There was this encyclopaedia that I had won in a contest and I was eagerly waiting to read it after school in the 8th grade. When I came back I learned that my mom gave it to the neighbour’s kid who saw the pictures and colours and took it with him. I waited for a few days so he could read it but when I asked him about it, he said he lost it! I was furious at my mother because she gave away my book without asking me. I was also furious at the kid for not handling other people’s stuff with care.

I was so mad and made a decision to ban my mother from ever accessing my books and to never lend any of my books/things/money to anyone ever again. I never even got to see the first page in that book and I really wanted to read it because I have a thing for encyclopaedias with illustrations. I still think about it to this day. With the advancements in internet speeds and increase in data sharing I’m sure the book is now outdated but it was my book goddammit! Won’t ever forget about it.