Zana and the Broken Vase

It was a rainy afternoon, and Zana was playing indoors with her little ball. On the table stood Grandma’s blue vase, full of flowers. “Please don’t play ball inside, Zana,” Mum had said. “The vase might break.”

1

But Zana thought, “Just once, really gently.” She tossed the ball up… It bounced off the wall, hit the vase and – crash! – the vase fell and broke into three pieces.

2

Zana got a fright. Quickly, she pushed the pieces under the sofa and put the flowers in a glass. When Mum came in, she asked, “Where’s the vase?” “I don’t know,” said Zana quietly. “Maybe… the wind knocked it over.”

3

That evening, Zana didn’t feel like playing or eating. And the strangest thing of all: her light wouldn’t switch on. Every time she thought about the vase, it flickered and went out. “It’s only a little lie,” she thought, “but it feels as heavy as a big stone.”

4

Bleta landed on her windowsill. “What’s wrong, Zana? Your light is very dim tonight.” Zana told her everything. “I’m afraid Mum will be upset,” she whispered. “The truth can be hard to say sometimes,” said Bleta. “But afterwards, your heart feels light again.”

5

Zana took a deep breath and went to Mum. “Mum, I broke the vase. I played ball inside, even though you said not to. And then I told you a lie. I’m sorry.” Mum was quiet for a moment. Then she gave Zana a hug.

6

“Thank you for telling me the truth,” said Mum. “I’m a little sad about the vase, but I’m very proud of you. A vase can be glued back together. Trusting each other is what matters most.” Mum carefully gathered up the pieces, and together they glued them back.

7

Now the vase had two thin lines on it, but the flowers looked just as lovely. And Zana’s light? It shone brighter than ever! “I’ve got an idea,” said Zana with a smile. “Tomorrow I’ll play ball outside, in the Meadow. And I’ll always tell the truth.”

8