— From childhood, our parents and elders teach us what we can do and what we cannot do. Yes, elders rarely explain why we cannot do this or that. Everyone is in a hurry, they also need to do things and build their house of life. And so, from year to year, we listen and listen. But a time comes when we fly away from our parents and start our own life. And that's when it becomes apparent who listened well to their parents and elders, and who let everything go in one ear and out the other, — Grandpa explained.
— They always taught me not to do this or that too, — Oscar chimed in, — well, why not? — he asked, — «You'll understand when you grow up», our parents usually answered. So, we grew up, and we can't even build a proper house of life! And there's still no understanding!
— Take only what you like! — Mickey suggested, — That's what I usually do.
— Yes, that's what I do too, — Oscar replied, — yesterday at the fair, I picked up one of my favorite things to do called «not picking up my toys and telling Mom I did, then running outside to play». I like doing things like that! But where is my home in life? Nowhere! It crumbles like sand after rain from these actions and deeds! — Oscar laughed.
— You're right, Oscar, — his grandfather replied, — It's hard to determine whether something is good or bad based solely on whether you like it or not. We too used to chase after things we liked in the past without considering their true value, and as a result — the porch collapses, the wall falls apart, and the unpleasant howling of the wind through the damp house…
— So, what should we do? — Oscar asked, — we could spend our whole lives living in a damp house, not understanding what's good or bad. What's good for one person may be bad for another! Grandma says, «have more jam», but Mom says, «no, you'll get a toothache»! One person says, «give me change», while another says, «let's talk about what happened, what the problem is, and forgive each other». As many people, as many opinions! I'm tired, my head hurts from all this moralizing! Let's go play in the field instead, the bright sun is shining, the birds are singing, let's relax and have some fun! — Oscar said.
Mickey and Oscar flew to Grandpa's garden to have fun and play, while guests arrived to visit Grandpa and they all started to have a fun evening together.
Oscar starts doing good things
The next day, Oscar said he understood everything and knew what to do. After saying goodbye to Grandpa, he and Mickey flew home. There, he took a piece of paper and a pencil and they flew to the Fair of Life shop, where his friend Mickey usually gets his deeds and actions. He asked him to write down all the deeds and actions that he loves to do on the paper. After that, they flew to his house to have tea with raspberry.
— I'll close my shop for now, I won't sell deeds that snakes offer. There's not much point in selling deeds from Sunny Street either, not many people buy them. I'll just waste time sitting in the shop doing nothing. I'll do deeds and actions from the list you wrote for me myself. If your house is strong, then these are good deeds. And then my house will also be warm and strong, — Oscar said decisively and began to study the list of deeds intently:
— So, not much here. But at least there's something to choose from, and that's good, — Oscar said with interest, trying to find something familiar on the list, — «To learn homework and get a good grade», — well, of course I'll try, — Oscar stretched out with a creak and continued to read on, — «Wash and feed a homeless kitten or puppy. Take them to a shelter or leave them at home», — ugh, they stink and shed so much, I won't be able to clean myself after that! — Oscar grumbled, — okay, let's keep reading. «Help a friend solve a problem». Can't he do it himself? — Oscar objected, — Let him learn better! «Comfort and help someone who's crying». He brought it on himself, now he'll learn his lesson! And the deeds you choose, my friend, — Oscar exclaimed in surprise, — let's keep reading… «Give to a beggar on the street», another one! If they give him something, he'll just keep begging! «Learn all your lessons until your mom checks them. Only then go out to play with your friends». Yeah, who's going to wait for me to study while everyone else has fun and goes home… I usually take the action «lie, say I did everything and go out to play», — I get more bricks for that one…
— Well, where are your bricks? — Mickey asked.
— Yes, you're right, my friend… So, what else is there, something more serious? — Oscar continued listing the tasks and deeds from Mickey's list: — «to help mom clean the house», — well, okay, we'll help, my house is also home, — said Oscar and continued, — «the whole helping a friend fill barrels for watering the garden all day long». Hauling! This isn't even my garden, I have plenty of my own tasks! Usually, I pick the deed «refuse a friend's help, come up with something important». It's easy and promotes imagination! And they give you lots of bricks. Alright, next up is «make peace with an opponent», what kind of news is that!? — Oscar exclaimed, surprised and angry, — that's why they're an opponent, to argue with them! I don't know how to do these kinds of things. I've never done anything like it. And most importantly, why bother? A couple of bricks here, a handful there. It won't make much difference. I need to build a house, I can't live with you forever! — Oscar finished grimly and set the list aside.
— Well, try it out. It doesn't have to take forever. Just one brick at a time, and before you know it, you'll have built a strong and cozy home for yourself, — his friend replied.
— Alright, my friend, but in that case, I'll stay with you for a while, if you don't mind? — Oscar asked.
— Of course not. You can sleep on my soft bed, and I'll take the couch by the fireplace. Everything will be fine! — Mickey answered joyfully.
And so, the friends decided. Oscar promised to only do tasks and deeds from Mickey's list. He worked diligently every day at the fair of life, from morning until late at night, not even having time for tea and jam, all while dreaming of a big house and noisy parties with friends in it.
The deception of Oscar
Time had passed. Oscar had just finished building his new small house, when another downpour came. Lightning flashed, and our friends sat by the fireplace in Mickey's warm house, sipping tea with jam. Mickey was happily reading a book, while Oscar kept fidgeting in his chair, unable to find his place.
— What's wrong, Oscar? What happened? — asked Mickey.
— Everything's fine! Don't worry, I'm okay. You know, dealing with all these tasks and actions on your list is not something everyone can handle! — nervously replied Oscar.
— Well, if anything, tell me. We'll discuss and solve all your problems, — said Mickey, looking at Oscar suspiciously.
After the rain stopped, Oscar immediately rushed outside without waiting for it to dry up. Mickey found it strange and followed him.
They were faced with an unpleasant sight… Oscar's house was in shambles again, with half of the bricks scattered by the rain and wind.
— You promised me that you wouldn't take on bad deals anymore, Oscar!? — exclaimed Mickey.
— Yes, I promised… — sadly replied Oscar, — but I thought everything would be okay. Yes, I took on deals that you didn't recommend, but they gave very few bricks. I thought these were insignificant bad deals, and maybe the bricks wouldn't fall apart so quickly. And also, sometimes there were no actions and deeds from your list at the fair. I had to take what was there, at random, what seemed like a good deal by name… Well, what's the use of looking, let's fly to grandfather, we need his advice, — and with a sad wave of his hand towards his dilapidated house, Oscar, together with Mickey, gathered and flew to Grandfather.