My Sister and a Rose-flavored Syrup

One Sunday morning many years ago, I was enjoying my instant noodle while watching my favorite weekend cartoon. My mum left for Sunday market. My then 5 year old sister just woke up and asked for my mum. I ignored her. She told me that she’s hungry; I gave her no attention because I know she was trying to share my noodle. She came closer to me and asked me if she can have some. I said no. She sat disappointed not far from me making a sulking face. The noodle was hot and I have less patience blowing it before putting it into my mouth. Suddenly, I choked as the noodle is too hot and I stupidly ingesting it. My sister went away in a hurry. I thought to myself that she might do her classic sulking tantrum.

Not long after that I heard a thumping sound, it doesn’t took a genius to figure out it was my sister. She let out a painful wail. I am so mad, because I have to pick her up and missed my cartoon. I told her too many time not to run inside the house as she was too clumsy. I saw her wet with a red liquid spilled all over the floor. I shouted at her “What have I told you about running in the house?”

She stood up slowly trying hard not to cry. I can see from her face that she was afraid of me as I am always the strict brother. She replied to me “I made this for you,” she cried, "I'm sorry."

Upon realizing that, I felt a lump on my throat, and I knelt down to hug her. I was so touched by her gesture. She told me she cried because she couldn't brought the cold rose syrup to me and not because a painful trip. She cared about me no matter how bad I treat her.

Right after I changed her, I shared my noodle with her, I even blow it cool and spoonfed her. Now whenever I recalled the story, I felt the same lump in my throat.

There was a time when we just love unconditionally