K A N D R E 💓

KANDRE..... That was the name of Emma’s beloved worn-out, quilted blanket. Some kids had stuffed toys or dolls but for Emma its always her dearest little smelly blanket.

Her heart belonged to Kandre. It was her pet.. her best friend..in total its her everything. Calling it a mere “companion” would not do justice to their bond because a four-year-old does not need fancy words.

Wherever Emma goes.. Kandre goes too. She would roll it into a ball like and tuck it under her tiny armpit and hold onto it for dear life. The only time she was ever separated from it was during bath time. Even then she would keep an eye on it as if it might run away.

But there was one golden rule. An unbreakable and non-negotiable rule. Kandre must never and ever be washed.

Anyone who dared suggest it would face the full force of Emma’s wrath. A simple mention of the word "wash" was enough to send her into a dramatic tear-filled protest. If anyone so much as reached for it with a washing intention, she would scream as as if the world had turned upside down.

One of her aunty once tried to reason with her. She spoke sweetly...promising that kandre would feel fresh and clean. For a brief moment.. Emma hesitated and almost dipping it into a pail of soapy water. But then in lightning speed...she snatched it back and bolted away like a cat escaping a bath.

Emma’s love for Kandre was beyond explanation. It was not just a blanket. It was Kandre... 💖💖💖

One fine day her mom decided to give it a wash. It had been through a lot. Faint milk stains marked one corner and dust clung to it from all the times Emma had followed Grandma to collect eggs or played with her cat.

While Emma was busy playing with her cat.  Her mom quietly took Kandre and gave it a dip in soap water and scrubbed and hung it on the clothesline to dry.  

The moment Emma saw her beloved Kandre hanging outside...she froze 💔... her eyes widened and within seconds the most ear-splitting wail filled the air.

Tears streamed down her cheeks. Her little body shook with sobs and she cried so loudly that even her grandfather.. who rarely interfered rushed out. 

When he saw Emma’s tear-streaked face and Kandre swaying on the line he let out a long sigh. He turned to her mother and said, “Why would you do such a thing?”

Emma was inconsolable. Grandpa did what grandpas do best. He carried her in his arms and gently patted her back and pulled out his secret stash of chocolates from his drawer. It was his emergency kit specially reserved for moments exactly like this.

She looked at her mother with teary eyes and with one tiny finger swaying singaling “No more washing.” Then, wiping her nose, she slowly walked toward the clothesline where Grandpa was checking if Kandre had dried.

“A little while more,” he said gently. “Come, let us go play on the swing.”

He had successfully distracted her though her thoughts remained with Kandre 💖💖💖.