Post by toweringniceguy on Mar 30, 2007 14:52:41 GMT 10
TITLE: HOW TO FIX THE WORLD’S PROBLEMS
A STORY BY LIYANA, 10yo
It is Haylie’s 11th birthday tomorrow. She can’t wait. All her uncle’s and aunt’s and relatives and her grandparents are coming to celebrate. She was sitting at her favourite spot under a big oak tree not far from her house, thinking. A pen and a notebook rested in her hands. Her male pet ferret was curled up sleeping beside her.
She was thinking about what she was supposed to buy for the party tomorrow. At last, she wrote down a list of things for the big day. “Smudge, wake up! It’s time to go home and ask mum to buy the things I’ve listed!” Haylie said to the sleeping animal. She had put a leash on Smudge so that she could control him while they were walking.
After a few minutes, Haylie and Smudge arrived home safe and sound. Haylie’s parents were waiting for them on their verandah. They were having some tea and scones. “Hi mum and dad!” Haylie said when she opened their small gate. She unclipped the leash on Smudge and he went straight inside the house. Haylie slowly made her way to her parents.
“So, have you listed the things you want to buy for tomorrow?” asked Haylie’s dad, Mr. Windser. He is working with the largest computer company in the city. “Yep!” replied Haylie. “Well that’s good news,” said Haylie’s mum, Mrs. Windser. She was well-known in the community although she was a housewife. “So, umm, when are we leaving?” “As soon as possible!”
Haylie and her parents came back with their hands full. Balloons, snacks, prizes, everything they needed for a big birthday bash. They went inside the house just to find Haylie’s sixteen year old brother, Matt lying on their sofa with Smudge on top of him, sleeping. They knew Matt had been watching TV because it was on by the time they entered the house.
Both mother and daughter put their packages down on the floor at the same time while Mr. Windser went to wake Matt up. Matt woke up with a fright. “Matt, you are to help your sister, your mum and me set up the birthday stuff,” said Haylie’s dad firmly. Matt stood up. But before that, he shook Smudge off him.
It took them four hours to finish all the decorations, wrapping of prizes, moving the table and all the other stuff people would do before a party. They were exhausted! Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Who’d want to come at this time, thought Haylie. Matt ran to the door and opened it. “Hi Aunt Adrina!” Haylie heard Matt say to the person at the door. “Hey, look who’s the earlybird!” Matt said. Aunt Adrina is Mrs. Windser’s sister.
“Hi Adrina!” Mr. And Mrs. Windser said at the same time. “Hi guys!” Aunt Adrina replied. Behind her stood a four year old girl. ”Susan, say hello!” Aunt Adrina had whispered this in the four year old girl’s ear. “He…he…hello!” said the little girl shyly. “Hi Susan!” everyone greeted her warmly. Smudge was now on Haylie’s shoulders. “Who’s that?” asked Susan. “This… this is Smudge!” Haylie replied. “Oh!” “Anyway, we came to give Haylie’s present. I can’t stay till tomorrow. My family is going camping! Joe’s office’s ‘Family Fun Day’ trip!” Aunt Adrina said. “Hope you like it Haylie! Happy birthday!” Then, Aunt Adrina gripped Susan’s hands firmly and they left the house.
••••
The next morning, Haylie celebrated her birthday! Everyone came. They had a wonderful time until one of Haylie’s relatives turned on the TV. It showed the American’s bombing the Iraqi’s. Haylie felt sorry for them. At the same time, she was also glad that she wasn’t an American. Haylie went to her room to think about it. Smudge followed close behind. She sat on her bed and thought about it, head down.
Suddenly, a voice said, “Do you really feel sorry for them?” “Huh!” Haylie shot her head up and saw an old man dressed in a ragged white robe with a beard. “Who are you?” Haylie asked. “You wouldn’t believe me if I said I was an Angel,” said the old man. “An Angel?” “Yeah, an Angel!”
They talked and talked until the ‘Angel’ changed the subject. “Do you what ‘Islam’ is?” “Islam’? What’s that?” The Angel explained everything about ‘Islam’. From Allah to the Angels and to the Prophets. The Angel also explained about the Quran, the Muslims, the five pillars of Islam and being a good khalifah. “Wow! I’m really in love with this ‘Islam’ religion!” Haylie said after the Angel finished. “Well, if you’re really in love with ‘Islam’, why not become a Muslim,” the Angel said. “But, how can I be one?” asked Haylie. “You could tell your parents first before becoming one! Come back here at four-o-clock and I’ll be here!” “OK!” Haylie replied. She opened her bedroom door and sprinted down the stairs.
She found her parents sitting at the verandah talking with her aunts and uncles. She went to the verandah. “Mum, dad, could I talk to you for a second!” Her parents stood up and excused themselves from the group. All three of them went to empty spot where nobody was. “Mum, dad, you wouldn’t believe who I just met! An Angel!” “Honey, stop talking nonsense!” Mrs. Windser said. “Mum! I’m not talking nonsense! The Angel told me about ‘Islam!” “Islam’? “ Haylie explained everything about ‘Islam’. “He even asked me if I wanted to become a Muslim!” Haylie added. “Well, this ‘Islam’ religion is very interesting!” Mr. Windser said. “Can we meet this Angel you’re talking about!”
At four-o-clock sharp, Haylie and her parents went to her room. The Angel was waiting for them. “Hello!” said the Angel to Haylie’s parents. “I didn’t expect you to bring your parents!” “No, they wanted to see you!” Haylie replied. They all talked about ‘Islam’. The Angel told them how to be one. Haylie said, “But before we become Muslim I want to fix the world’s problems. Like the one I saw on TV just now!” “Oh honey, we need a whole lot of people to do it. Like pollution for instance ! We need a many other people to stop the polluting!” Mrs. Windser said. “Mum, I could just write to the government! It’s that easy!” “Oh, you think it’s easy!” Mr. Windser added quickly. “You know, you could try it! Murdering, polluting, all needs to be stopped!” the Angel said.
“Do you think!” Haylie asked. “Of course I do!” the Angel replied. So, all ends that ends well. Haylie wrote to the government and they agreed. Her family, uncles, aunts, relatives, and her grandparents all became Muslims. As she grew older, she became a famous english Muslim. She tells stories to young Muslim children at the mosques. She also visited Islamic schools all across the world. And this is the end of Haylie Windser’s story.
THE END
Chand meri zameen phool mera watan