Imitating a Signature

I was in class four then, when I imitated my mother's signature. 

My school conducted tests very regularly. Once the test papers were checked and given back to us we were obliged to get them signed by our parents. The aim simply was to have our parents keep a track on our progress! The teachers would allow us to attend the class only if, we had got our tests signed by our parents. 

A Science test was conducted when I was in class four. This was no ordinary test as it came with a life lesson. It was a 'surprise test'. As the teacher began writing questions I started cursing my fate! With no wonders the test went pathetically as I didn't study for the examination. A day or two later we were given the checked test copies in my case I would prefer to call it the red copy! It was no surprise that I had scored poorly. 

Now, the challenge was to show the test copy to my mother and get it signed. Each time I looked at the 'red copy' of mine I could only imagine my mother's angry face and a tight slap. I was very worried....I thought of ways to console my mother. But, I knew nothing could fix my situation so, I imitated my mother's signature. Though I felt a bit guilty but, I knew that it was my last door to escape!

A few days later, again there was a Science Test and this time, I had scored phenomenally well! I was very elated with my achievement and proudly gave my copy to my mother for the signature. She too was very happy....she hugged me and kissed me on my cheek and signed the copy. A few moments later she went over some pages and the found the duplicate signature test! 

Huh! The cheek which had just received a gentle kiss now received three to four harsh slaps! Then I was almost dragged out of my house when my constant pleading was finally accepted! Though my mother took me in she didn't spoke a word to me. I felt very very sorry for what I had done. 

At night when we were just about to sleep I apologized. My mother was much calmer then and  went on to give me a valuable lesson, "Suhani, scoring less didn't bother me. What troubled me was, that you emulated my signature. You fooled me and deceived me! Dear, telling the truth isn't always easy but, that's the thing you must always do. Telling the truth takes courage and I want you to possess such courage. I know, you didn't tell me the truth because you were scared of me.....you feared that I would have had awarded you a slap and truthfully I would have. But, that would have been just 'a' slap. Today, I am not able to remember how many times I wacked you. Telling the truth may land you into trouble....temporary trouble but, telling lies will land you into permanent trouble. 'You have broke my trust'. If you want to earn that trust back avoid speaking lies."

What hit me most that day was, I had broken my mother's trust. From that day onwards I have always tried to earn that trust back. I was taught a lesson that day!