It was a bright Sunday morning and the sun was casting its warm glow upon the golden hair of a boy as he wandered the busy streets with his mother. As they strolled through the street, picking up essential groceries for their home, Sam couldn’t help but ask his mum if she could buy him the remote controlled car he’d been eyeing for months.

Sam had always been a well-behaved child, never asking for anything extra or indulging in other desires. However, he had set his heart on this remote control for a long time.

His father had recently lost his job, and they’d been facing financial difficulties for a while. And for this reason, his mother gently promised Sam that she would buy it for him next time, and Sam quietly agreed as they made their way home. Little did Sam know that something great was about to come his way that would fulfil his desires.

When they arrived home, it was almost supper time. His mother prepared the meal while Sam and Sara, his sister, helped her. The family enjoyed their meal together but Sam’s mother felt disheartened about having to say no to Sam’s wish. She was thinking about it when suddenly, she remembered the remote control car that Sam’s grandfather had gifted him when he was just a year old. She had kept it safe in the attic all this time, waiting for Sam to be old enough for it. Without waiting for morning, she hurried up to the attic and searched for the box. After half an hour of searching, she finally found the box containing Sam’s old belongings.

The next morning, Sam’s mother excitedly presented him with the box from the attic. Inside were not only the cherished remote control car, but also many of Sam’s old toys.

Sam’s eyes lit up with joy as he hugged his mother tightly, overwhelmed with happiness and gratitude. Sam excitedly sorted through his things, discovering the remote control his mother had found for him. As he reached for it, his attention was suddenly drawn to something else: a peculiar pencil. It wasn’t just any pencil; atop it sat a small purple oval-faced doll with long, straight blue hair that stood upright, and it was inscribed with the words “Doodle Sparkle”.

Intrigued by its unusual appearance, Sam picked up the pencil and admired its craftsmanship. Little did he know that this was no ordinary pencil. As he held it in his hand, a faint shimmer seemed to emanate from the pencil’s tip. Curious, Sam decided to test it out by doodling.

Sam sat at his desk and drew a small teddy bear on a piece of paper. To his astonishment, a blinding light suddenly filled the room. When the brightness faded, the bear he had just drawn appeared before him. Stunned and bewildered, Sam struggled to comprehend what had happened.

Eager to share this unbelievable event, Sam ran to find his mother. Initially, she dismissed his excited explanations, thinking he must be imagining things. However, Sam insisted and brought her to his room. Sceptical but curious, his mother watched as Sam asked what he should draw next. Reluctantly, she suggested an apple.

Sam picked up his pencil and drew it. Once again, the room was flooded with a brilliant light, and as it dimmed, an apple materialized on the table. His mother stood in disbelief, unable to comprehend what she had just witnessed.

Sam’s mother, still in shock, sat down on the edge of Sam’s bed.

“This is incredible,” she whispered. “This pencil … it’s like magic.”

Sam, eyes wide with excitement, nodded vigorously.

Before returning to the kitchen to finish her work, Sam’s mother Alexis gently and calmly warned him not to misuse it and to avoid doing anything wrong with it, as there could be consequences. Sam being a very responsible and obedient kid agreed with his mother and promised to not misuse it.

The whole day passed, but Sam couldn’t stop thinking about whether he could use his pencil to help his family during this tough time. Sam decided that he would use the pencil to help his family with their needs and not for any luxuries. The next morning, he shared his thoughts with his parents.

At first, they felt a bit ashamed that such a young boy was thinking about their financial difficulties, but they soon realised that his idea could indeed help ease their situation.

The family began to use Doodle Sparkle to draw essential items like bread and other groceries. As a result, they were able to meet their basic needs and enjoy an improved quality of life. Seeing this, Sam started to feel a bit greedy, dreaming of upgrading their status to the wealthiest in the community.

When Sam attempted to draw furniture for his room, it turned out disoriented and oddly shaped. He then tried to draw a Lamborghini, but it also didn’t turn out perfectly. Everything he drew with the intention of gaining more and showing off ended up poorly made. Sam soon realised that he should not be greedy with Doodle Sparkle pencil and should only draw things they truly needed, or else nothing good would come of it.

One day, Sam decided to draw a new set of clothes for his sister, who had been wearing the same worn-out dress for months. The dress came out beautifully, fitting her perfectly and making her smile brightly.

Seeing the joy and gratitude in his sister’s eyes, Sam understood the true value of Doodle Sparkle pencil. It was meant to help and bring happiness, not to fulfil greedy desires.

From that day on, Sam used the Doodle Sparkle wisely. He drew practical items that improved their lives, like tools for his father, a warm blanket for his mother, and books for his own education. The family’s quality of life continued to improve, and they became known in the community not for their wealth, but for their kindness and generosity. They often shared what they had with their neighbours, helping others in need.

The Doodle Sparkle taught Sam an invaluable lesson about contentment and the importance of helping others. The family may not have become the richest in material wealth, but they had something far more valuable: a strong bond of love, mutual support, and a reputation for compassion and generosity in their community.

As time passed, Sam grew up to be a wise and caring individual, always remembering the lesson he learned from the magical pencil. The Doodle Sparkle, now kept safely in a drawer, served as a reminder of the power of selflessness and the true meaning of wealth.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 31st, 2024