I love you so much Fudgy! I'll be right back buddy.
Have fun on your bike ride, but remember to be careful.
You say that every time Mom. I'm always careful.
'Sup Yash! I saw the Rasberry's little furball scurrying around here, watch out.
I'll be on the lookout.
This was me when I was 9 years old. My dog, Fudge, was my best friend.
AHHH GET OUT THE WAY!!!
I always loved to ride my bike around my neighborhood. It was a very tranquil environment.
Oh no not the sprinkler! I need to get out of here before Mr. Mike comes out.
This is my next-door neighbor Nik, and the lost cat belongs to the Rasberrys, which is hard to believe because it always ends up in someone else's house.
Hey how was the ride?
It was.. um.. fun, I guess. I'm just going to go lay in bed.
As you can see, this was not one of those peaceful days.
What should I do? I feel bad for running over Mr.Mikes sprinkler, but I don't want to get into trouble.
The scary part is I didn't even know who Mr.Mike really was. Rumor has it he hates whenever kids come on his lawn.
Son, Mr.Mike's sprinkler just broke, he asked me if I knew anything about it. Is there anything you would like to tell me?
Yeah... I ran over it trying not to hit the Rasberry's cat. It was an accident though, I promise.
Yash, I understand it was an accident, but you can't just run away. You have to take responsibility and apologize.
You wouldn't believe all the emotions going through my head.
Oh no this can't be good.
YASH COME DOWN THIS INSTANT!
My parents were right, you should never run away from your problems, but rather face them head-on.
At this moment, I thought he was going to go on a tantrum.
Hey Mr. Mike, my son has something he would like to tell you.
Let's hear it.
It was me that broke your sprinkler, I was going to come to tell you but I got scared and ran away. I'm very sorry.
Yash, thank you for owning up to what you've done. Funny thing is I knew it was you the whole time, my camera caught it all.
I wanted to see if you would come take accountability. I would've been angry if you weren't honest with me.
Oh, why didn't you tell us?
Yash what do you think?
Do you guys want to come in for some dinner? I'm making some grilled salmon.
I would love too!
This made me feel better about myself, it taught me the importance of taking responsibility in my life.
This interaction went the complete opposite of what I intended, and that made me glad. Through Mr.Mike, I learned the power of forgiveness and compassion.