What is the final message of empathy in the story?

Correct answer: Children's feelings should be understood

The central message of empathy in The Little Girl is that children should be understood as feeling human beings, not judged only by their mistakes. Kezia appears timid and makes a serious error when she tears the speech papers, but her action comes from an innocent attempt to make a gift. Later, her father’s care during the nightmare changes her understanding of him and shows that patient attention can reduce fear. Option C is correct because it expresses the story’s lesson: adults should listen to children, notice their intentions, and respond with guidance and affection. Frightening children may increase anxiety, punishment alone ignores the reason for an action, and silence prevents communication. Empathy does not mean approving every mistake; it means correcting the mistake after understanding the child.