HELICOPTER DAD

"Watch out, Mum," shouted little Jim giraffe from the corner of the room.

- Seema Nirupam

Before Mum realised what was happening, her foot landed on a skateboard, and she fell on her back with a loud thud.

Everyone was shocked, and Dad ran to pick her up.

“Oh, no! I think I hurt my back,” cried mom. Dad giraffe promptly called the doctor.

Doctor Piku the elephant arrived soon. He examined her and declared, “She needs to stay in the hospital for at least a week.”

Mum was really worried. Dad was always busy at his office, so he hardly knew anything around the house, and Jim was a carefree little kid who could barely manage his own things.

Jim was so sad. He had been told so many times by Mum to keep things in their proper place, but he never paid attention. Now, because of his carelessness, Mum was hurt.

Daddy Giraffe tried his best to cheer up Mum and Jim. He took the week off from work to look after Jim and the house.

And then it all started...

Jim woke up the next day and found that his dad was struggling in the kitchen with a strange-looking dish.

Jim looked closely into the frying pan. It seemed like a mishmash of several vegetables that were now beyond recognition.

“At least today Bonnie won't steal my lunch,” he murmured.

He didn’t have the time to delve deeper. Today they had an art competition at school, and Jim was prepared for it. He didn’t want to miss it for anything.

Mum was a great cook, and usually, everyone hovered near his lunch box during the break. But today was different.

“Please ask your Mum to get well soon,” they all said as they got busy with their own lunch. Timmy Rabbit offered carrot pudding to Jim, and Bonnie promised to bring him extra food till his mum came back.