“叔叔 (Uncle) I want”, said Noemie.
Darren, Zoe and their 3 years old niece, Noemie stood looking at the claw machine as they had just used up their last token.
Noemie loves being at the claw machine shop. She likes the colours, lights, and all the little trinkets of toys and keychains spread across 20 claw machines of various sizes. It’s a space she doesn’t want to leave.
Darren and Zoe had just spent 10 dollars at the claw machine shop. But Noemie wanted more, as any kid would.
The couple knew their boundary. They stood their ground and shared with Noemie that they won’t be spending any more money for the day. They slowly walked away from the shop, while observing Noemie’s position and body language. Noemie did not want to leave. She stood at the shop and looked on as Darren and Zoe walked away from the shop.
She took another glance at the claw machine and turned to look at Darren and Zoe.
As Darren and Zoe got to a distance, they stopped and waited for her. Noemie took 2 steps towards them and paused looking back at the shop. “叔叔, I want to play.” she said again.
The couple held their ground quietly, holding space for Noemie to process the situation. They were not hurrying her or trying to distract her with other enticing options.
This continued for another 20 minutes as they moved further away from the shop. Noemie finally relented and made the choice to follow Darren and Zoe out of the mall, with a heavy heart. She was sulking and dragging her feet.
Zoe knelt down beside Noemie at that moment and gave her a hug. “I know it’s not easy my dear, and I am proud of you”, said Zoe. Noemie’s eyes welled up a little, dropping a few tears. Darren watched on at the side quietly in assurance. He rubbed Noemie’s head and nodded. They held her hand and headed back home.
Darren, Zoe and Noemie all experienced a precious moment of being human that day.
…Inspired from a true story…
Written by: Darren Quek
Edited by: Zoe Xu
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