Good Behavior

The phone conversation between Frank, while at work, and his son, Ben (at home).

Frank: Son, how old are you now?’’

Ben: Eleven years old, dad’’

Frank: Each year, since you turned five years old, I have always made it a point of duty to teach you on the need to be of good behavior. So far, based on the reports by your teachers, friends and even neighbors, I’ve been impressed.

Ben (Surprised): Hmmm…So people are getting to watch me…

Frank: Yes, of course. All eyes are on you!

Ben: What?

Frank:  Are you surprised?

Ben: Yes, I really am! Dad, you never told me I’m been looked at.  Are you aware of this?

Frank: Yes and No

Ben: Can’t believe my ears! So dad you let them poke into my life…

Frank: Stop that! It was never my intent. It’s just that you stand out from the rest of your peers.

Ben (Remorseful): Really?

Frank: Yes, son.

Ben: So sorry I reacted that way.

Frank: Apologies accepted!

Ben: Thanks dad. You’re simply the best!

Frank: I’m the happiest man alive to raise the greatest son in the world.

Ben: It’s good to be of a good behavior

Frank: Yes, it is. And this is the reason I want to keep repeating it, time to time. I always tell you that…’’

Ben (Completes the statement): Repetition is the law of deep and lasting impression.

Frank: I’m excited. It means you’re following.

Ben: Yes, dad. I am.

Frank: Alex, your brother, is doing well at High School. Right?

Ben: Yes. Of course, he has no choice because he was schooled in learning and character by the most educated man in the world

Frank (chuckles): You want to make me feel on top of the world.

Ben: On the contrary, dad, I’m not pulling your legs. I’m just letting you know how instrumental you’ve been to us, since mom died.

Frank (Mutes for few seconds): Yes…Hmmm…The cold hands of death. Just looking back at the good old days we shared until departed from us…never to be seen again.

Ben: Don’t be sad. If you’re sad, I am sad. If you’re happy, I am happy. You raised Alex and I to be emotionally strong. We’ve always looked up to you…

Frank: Yes, my son. The reason you have to be of good behavior.

Ben: Exactly

Frank: Alex has always been a genius from the get-go

Ben: Yes

Frank: He was well-behaved, not like you though.

Ben (Sounds a little upset): Dad, there you go. 

Frank: What?

Ben: You’ve told us Alex and I are peculiar and unique and we shouldn’t compare with each other.

Frank: I am not making any comparison between you two

Ben: Dad, you are!

Frank: I’m Not!

Ben: Dad, I say, ‘’you are!’’

Frank (shouts): Ben, for goodness sake, shut up and listen! Else, I will hang up NOW!!!

Ben: I’m sorry

Frank: You’d better be! [Calm returns. Frank continues] you’re intelligent, no doubt

Ben: Yes

Frank: Ben, do you know character is everything?

Ben: Interesting! Dad, tell me more!

Frank: Your attitude determines your attitude.

Ben: Wow!

Frank: Your intelligence sums up to one-percent but your character is ninety-nine percent.

Ben: Very new information. You never told me before.

Frank: Now, you know. That’s why I demand your utmost attention.

Ben: Sure, you can have it!

Frank: Ale has the genius and to an extent, the character. You have the genius, though, in terms of ‘size’, smaller than his but you are a better representation of a good behavior. I’ve noticed those differences since you were both toddlers.

Ben: I see

Frank: Yes. You see, the beauty of education is actually expressed in character: a good behavior. When learning stops, character begins. That’s where a good behavior becomes important.

Ben: Dad, this is exciting!

Frank: It is, son. Education, or should I say, ‘ a good behavior’? sustains your success for life. I’ve explained this to Alex before but you’ll understand it better because you portray it.

Ben: Don’t flatter me, Dad. Alex and I, like you’ve always said, are peculiar and unique in our ways. Remember, you told us not to compare ourselves against ourselves.

Frank: There you go again! Listen to me, Ben

Ben: I am

Frank: Yes, you shouldn’t. But I am just stating how peculiar and unique my sons are

Ben: Oh I see…so sorry

Frank: I understand. Understand that I want to bring out the best in both of you; learning and character.

Ben: How?

Frank: Alex left elementary school The Most Intelligent Student’’

Ben: Yes…[curious]

Frank: I would like you to emerge as The Most Well-Behaved Student of the same elementary school.

Ben: I get it! Two brothers getting to express themselves in their peculiarities. That’s brilliant!

Frank: Now, you understand my train of thought.

Ben: Yes

Frank: Good. Time is fast spent. I have to go for inspection outside my office. Till I come home to meet you in peace, Have a great day!

Ben: Same here.

Frank: Bye

Frank terminates the call.

Ben held on to the counsel of Frank.  As a consequence, He  became The Most Well-Behaved Student at Carleton Elementary School, having endured through the rigorous school sessions and resisted tempting offers from friends, colleagues and neighbors into being a party to the vices of stealing, taking drugs, juvenile decadence and other vices.