I knew something was out of the moment I walked into the LEGO room that evening.
The usual pulsating chaos of colored bricks and half -completed structures was frighteningly. My boys, Toby and Max sat on the floor and scanned the shelves with a growing panic. “Mom,” said Toby, his voice tense, “Chewie is gone.”
Max’s eyes were wide when he added, “And the pop -up list from the Hogwarts Library!” My stomach tightened. LEGO buildings did not disappear – not in this house where each brick was charged. At that time it hit me: Jason.
My nephew was too fascinated by these sets during our last family dinner. And if I knew Ben, he wouldn’t take it seriously. At that time I realized – I would have to be creative to fix things.
When my brother refused to return the LEGO sets of my children, I taught him a lesson he wouldn’t forget
It all started during a seemingly harmless family dinner. My brother Ben and his nine -year -old son, Jason, visited Jason when one of LEGO Creations discovered on the cloak.
“Dad! Look! Bank robbery is hiding from the cops!” Jason shouted, and his eyes turned on with excitement.
I smiled at his enthusiasm. “Good catch, Jason.” Boys, when did this one go up? ”
Toby, my oldest, grinned. “Two days ago.” I thought you would notice it when dusting, Mom. ”
My children and I shared a special hobby – they built complex Diorams LEGO and hid them around the house for fun. Jason was clearly fascinated, walking through the house and covering his excitement every time he discovered a new hidden masterpiece.
When they left, Jason asked, “Can I take one home, Dad?”
“No, buddy, they stay,” Ben replied, wandering his hair absently.
Later that evening, Toby’s voice rang from the LEGO room. “Mom! Chewie is gone … and so is the pop -up list from the Hogwarts Library!”
“They were here before dinner,” added Max, my youngest, dark. “It must be Jason.”
I called Ben. “Hey, a funny thing – it seems that Jason took some of our LEGOs home.” Can you bring them back? ”
Ben laughed. “Relax, Carly, it’s just toys.” I will bring them next time we meet. ”
Except that “next time” came and left, and at Christmas, Lego sets were still missing. At that time I decided that it was time to teach Ben a lesson.
During our next family meeting I approached Ben on the grill. “Hey, where are LEGO sets?” I would like to put them in my car before we leave. ”
Ben waved me. “Oh, I forgot again.” Next time, Carly. ”
That was it. I gave Toby a gentle nod and put our plan in motion.
Max “went to the bathroom” and returned with pockets of the sweatshirt suspiciously full. Meanwhile, Toby helped Ben’s wife, Carol, with drinks, quietly slipped some of Ben’s favorite bottles of Koozies into the bag.
On driving home I heard a soft “woof” from the back seat. I turned to see Ben’s golden retriever, Cooper, comfortably flickered next to Max.
“Max!” I was dripping down. “We don’t steal their dog!”
“But Mom, he looked lonely!” Max protested and hugged Cooper tightly.
“Take him back.” Now! “I said, trying to sound the stern and suppressed laughter.
An hour later my phone rang. It was Ben, panicked. “Carly!” My remote controls, my speakers – my things are gone! ”
“O?” I replied and pretended to be innocence. “It sounds frustrating.” Do you know, something like someone takes things that don’t belong to them? ”
“It’s not funny!” Shout.
I let the silence hang for a moment before I replied, “Tell you what – we’ll get back to our LEGO tonight, and maybe I would have a lead on your missing items.”
Forty -five minutes later, Ben appeared at my door, a red face and carried not only the stolen LEGO sets, but also several other boxes as a peaceful offer.
“I think it can also be yours,” he murmured.
I handed him his missing things with a smile. “The lesson learned?”
Ben sighed. “Yeah, yeah.” The message has been received. ”
“Mom,” Toby said admirably, “you’re a little scary.”
I smiled. Sometimes there is little creativity – and a touch of karma – the best way to get on your opinion.
In the end, the news was crystal clear. Ben learned that lending without permission – and non -return of what was accepted – is related to the consequences. It was not about LEGO sets themselves; It was a respect for the value of what they mean to us as a family.
The playful stock exchange taught us all the lessons about the responsibility and importance of care for each other. As for Ben, since then, the return of things has been aware of the return – and Jason now knows that some treasures are to stay where they belong. Family life can come up with a share of chaos and misunderstandings, but with a little creativity (and a touch of karma) the balance has a way to be restored.