The children are huddled closely around their teacher. They are seated with their legs crossed on the multicolored rug as the teacher sits in a chair and shares the days lesson. Today, the subject is Honesty.

The teacher begins to speak of the importance of telling the truth. She explains how telling the truth builds trust and goes on at length about how when someone doesn’t tell the truth, they lose trust of those around them.

She looks out into the group and sees 22 pairs of eyes staring back, listening intently. She glances at each young, impressionable face before settling her eyes on TheMonk, who’s eyes are glistening with unshed tears. She quickly asks TheMonk what’s wrong.

Lips quivering, TheMonk begins to tell his teacher a story that shows how he has taken the lesson about Honesty to heart.

“One time, when I was four, my daddy asked me to pick up *sob* my toys and… *sob* and… I told him I did… *sob* but… *sob* I DIDN’T!!!!!”

TheMonk, clearly distraught by the thought of losing his Daddy’s trust, spills his little heart out to his kindergarten teacher like some elementary school confessional. She huddles down and assures him that all little boys and girls make mistakes and that she knows he would never do that again.

TheMonk accepts this explanation and dries his tears as the lesson continues. Of course, at the end of the day, at dinner, when Daddy asks him “What happened at school today?” he replies with his usual…

“Nothing.”