“Rikki, the sooner you accept Chaya and realize she is a part of your life, the better”

R

ikki swirled the hot cocoa in her cup carefully. “So, everyone knows?” she asked her mother.

“I can’t say everyone, but I already received quite a few calls last night and even one this morning.”

“They saw the ramp outside?”

“Some did. Others heard the news. You know how fast these things spread.”

“Why would people call? What do they say? ‘Hi, I heard you have a sick daughter, and I wanted to wish you well’?”

“Actually, some of the calls were almost exactly like that.”

“That’s so weird.” Rikki blew on the cocoa then took a sip.

“Which part?”

“That people would call.”

“It’s not weird. It shows that they care.”

“Or that they’re just plain nosy.”

Mrs. Levy frowned. “Rikki, sweetie, people do care. I’m not saying that they’re not nosy too. We’re all human, but generally speaking, people want to help. And, for your information, it was good friends and family members who called… not just random people off the street. They all offered their support and encouragement. It was actually very nice.”

“They still don’t have to call. I would never pry into someone’s business.”

“Rikki, did you tell your friends yet?”

Rikki stared into the steam rising from her cup. “Only Ruchie.”

“Okay.” There was quiet. “How did she take it?”

“She was curious but very understanding. You know how good she is.”

“Yes, Ruchie is special, but I’m sure the other girls will understand too.”

“I’m not so sure, but it doesn’t matter. I’ll find out soon enough how they’ll react. I’m sure everyone in school is also talking about the ramp in front of our house.”

“You know,” her mother said, “you can invite your friends over this Shabbos to meet Chaya.”

Rikki almost spilled her cocoa. “No!”

Mrs. Levy’s eyes widened. “That was a strong response. I didn’t expect that.”

Rikki wasn’t sure what her mother expected. A big “sure, why not”?

“What are you afraid of, Rikki?”

“I just don’t want the girls to meet her yet.”

“Why not?”

“I just don’t.”

“Rikki, the sooner you accept Chaya and realize she is a part of your life, the better.”

(Excerpted from Mishpacha Jr., Issue 801)