Don't Scratch the Insect Bite

"Just slap it and put an ointment after." But I didn't listen. I was told my mother a countless times not to do it because it will just create a wound. But, it was just so hard not to do it. Every time I scratch the inflamed part I feel somewhat satisfied. I never thought it can be addicting. I never knew that the more I scratch it, the more it gets itchy and it was never the solution for it. But, being a stubborn kid as I was, I still continued with it never minding the consequence. I was three years old back then. Too young too understand why is it wrong and why is this right. 7 years later the scars have faded. But I have gotten new scars for doing the same thing. "The action doesn't justify the end." Our English teacher said as she scold us for causing havoc during her class hours when she has gotten out of the room for a while. A big bully had just shoved my friend who is three times smaller than him. My friend's physique was incomparable to the bully's bulky shoulder and fat round belly. He was really scary and no one dared to even cross the line when it comes to him. But, being a young imbecile I am, I avenged my friend and all the squadmates of mine came into the rescue. That's how my favorite team did during their game. No matter how tall their opponents are, the punched and kick-ass right at the court. Unity and Friendship. That's how you stand up to a bully. Do you wanna know what happened next? Of course we won against the big bully but, unluckily, we didn't win against our teacher. We all got scolded and I felt really bad. It wasn't my fault. The Bully started it first. We were the victim here, this is unjust. The worst thing that has happened during that day? I was forced to say sorry to the big bad fat-ass bully. I got one-week suspension and had my parents called in the guidance office. I cried so hard as we got back home. Why is it my fault? I run upstairs and spent most of the time crying. I didn't know where did I go wrong. Weren't we supposed to stand up for our right? "Sweetie, come here. Let's talk." My mom said it as sweet as she could but, she couldn't hide the tinge of disappointment in her voice. "Do you still remember when I told you not to scratch insect bites?" I nodded. "You were already bitten and it is already itchy. From that moment, it could have already caused a discoloration and probably... A scar," my mom continued, "that's why I told you not to scratch it further." "But it's itchy." "Scratching only causes it to stitch more until you have already scratched the first layer of your skin and bleed." My mom looked at me intently, "Sweetie, sometimes, the more you became reactive upon the situation, the more it causes chaos. There is a right way and right time to deal with this kinds of situation. "Revenge will never be the right way to deal with it. And revenge isn't something you should use to stand up against bullies, " my mom trailed, "You don't have to bully the bully to stand up agaisnt bullying, same as you don't have to scratch the insect bite when it's itchy." #WMSShortsies