Last night, we were lounging around the hall at Bob's aunt's place after dinner. Tara was sitting in front of the TV and rummaging through my bag, which she usually does when she's bored. I was reading my book and not paying much attention to her, but I know she was taking out the notes and coins in my wallet.
I heard Bob asking Tara where she wanted to go, and I saw Tara trying to wear her sandals, while clutching $2.10 in her small hand. Bob asked her again, where she wanted to go, and Tara said "钱! 买!". I told Bob maybe we shouldn't ask her and should follow her instead, to see what she's up to. So I thought I'd follow her, since I've got nothing much to do.
She put on her sandals, opened the door and walked to the lift. I followed behind her, never asking her where she was heading nor did I held her hand. I just went along with her.
She went in the lift and pressed level 1. When the door opened, she walked to the carpark. I thought she wanted to go to the minimart straight ahead but she made an abrupt turn and walked towards the wet market. She walked up the flight of stairs leading to the wet market, with my assistance of course. And when she reached the wet market, I told her all the stalls are closed and I thought she better not climbed another flight of stairs up the hawker centre on level 2. She didn't, and turned back towards the flight of stairs where we came from. She stopped right in front of the stairs and turned back and check on the stalls again, to make sure they are really closed.
Once she was sure the stalls are closed, she walked straight ahead to another flight of stairs, all the while holding the $2.10 in her hand, and with me following behind her. It was so surreal, I thought I was in some kind of TV show, looking at other kid instead of Tara. She was really sure of where she's going, just that she couldn't find her way, I guess.
She descended the stairs. I was smiling already, cos I know where she's heading. The minimart. Just that instead of walking straight from the carpark, she made a big round. I thought if she wanted to buy Yakult, I would give it to her, even though it's against my rule of no sweet stuff after 8pm. I thought the effort she went through deserves a reward.
And I guessed it, she walked straight to the minimart, but stood in front of the shelves of tidbits instead. She picked up a packet of Chetzels, put it down and picked up Super Rings instead, walked to the counter, and put Super Rings on the table and paid with the $2 (she dropped the 10 cents along the way). The auntie was pretty amused and was smiling away when she gave Tara her change. Tara pointed to the packet and indicated she wanted a plastic bag. After all her effort, it breaks my heart but I had to tell her she cannot eat the Super Rings, but I told her she will get a packet of biscuits instead. And the little girl actually took the Super Rings and put back onto the shelves. I told her she already paid for it so we have to take it, just that I will be the one eating instead of her.
We went home and she was happily telling Bob again "买! 钱!". I guess she wanted to tell Bob she went to buy something using money.
It was so funny. I have to blog about it. I must also scrap on it. Tara has understood the concept of money, and buying something with money.
I don't think I will find it funny if 10 years down the road, if she does the same thing; taking money from my wallet without my permission and going to buy tidbits which I don't allow her to consume.
But at only 2 years old, it's so darn cute, I hope I will never forget this little adventure of hers.
