Passage 12

It was always me who had to take care of Nima. And it wasn't easy. She was always doing strange things and the other children would laugh. I used to feel so ashamed, there were times I even felt I hated her. But it really wasn't her fault. You see, Nima is mentally retarded.Although she is older than I am taller, she can,t do anythings. She can't read or write. What she calls writing is just wild scribbles across the page.

Whenever I am with my friends she wants to be with us. My mother has to go out to work so that leaves just me.... I have to look after her.

"She is your sister! You have to take care of her.If you don't who will?

I've got to go out to work, otherwise, what are we going to eat?" Mother used to say.

Well, that was true.Ever since Father died, life hadn't been very easy for mother and I guess I hadn't made things any easier, grumbling about having to keep an eye on Nima and all that.

She always wanted to join our games.Then, she'd make a mess of things because she really didn;t understand any of the games.She didn't keep the rules because she didn't know them.we'd let her play to stop her from crying,but then she'd break a rule and if we said that she was out she'd begin to cry again. My friends, Rita,Mona and other used to get really mad,not just at her but at me as well.Then, I would lose my temper and walk off, with Nima's crying and stumbling behind me in her attempt to keep up with my strides.And Mother would be there,watching us from the kitchen window.

"Haven't you any feeling? Can't you see she feels hurt and left out? It isn't her fault!" Then mother would comfort her.

And I would feel bad.