I have a sister, who is 9. Last week, Mother related to me an anecdote about Jasmine, which opens my eyes to what a 9-year-old can achieve on their own.

It happened three weeks ago while I was away in school. One day my parents had some pressing matters to see to. They told Jasmine that should they not be home by dusk, she could go and have supper at my uncle’s. Unfortunately, my sis forgot all about my parents’ instructions. Evening closing in, she waited at home for my parents, together with our pet dog, Fortune.

Two hours later, my sister and Fortune both got hungry. She put some dog biscuits into the bowl for the pet. Then she opened the fridge, only to find some eggs and tomatoes in it. Starving, she had no alternative but to cook for herself. Though she had never tried cooking before, my sis should have finished the supper. To feed herself, the nine-year-old made rice in the cooker and did an egg and tomato dish and a potato dish.

After my parents came back, my sister was eating dinner. They were incredulous. Mother tasted the meal and it was pretty good. In no way was it like something done by a first timer.

All smiles, Mother asked my sis, “When did you learn it, honey?” Jasmine answered, “When you were cooking, I watched you. When you taught my brother how to stir-fry dishes, I listened in.”

How smart my sis is! I am proud of Jasmine.