ERP narrative 01---(a) 27

When my mother was ill
My mother is not the kind of person who likes to command others to work. Most of chores are done by her. Although she does not have a job, it seems that she is busier than my father and me. On the contrary, if I have any time to relax, I would not even like to move a finger to do anything else. My mother would like me to study rather than helping her, so I hardly do chores.
On the evening of a Friday, I came home from school. I began to complain in a loud voice when I found that dinner had not been ready yet. What really surprised me was that my mother who was supposed be in the kitchen was still lying on her bed! I wondered what had happened to her. Perhaps my voice woke her up or she has been awake since I went to school, she said something in a murmur.
‘I am not feeling well today. My neck and my waist are aching painfully, so I could not do anything at the moment. Your father will come home very late, you’d better cook for yourself.’
Looking at her debilitated face, I decided to cook for her first and then sent her to the hospital. However, I have never cooked before, even a bowl of instant noodles. Cooking used to be the work of my parents, but this time, it was my turn. I was already twelve years old so I must take the responsibility to help my mother.
After asking how to cook instant noodles, I walked into the kitchen with nervousness but also determination.
‘Firstly, turn on the gas stove and the ventilating fans. Secondly, add water to the iron pot. Thirdly, put noodles and condiment in the pot……’
I repeated and follow my mother’s instruction with especial carefulness. Nearly every minute I took the pot’s lid off and checked whether the noodles were ready or not. As soon as the noodles were done, I tried some. The taste was too insipid because I added too much water to it. Hastily, I add a spoon of salt and pepper.
My mother seemed very cheerful when I provide the ‘dinner’ for her. She ate up the noodles with joy and praised that it was devious. However, when I tasted the soup, it was too salty to drink. I knew she wanted to encourage me.
Twenty minutes later, as soon as I washed the dishes, I sent her to the hospital. When I knew that she was painful because she has done too much housework without having a good rest, I felt very guilty. I did not do well as a son whose duty was to help his mother. But I am proud that I have tried my best, and I help her more frequent now.
If my mother did not ill, I would not have a chance to do chores like an adult. During that day, I have learned how tiring and boring doing housework is. I could understand how fatigued my mother suffers every day. However, I am glad that now I am a good helper of my mother. I know I should be more independent so I will not act like a duck in a thunderstorm when my mother has to leave me someday. Nobody wants to be burdensome instead of helpful. Independency can help us overcome any problem.