The Broken Vase – Short English Story with Moral
The “Broken Vase” is a short English story about honesty and the small but powerful choices we make at home. It shows how telling the truth can bring trust and peace.
That evening, Rick was running inside the house chasing his small toy car. He did not see the low table in front of him. His elbow knocked the beautiful vase, and it fell to the floor with a crash. Pieces of pottery lay everywhere.
Rick’s first thought was to hide the pieces before anyone came. He slid them into a corner and wiped the floor with a towel. But when his mother came to check, Rick felt his stomach twist with worry. He remembered what his teacher had said at school: “If you make a mistake, tell the truth.”
Rick walked over, looked at his mother, and said, “Mom, I broke the vase. I’m sorry.” His voice was small, but he kept his eyes open. His mother knelt down, saw the torn cloth and the hidden pieces, and then hugged him. “I’m glad you told me,” she said softly. “Accidents happen, but honesty matters.”
Rick helped pick up the pieces. He learned that telling the truth made him feel lighter, and his mother’s trust in him grew stronger.
📖 Vocabulary (with simple examples)
- Vase — a container for flowers.
Example: The vase on the table held red flowers. - Elbow — the joint between the upper and lower arm.
Example: He hit the table with his elbow by mistake. - Towel — a cloth used for drying or cleaning.
Example: She used a towel to dry the spilled water. - Hide — to put something where others cannot see it.
Example: He wanted to hide the broken pieces under the rug. - Confess — to admit something you did (often a mistake).
Example: He decided to confess and tell the truth. - Relief — the feeling you get when a worry goes away.
Example: A wave of relief came when his mother forgave him.
🙋♂️ Comprehension Questions
- Who broke the vase?
- What did Rick do first after the vase fell?
- What did Rick remember from his teacher?
- How did Rick’s mother react when he told the truth?
- Why did Rick feel better after telling the truth?
- What would you do if you were in Rick’s place?
(Answers: 1) Rick. 2) He tried to hide the pieces and wiped the floor. 3) To tell the truth when you make a mistake. 4) She forgave him and thanked him for honesty. 5) Because he no longer had to worry and he kept his mother’s trust.)
✍️Moral of the Story
Always admit your mistakes — honesty builds trust and makes problems easier to solve.
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