🧒 The Phrase No One Heard

🟦 Chapter 1 – "I’m tired"

Idriss was 10. He didn’t stand out. Not top of the class, not failing either.
But he kept saying one thing—softly, often, and in every context:

— "I’m tired."

The responses were always the same:

— "Sleep more at night!"
— "Too much screen time?"
— "Had a nightmare?"

But no one ever asked: “Why are you tired, Idriss?”

🟦 Chapter 2 – The day someone paused

One Monday in December, after a test, Idriss handed in his paper and slumped at his desk.
Head in his arms. Again.

Mr. Lemoine, the French teacher, walked over.

— "You're tired a lot, aren't you?"

Idriss shrugged.
But this time, Mr. Lemoine didn’t walk away.
He sat. He waited.

Then Idriss whispered:

— "It’s because I take care of mom. She doesn’t sleep well. She’s sick. My little brother wets the bed. I change the sheets. I make breakfast. I tidy up. After school, I do the groceries. And at night... I sleep badly."

🟦 Chapter 3 – A new beginning

That day, Mr. Lemoine didn’t praise him. He didn’t pity him.
He looked at him, calmly, and said:

— "Thank you for telling me. You're not alone anymore."

Nothing changed overnight. But Idriss was supported.
A meeting with the school nurse. A social worker. Adjusted class times.
And above all… adults who listened to understand, not to reply.

💡 Moral

Sometimes, when a child keeps repeating the same phrase,
it’s not for attention—
it’s because they’re still waiting for someone to truly listen.