INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY by Khadija Kinana

“Khadija it is your responsibility to bake the cake! “were the words reoccurring in my head for the past few moments. It’s my sister’s felicitous birthday today and we are planning an incredible surprise party. As the rest of my troop headed to the courtyard, I started looking for the perfect recipe for the festivity. After contemplating for a while, I decide to bake my sister’s favourite Butterfinger Cake.

I stepped into the enormous kitchen and presented all the ingredients and equipments to myself. I listed out all the objects I needed to get from the grocery. Eventually, when I got back, I followed each step exactly in the recipe.

The mixer ran with a rumbling noise and the oven’s heat warmed the kitchen. I measured the amount of flour needed and added it in the mixer and half of that white powdery substance came flying back in my face (should have added it little by little). I had sure made a white floury, sticky mess, which I would eventually have to clean up myself.

“How’s the cake coming?” mom startled me with her sudden words. “The mix is ready though there is still a lot to achieve,” with that she left me in the dead silence.

I placed the cake in the burning oven, so then it was time to wait. I thought I could watch a movie to pass the time. Though I’d better put an alarm so I don't forget, for 20 minutes, hopefully the magnificent three tier cake will be done by then.

“Beep! Beep!” I just mindlessly switched off the alarm and continued watching the mind blowing climax scene. Little had I known that the cake was burning up and somehow my smell sense stopped responding too.

By the time I realized this, I entered the kitchen it was covered in flames and it seemed to be spreading to the dining room. I had made a huge mistake. I grabbed my phone and immediately called the fire department.

The fire department put out the fire but our kitchen burnt down though our dining room wasn't harmed much. A stupid mistake almost ruined my sister’s party. Now we don’t have a cake nor a kitchen. ‘What am I going to do? I am in major trouble!’

I headed for the nearest bakery and begged them to make me a cake. Fortunately, the shop received an unsuspected call from a customer not wanting a cake. Call it fate or another chance, whatever may it be; I’m grateful for it.

From that day, I learned the value of individual responsibility if done right it can provide the most beautiful result; if not it can lead you down a rabbit hole.