Miki was 5 years old. He loved to go to the Jardin du Luxembourg to play with other kids of his age pushing with a stick the model sailing boats under the fountain splashing water.
He was playing in the garden when his mother called out to him: "Miki, let's get ready. I'll take you to the Jardin du Luxembourg.". Miki ran inside the house, washed his hands and got ready to go but he did not look as happy as usual. Something bothered him and his mother could tell by looking at him. His mother also had something in mind and she also wanted to take this opportunity to tell him. So both mother and son got in the car and started on the way.
"Son, something bothers you?" asked the mother. Miki just shaked his head without saying anything.
"I have something to tell you, son. Next week, I will have to go to the hospital for an operation. Mom will be absent for a week or so. It won't last very long and I will be back home in no time. Be good to Daddy ok?".
Miki looked at his mother and asked sadly : "Mom, are you going to die?"
"Why do you ask me that question, son?" asked his mother.
"Dad told me that you will have a heart operation and that you could die." Miki said in a trembling voice.
"Son, do I look like I am going to die?. I will have my operation, everything will be ok! I promise you that I will be back home very soon, and I will be able to play tennis with you every day if you want to."
Miki felt reassured, his mother always kept her promise to him and he felt relieved. Now he could enjoy pushing the model sailing boats with his friends at the fountain.
