself, thus you do not like anything. You need to improve your self-esteem. 

- Self-esteem? What is it? ... 

- When you love yourself, appreciate yourself, it is said that you have high self-esteem. 

- It is just that I am different from the others girls, mom. 

- Of course you are! We are unique creatures in the universe! God did not make anyone like you, honey! Did you ever think of that? You are unique and full of qualities, besides being beautiful! 

- Do you really think so, mom? I have always thought that I am so ugly - the girl said in surprise, as if waking up from a bad dream. 

- Come on. Look in the mirror, my dear! 

Claudia looked and opened a beautiful smile. She hugged her mother with bright eyes: 

- You are right. I'll change, Mom! I guess I'm not good company for anyone. 

The next day, Claudia arrived at school smiling and her friends were surprised, uncomprehending. 

Marcia asked what had happened and Claudia opened a new smile, then looked up, excited, and said: 

- I woke up and saw that the day is beautiful and sunny. There are flowers everywhere and the birds sing on the trees. All this thanks to God, who created us! ... Isn't it great? ... So why are you so serious and worried!... Cheer up, my friends!
 

                                                                  MEIMEI 

(Psychographed by Celia X. de Camargo on September 2, 2013.)