1) A group of students from Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School and NUS Yong Loo Lin School of medicine organized camp Simba, a two day retreat for children of cancer patients to help children cope with a parent’s illness। The programmes in the two day retreat include beach games and picnics for these children.
Opinions:
I think that this two day retreat for these children of cancer patients will certainly help them to learn to cope with their parent’s illness। Young children may often have problems or difficulties dealing with the idea of death and could feel neglected. They could become attention-seeking or increasingly withdrawn, which could in turn lead to strained relationships and a loss of focus in school. They feel no one care for them when they receive teases from their friends. In fact, what these children need most is care and concern from others. Their teachers and friends can indeed play a part in helping these children to get back their confidence. They can do so by showing care and understanding for these children and accepting them as their friends instead of teasing them. In my point of view, these children should also not bottle up their feelings. Perhaps, they can share it with their teachers and even their true friends. They should know that true friends will definitely lend them their ears and help them to cope with their feelings. Beside this, their true friends can also help to curb any one from teasing them. If I were to encounter any of these children, I will befriend them, accepting him/her as my friend and even stop anybody from teasing them. I think that this will indeed help him/her since they will not feel neglected and be lost in his/her own world. Playing beach games and having picnics together with other children during the two day retreat would actually allow them to make more friends. These children should not feel awkward in making friends with the other children. They should know that the other children tend to understand them better since they are also in the same situation. With more of such activities, the relationships among the children will be strengthened and become good friends who will help each other in times of need. (375 words)
2) About 600 pupils from low income families will have an opportunity to discover their artistic potential through highly subsidized art and drama camps। The objective of the camp is to mainly give children access to high quality art courses, which are usually held privately at a high cost. One of the parents said that his son had never had a chance to participate in this activity since these activities are too expensive for them to afford and often too far away from their home.
Opinions:
I think that this indeed is a golden opportunity for these children of low income families to have a chance to discover their artistic potential through this highly subsidized art and drama camp. Due to low family income, many children who have the potential tend to lose the chance in developing it. In my own opinions, I think all children should be given a chance to have their talent discovered and developed. Only through this programme will these children have their talent de identified and further developed. Having their talents discovered at a tender age is the best time since the children would have enough time to develop their artistic talent. These children should indeed seize this golden opportunity to identify their talent in art. With the high subsidy on these courses, more parents would be able to afford to allow their children to attend such courses. (233 words)
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
News Entries (1st week)
A new study has shown that seven in ten elderly Chinese men do not age well. It was also found men who are better educated, physically active (includes exercising), having a proper diet and even having religious or spiritual beliefs tend to age better.
Opinions:
From the above news, we had learnt that having a physical health and the abilities to function independently; being mentally alert and emotionally well; being engaged socially; and even being able to say they are highly satisfied with life are some of the criteria that pertain to positive ageing. In order to so, I think that they should be engaged in various activities. One can either be engaged in mentally stimulating activities such as playing a game of checkers or chess or communicating with others. By sharing your feelings with others, it will help you to feel better. Besides these, remaining positive in thinking will also help one to remain mentally sharp and physically sharp.
In fact, I think that exercising regularly indeed will keep these elderly to be healthy and fit. In my point of view, family and friends can actually play a role in helping these elderly. Family and friends can set up good role models themselves to influence them to cultivate the habit of exercising. Many elders do not exercise are due to the fact that their family and friends rarely do so. We must always take the first step (start to exercise) in order to influence others. With the help of family and friends, the elderly will definitely exercise instead of staying at home. This will indeed benefit both the elderly and the family and friends around them. Exercises for elders can be either a slow jog or brisk walk. Brisk walking helps to improve circulation of blood, management of weight and even strengthened muscles, bones and joints. Not only will brisk walking benefit these elders, it actually benefits people of all ages. (323 words)
Opinions:
From the above news, we had learnt that having a physical health and the abilities to function independently; being mentally alert and emotionally well; being engaged socially; and even being able to say they are highly satisfied with life are some of the criteria that pertain to positive ageing. In order to so, I think that they should be engaged in various activities. One can either be engaged in mentally stimulating activities such as playing a game of checkers or chess or communicating with others. By sharing your feelings with others, it will help you to feel better. Besides these, remaining positive in thinking will also help one to remain mentally sharp and physically sharp.
In fact, I think that exercising regularly indeed will keep these elderly to be healthy and fit. In my point of view, family and friends can actually play a role in helping these elderly. Family and friends can set up good role models themselves to influence them to cultivate the habit of exercising. Many elders do not exercise are due to the fact that their family and friends rarely do so. We must always take the first step (start to exercise) in order to influence others. With the help of family and friends, the elderly will definitely exercise instead of staying at home. This will indeed benefit both the elderly and the family and friends around them. Exercises for elders can be either a slow jog or brisk walk. Brisk walking helps to improve circulation of blood, management of weight and even strengthened muscles, bones and joints. Not only will brisk walking benefit these elders, it actually benefits people of all ages. (323 words)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Opinions
Summary of news report:
Parents said that what they welcome is the fact that they are getting more information about sexuality education. However, they are unaware of what was going on during those programmes in schools. There were less than one percent of parents who refused to let their child to attend such lessons. Most parents interviewed were indeed surprised that they can actually pull out their child out of the sexuality education programme. Experts said that more attention should be paid to two weak links which are the teachers and parents. These two groups are not fully equipped to pass on the right information or values to children. Parents felt uncomfortable talking about sex with their children. Therefore, they abdicate responsibility and tell them to get answers from their teachers instead.
Opinions:
I think that parents should not have pulled their children out of the sexuality programme since it is very important for children who are experiencing puberty. They would learn more about what is going on in them through the programme. Parents must have deeply misunderstood the purpose of the sexuality education. The programme is mainly to teach children how to think, feel or even to behave about the changes in them. Perhaps, parents can also attend courses to better understand about what is exactly about the sexuality education. In my own opinions, I think that parents should not have abdicated responsibility due to the fact that they feel uncomfortable discussing such things with their children. It is indeed their responsibility to do so.
In order to overcome their awkwardness and embarrassment when they were asked by their pupils about sex, teachers should have more training. The training they go through will definitely help them to be more confident when they are talking about these इस्सुएस.
In my point of view, parents and teachers must pass on the right information and values to children. Not able to do this will lead to the wrong idea for the children. (330 words)
Parents said that what they welcome is the fact that they are getting more information about sexuality education. However, they are unaware of what was going on during those programmes in schools. There were less than one percent of parents who refused to let their child to attend such lessons. Most parents interviewed were indeed surprised that they can actually pull out their child out of the sexuality education programme. Experts said that more attention should be paid to two weak links which are the teachers and parents. These two groups are not fully equipped to pass on the right information or values to children. Parents felt uncomfortable talking about sex with their children. Therefore, they abdicate responsibility and tell them to get answers from their teachers instead.
Opinions:
I think that parents should not have pulled their children out of the sexuality programme since it is very important for children who are experiencing puberty. They would learn more about what is going on in them through the programme. Parents must have deeply misunderstood the purpose of the sexuality education. The programme is mainly to teach children how to think, feel or even to behave about the changes in them. Perhaps, parents can also attend courses to better understand about what is exactly about the sexuality education. In my own opinions, I think that parents should not have abdicated responsibility due to the fact that they feel uncomfortable discussing such things with their children. It is indeed their responsibility to do so.
In order to overcome their awkwardness and embarrassment when they were asked by their pupils about sex, teachers should have more training. The training they go through will definitely help them to be more confident when they are talking about these इस्सुएस.
In my point of view, parents and teachers must pass on the right information and values to children. Not able to do this will lead to the wrong idea for the children. (330 words)
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Thief
. Thief
“Look at my branded watch. My mum specially bought it for me!” Adam boasted. Immediately, everyone rushed to the front and craned their necks just to get a look at the watch. The class was passing the watch around when it was Jack’s turn. Adam jumped down from his table, dashed towards Jack and snatched his watch away from Jack. “Poor lads are not allowed to touch this watch,” Adam smirked. Obviously embarrassed, Jack dragged his feet to his table and took out a book to read. Soon, lesson started. Adam was unaware that I was eyeing on his watch throughout the lesson.
Ring… It was recess. Pupils made a beeline to the canteen as they rushed out of the classroom. On the pretext to the toilet, I strode to the nearest wall and hid behind it. “Once I got hold of the watch, I would say that it was dad who bought it for me,” I thought. I smiled while rubbing my hands gleefully. When my chance came, I dashed out from my hiding place and sped to the classroom. I scanned around. After confirming that there was not a single soul in sight, I opened the door and hurried in. Almost instantly, I got to work.
Where had he placed it? Perspiration was forming on my forehead. I was rummaging frantically for the branded watch in Adam’s bag. Finally, I found it at one of the small compartments in his bag. A grin spread across my face upon the sight of it. However, it soon disappeared.
I held the watch tightly in my hand. Was I doing the right thing? I was torn between the devil and the deep blue sea. If I were to steal, I might be punished but…if I were not to steal it; I was just slipping the opportunity away and would never get hold of the watch. I was indecisive.
“Nick, what are you doing in the class?” Mr Lim asked while he walked towards my direction. I snapped back to reality almost instantly by Mr Lim. I slipped the watch in my hand into my pocket. Deep in my heart, I was blaming myself for not closing the door. Swallowing a lump in my throat, I answered, “I came back to take my wallet.” I was hoping against hope that he would accept my answer and let me off without suspecting me. “Then, why are you at Adam’s desk?” he queried with suspicion in his voice. I opened my mouth but no words came out. The words seemed to be stuck in my throat. I was totally speechless. “Tell me what you were doing just now!” he thundered. Reluctantly, I fished out Adam’s watch and handed it to him with shaky hands. “I … I stole Adam’s…watch…” I replied in a trembling voice.
The bell, signaling the end of recess rang. I followed meekly behind Mr Lim as I proceeded to the hall. My heart was thumping wildly. Would Mr Lim inform my parents? He had better not or else I would be in dead meat! Everyone was back in class. Upon reaching his desk, Adam searched for his watch. However, it was not in his bag! “It must be Jack who had stolen my watch,” he muttered under his breath while walking to Jack’s desk. “Give back my watch to me! I know you are the one!” he accused. “I did not steal your watch!” Jack protested.
Anger was welling up in Adam. He curled his hand into a tight fist before fling a well-aimed punch at Jack. “Ouch…”Jack groaned in agony with his hands clutching his stomach. Now, the whole class’s attention drew towards them. “I am the one who steals but it had instead cause Jack to be the scapegoat,” I sighed. Mr Lim noticed the commotion and explained to him that it was not Jack who had stolen his watch. “If it was not him, who else could it be? It must be him!” he shouted. “It’s Nick,” Mr Lim whispered. “It couldn’t be him! He’s my best friend. He would not steal my things,” Adam explained. “It’s me,” I confessed. I could feel the tips of my ears turning red and wished that the ground had a hole to swallow me, to escape from the stares of thirty-nine pairs of eyes. I could see that Adam was indeed surprised to find out that it was me.
With no other choice, Adam had to apologise to Jack for accusing him. “Nick, I had informed your parents,” Mr Lim said. I knew I had to face the music. “Sorry Adam. I didn’t mean to steal but I wanted that watch for a long time. I am really sorry,” I apologised. “I will forgive you but you have to promise me that you will not steal again. Let’s be friends again,” he replied. I nodded.
From this incident, Adam had learnt not to judge a book by its cover.
“Look at my branded watch. My mum specially bought it for me!” Adam boasted. Immediately, everyone rushed to the front and craned their necks just to get a look at the watch. The class was passing the watch around when it was Jack’s turn. Adam jumped down from his table, dashed towards Jack and snatched his watch away from Jack. “Poor lads are not allowed to touch this watch,” Adam smirked. Obviously embarrassed, Jack dragged his feet to his table and took out a book to read. Soon, lesson started. Adam was unaware that I was eyeing on his watch throughout the lesson.
Ring… It was recess. Pupils made a beeline to the canteen as they rushed out of the classroom. On the pretext to the toilet, I strode to the nearest wall and hid behind it. “Once I got hold of the watch, I would say that it was dad who bought it for me,” I thought. I smiled while rubbing my hands gleefully. When my chance came, I dashed out from my hiding place and sped to the classroom. I scanned around. After confirming that there was not a single soul in sight, I opened the door and hurried in. Almost instantly, I got to work.
Where had he placed it? Perspiration was forming on my forehead. I was rummaging frantically for the branded watch in Adam’s bag. Finally, I found it at one of the small compartments in his bag. A grin spread across my face upon the sight of it. However, it soon disappeared.
I held the watch tightly in my hand. Was I doing the right thing? I was torn between the devil and the deep blue sea. If I were to steal, I might be punished but…if I were not to steal it; I was just slipping the opportunity away and would never get hold of the watch. I was indecisive.
“Nick, what are you doing in the class?” Mr Lim asked while he walked towards my direction. I snapped back to reality almost instantly by Mr Lim. I slipped the watch in my hand into my pocket. Deep in my heart, I was blaming myself for not closing the door. Swallowing a lump in my throat, I answered, “I came back to take my wallet.” I was hoping against hope that he would accept my answer and let me off without suspecting me. “Then, why are you at Adam’s desk?” he queried with suspicion in his voice. I opened my mouth but no words came out. The words seemed to be stuck in my throat. I was totally speechless. “Tell me what you were doing just now!” he thundered. Reluctantly, I fished out Adam’s watch and handed it to him with shaky hands. “I … I stole Adam’s…watch…” I replied in a trembling voice.
The bell, signaling the end of recess rang. I followed meekly behind Mr Lim as I proceeded to the hall. My heart was thumping wildly. Would Mr Lim inform my parents? He had better not or else I would be in dead meat! Everyone was back in class. Upon reaching his desk, Adam searched for his watch. However, it was not in his bag! “It must be Jack who had stolen my watch,” he muttered under his breath while walking to Jack’s desk. “Give back my watch to me! I know you are the one!” he accused. “I did not steal your watch!” Jack protested.
Anger was welling up in Adam. He curled his hand into a tight fist before fling a well-aimed punch at Jack. “Ouch…”Jack groaned in agony with his hands clutching his stomach. Now, the whole class’s attention drew towards them. “I am the one who steals but it had instead cause Jack to be the scapegoat,” I sighed. Mr Lim noticed the commotion and explained to him that it was not Jack who had stolen his watch. “If it was not him, who else could it be? It must be him!” he shouted. “It’s Nick,” Mr Lim whispered. “It couldn’t be him! He’s my best friend. He would not steal my things,” Adam explained. “It’s me,” I confessed. I could feel the tips of my ears turning red and wished that the ground had a hole to swallow me, to escape from the stares of thirty-nine pairs of eyes. I could see that Adam was indeed surprised to find out that it was me.
With no other choice, Adam had to apologise to Jack for accusing him. “Nick, I had informed your parents,” Mr Lim said. I knew I had to face the music. “Sorry Adam. I didn’t mean to steal but I wanted that watch for a long time. I am really sorry,” I apologised. “I will forgive you but you have to promise me that you will not steal again. Let’s be friends again,” he replied. I nodded.
From this incident, Adam had learnt not to judge a book by its cover.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Accident
Accident
I looked at the scar on my arm. All the horror and pain I had tried so hard to push back to the back of my mind came rushing back like a newsreel. I was transported to that fateful day.
My father and I had just spent our day at the Science Discovery Centre and we were heading home after that. Dark clouds were starting to charge menacingly towards the helpless fluffy clouds. Sparks of lightning illuminated the sky and thunder roared. KABOOM! Lightning struck a tree above us and it started to fall. Both my father and I were indeed horrified at the scene before our eyes.
Crash! A huge shadow loomed above us. The windscreen shattered as the car crumpled like a can of drink under the weight of a big bulky tree. I screamed in pain as a flying piece of glass cut into my arm, drawing blood. Turning around, I noticed that my father was gasping for air. “Past me my…my inhaler…”he managed to mutter under his breath, “it’s in my pocket.” Snapping back to my senses, I searched frantically for the inhaler in my father pocket but to no avail. Beads of perspiration were starting to trickle down from my forehead as I panicked. Where did my father place his inhaler? My father would die from his asthma attack without his inhaler! I must find the inhaler! “Stay calm and concentrate! Stay calm!!” a voice at the back of my mind commanded.
“Hold on, dad. Hold on,” I told him. “Are you all right?” I asked with worries and concerns. Through his haze of pain in his chest, I could see that he could make out my anxious voice asking him if he was fine. He opened his mouth but nothing came out from his parched throat. The words seemed to be stuck in his throat. At that moment, I noticed a small line of blood was dripping from his head onto his shirt, staining it ruby-red. Before long, he fainted.
“Dad?” I inquired. However, there was no answer. I sobbed bitter tears as I tried to force open the door –to get out from the danger zone. I thought of nothing but the need to get out from the car. I desperately wanted to get out, to get help for my father. To my dismay, the door just would not bulge, no matter how hard I pushed it. Energy was draining out from me as blood gushed out from the gash I had. Mustering all the remaining energy, I pound hard on the door. It finally opened and I tumbled out of the wrecked car, into the rain. I lay on the wet road, too tired to scream for help, too tired to even move a finger. The water around me was slowly but surely turning red with my blood.
Minutes seemed like hours before help finally arrived. Tap, tap, tap. The sound was from footsteps. My expression altered from loneliness to happiness as my eyes flickered with tears of hope. Just at that moment, I felt as if my last thin thread of consciousness was slipping away from me due to sheer fatigue, swept into oblivion.
I did not have to open my eyes to know where I was। I was either in the hospital or heaven. A strong smell of medicine assaulted my nose and sobs reached my ears. Groggily, I rubbed my pair of eyes before fluttering them open. My mother shrieked in delight and enveloped me in bear hugs. “Thank god,” my mother mouthed. Then a man in white came entering the room, most probably a doctor. He asked me how I was feeling and I told him that I was fine. However, I was still confused why I was lying at the hospital at that moment. Then, images of the incident flitted in and out from my mind before everything came back in a rush. “Dad!” I screamed. My sudden scream shocked my mother obviously who stood rooted to the spot. “I meant how my father was,” I explained. My mother replied, “He was fine and had only suffered a minor cut on his forehead.” I heaved a huge sigh of relief upon hearing that.
“Joanne,” my father called me. I was jolted out from my reverie by my father. “You seemed to be deep in thoughts. What were you thinking about? Tell me about it,” my father queried. “The incident which almost cost your life,” I answered.
I looked at the scar on my arm. All the horror and pain I had tried so hard to push back to the back of my mind came rushing back like a newsreel. I was transported to that fateful day.
My father and I had just spent our day at the Science Discovery Centre and we were heading home after that. Dark clouds were starting to charge menacingly towards the helpless fluffy clouds. Sparks of lightning illuminated the sky and thunder roared. KABOOM! Lightning struck a tree above us and it started to fall. Both my father and I were indeed horrified at the scene before our eyes.
Crash! A huge shadow loomed above us. The windscreen shattered as the car crumpled like a can of drink under the weight of a big bulky tree. I screamed in pain as a flying piece of glass cut into my arm, drawing blood. Turning around, I noticed that my father was gasping for air. “Past me my…my inhaler…”he managed to mutter under his breath, “it’s in my pocket.” Snapping back to my senses, I searched frantically for the inhaler in my father pocket but to no avail. Beads of perspiration were starting to trickle down from my forehead as I panicked. Where did my father place his inhaler? My father would die from his asthma attack without his inhaler! I must find the inhaler! “Stay calm and concentrate! Stay calm!!” a voice at the back of my mind commanded.
“Hold on, dad. Hold on,” I told him. “Are you all right?” I asked with worries and concerns. Through his haze of pain in his chest, I could see that he could make out my anxious voice asking him if he was fine. He opened his mouth but nothing came out from his parched throat. The words seemed to be stuck in his throat. At that moment, I noticed a small line of blood was dripping from his head onto his shirt, staining it ruby-red. Before long, he fainted.
“Dad?” I inquired. However, there was no answer. I sobbed bitter tears as I tried to force open the door –to get out from the danger zone. I thought of nothing but the need to get out from the car. I desperately wanted to get out, to get help for my father. To my dismay, the door just would not bulge, no matter how hard I pushed it. Energy was draining out from me as blood gushed out from the gash I had. Mustering all the remaining energy, I pound hard on the door. It finally opened and I tumbled out of the wrecked car, into the rain. I lay on the wet road, too tired to scream for help, too tired to even move a finger. The water around me was slowly but surely turning red with my blood.
Minutes seemed like hours before help finally arrived. Tap, tap, tap. The sound was from footsteps. My expression altered from loneliness to happiness as my eyes flickered with tears of hope. Just at that moment, I felt as if my last thin thread of consciousness was slipping away from me due to sheer fatigue, swept into oblivion.
I did not have to open my eyes to know where I was। I was either in the hospital or heaven. A strong smell of medicine assaulted my nose and sobs reached my ears. Groggily, I rubbed my pair of eyes before fluttering them open. My mother shrieked in delight and enveloped me in bear hugs. “Thank god,” my mother mouthed. Then a man in white came entering the room, most probably a doctor. He asked me how I was feeling and I told him that I was fine. However, I was still confused why I was lying at the hospital at that moment. Then, images of the incident flitted in and out from my mind before everything came back in a rush. “Dad!” I screamed. My sudden scream shocked my mother obviously who stood rooted to the spot. “I meant how my father was,” I explained. My mother replied, “He was fine and had only suffered a minor cut on his forehead.” I heaved a huge sigh of relief upon hearing that.
“Joanne,” my father called me. I was jolted out from my reverie by my father. “You seemed to be deep in thoughts. What were you thinking about? Tell me about it,” my father queried. “The incident which almost cost your life,” I answered.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Fire
Fire
I sank slowly onto the armchair, my clammy hands gripping the armrests. My eyes were transfixed on the television screen. All the horror and pain I had tried so hard to push to the back of my mind came rushing back as the images of the roaring fire flashed on the television screen. In an instant, I was transported back to that fateful night.
The armchair groaned under the full weight of me. My lanky body stretched, reposing comfortable on it. The lonely house was full of memories. I stared sadly at the photograph of the lovely lady placed in the centre of the altar. The wind blew out the candles on each side of the photograph. Sighing softly, I re-lighted the candles. Tired out from the funeral, lethargy set in and my eyelids drew closer and closer. I fell into a deep slumber.
The candles continued to flicker in the dimly-lit room. An extra strong gust of wind blew at the flimsy curtains which fluttered close to the candles. Then, a tiny corner of the curtain touched the gentle dancing flame.
I was suddenly awakened. I took in a deep breath and smelt smoke. Smoke? How could there be smoke? Groggily, I rubbed my eyes before fluttering them opened. It took my eyes a few moments to be adjusted to the sudden light. I was indeed horrified at the scene before my eyes with my mouth falling wide-opened. I was completely in a dilemma, not knowing what to be done at that particular moment. Snapping back to my senses, I took the bottle of water beside me, turned the cap and poured the water onto the flame.
Instead of being smaller, the flame grew. Fingers of flame seemed to grab me. It was like a horseman whipping the back of a horse. The place felt like a furnace. Acid smoke filled my lungs. My lungs burned and felt as if it was going to burst. The inferno advanced inch by inch towards me, devouring everything in its path. The flame was spreading rapidly. Adrenaline was pumping at my legs. Run! Run! The words flashed across my mind like a neon sign. I looked around frantically for an escape route, for a place to hide, for anything to get away from the fire. However, lady luck did not seem to be on my side. By now, I was surrounded by ferocious, fury flames. The red demons licked the walls and danced around me, as if celebrating the victory of a successful capture of their prey. The raging fire in front of me had blocked my way to safety!
Tears were starting to form in my eyes, threatening to spill out. “Stay calm! Stay calm!!!” a voice at the back of my mind commanded. I tried to wipe away the tears with the back of my hand but even doing so was difficult. I thought of nothing but to escape from the raging fire before my eyes. However, I could not concentrate at all! Tears just streamed down my face like a waterfall. Never had I once in my life felt so helpless and pathetic. I opened my mouth to scream for help, hoping against hope that someone would hear me and call the fire brigade and ambulance.
My screams soon died out as no one answered my prayers. I knew that chances of being rescued were low. “God must be punishing me for my past deeds,” I thought, “Mum and dad, please forgive me.” Just as I thought I would just perish in the fire, sirens of the fire brigade and ambulance rent the silent air. My expression immediately altered from loneliness to happiness my eyes flickered with a glint of hope. Help had finally arrived! Firemen jumped out from their trunks and got to work almost instantly. I could not even wait till the firemen saved me when I felt the last thin thread of consciousness slipping away, swept into oblivion due to the sheer fatigue from all the screaming.
I did not have to open my eyes to know where I was. I was either in the hospital or the heaven. A strong smell of medicine assaulted my nose. Sobs reached my ears. I fluttered opened my eyes groggily to see my mother wiping away her tears before shrieking in delight and enveloping in bear hugs. For my father, he mouthed, “Thank god.” “Daddy. daddy! You have finally waked up!” my son exclaimed. At that moment, a man in white came into the room, probably a doctor. “Are you all right?” the doctor asked. I told him that I was fine but was still confused. Then, images of the incident flitted in and out of my mind and everything came back in a rush.
“Daddy!” I was jolted out from my reverie by my son. “What are you thinking about?” my son queried. “Nothing,” I lied as tears coursed down my cheeks. “Why are you crying?” my son inquired. Wiping away the tears on my face, I smiled at my son.
I sank slowly onto the armchair, my clammy hands gripping the armrests. My eyes were transfixed on the television screen. All the horror and pain I had tried so hard to push to the back of my mind came rushing back as the images of the roaring fire flashed on the television screen. In an instant, I was transported back to that fateful night.
The armchair groaned under the full weight of me. My lanky body stretched, reposing comfortable on it. The lonely house was full of memories. I stared sadly at the photograph of the lovely lady placed in the centre of the altar. The wind blew out the candles on each side of the photograph. Sighing softly, I re-lighted the candles. Tired out from the funeral, lethargy set in and my eyelids drew closer and closer. I fell into a deep slumber.
The candles continued to flicker in the dimly-lit room. An extra strong gust of wind blew at the flimsy curtains which fluttered close to the candles. Then, a tiny corner of the curtain touched the gentle dancing flame.
I was suddenly awakened. I took in a deep breath and smelt smoke. Smoke? How could there be smoke? Groggily, I rubbed my eyes before fluttering them opened. It took my eyes a few moments to be adjusted to the sudden light. I was indeed horrified at the scene before my eyes with my mouth falling wide-opened. I was completely in a dilemma, not knowing what to be done at that particular moment. Snapping back to my senses, I took the bottle of water beside me, turned the cap and poured the water onto the flame.
Instead of being smaller, the flame grew. Fingers of flame seemed to grab me. It was like a horseman whipping the back of a horse. The place felt like a furnace. Acid smoke filled my lungs. My lungs burned and felt as if it was going to burst. The inferno advanced inch by inch towards me, devouring everything in its path. The flame was spreading rapidly. Adrenaline was pumping at my legs. Run! Run! The words flashed across my mind like a neon sign. I looked around frantically for an escape route, for a place to hide, for anything to get away from the fire. However, lady luck did not seem to be on my side. By now, I was surrounded by ferocious, fury flames. The red demons licked the walls and danced around me, as if celebrating the victory of a successful capture of their prey. The raging fire in front of me had blocked my way to safety!
Tears were starting to form in my eyes, threatening to spill out. “Stay calm! Stay calm!!!” a voice at the back of my mind commanded. I tried to wipe away the tears with the back of my hand but even doing so was difficult. I thought of nothing but to escape from the raging fire before my eyes. However, I could not concentrate at all! Tears just streamed down my face like a waterfall. Never had I once in my life felt so helpless and pathetic. I opened my mouth to scream for help, hoping against hope that someone would hear me and call the fire brigade and ambulance.
My screams soon died out as no one answered my prayers. I knew that chances of being rescued were low. “God must be punishing me for my past deeds,” I thought, “Mum and dad, please forgive me.” Just as I thought I would just perish in the fire, sirens of the fire brigade and ambulance rent the silent air. My expression immediately altered from loneliness to happiness my eyes flickered with a glint of hope. Help had finally arrived! Firemen jumped out from their trunks and got to work almost instantly. I could not even wait till the firemen saved me when I felt the last thin thread of consciousness slipping away, swept into oblivion due to the sheer fatigue from all the screaming.
I did not have to open my eyes to know where I was. I was either in the hospital or the heaven. A strong smell of medicine assaulted my nose. Sobs reached my ears. I fluttered opened my eyes groggily to see my mother wiping away her tears before shrieking in delight and enveloping in bear hugs. For my father, he mouthed, “Thank god.” “Daddy. daddy! You have finally waked up!” my son exclaimed. At that moment, a man in white came into the room, probably a doctor. “Are you all right?” the doctor asked. I told him that I was fine but was still confused. Then, images of the incident flitted in and out of my mind and everything came back in a rush.
“Daddy!” I was jolted out from my reverie by my son. “What are you thinking about?” my son queried. “Nothing,” I lied as tears coursed down my cheeks. “Why are you crying?” my son inquired. Wiping away the tears on my face, I smiled at my son.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Fall
Fall
Although my twin brother did not blame me, I was ashamed of myself. If only I had listened to his advice, he would not be in this state. If only… No matter what I do now, it was still too late for regrets. The incident came flooding into my mind like a newsreel.
“Class, read your storybooks quietly while I go out for a while,” Miss Tan said after she received a call. Then, she strode out of the classroom hurriedly. “Hooray!” The boys in our class were in an uproar and punched their fists into the air victoriously and the girls pranced around happily. My twin brother, Nick, was reading quietly as usual. Although we were twins, our character was totally different.
“Look at me. I bet none of you can do this,” I boasted before jumping from one table to another. Everyone in the class, except Nick, was staring in awe at my somersaults. They cheered and applauded. “Michael, come down now,” Nick pleaded with me. I gave him a slight push. Infuriated, he tugged at my shirt harder for this time. Losing my balance, I slipped and my whole body weight crashed on Nick. Nick lay eagled-spread on the ground, doubling over in agony,
I was in a daze with my mouth fell open. Snapping back to my senses, I asked with concern, “Are you all right?” Through his haze of pain, I could see that he could make out my anxious voice asking him if he was fine. He opened his mouth but nothing came out from his parched throat. The words seemed to be stuck at his throat. Beads of perspiration dripped down from his forehead. The pain was excruciating for him. He closed his pair of eyes slowly before he was out like a light.
Everyone in the class looked at one another, speechless –not knowing what to do including me. Just then, Miss Tan was standing at the door. “What has exactly happened?” she asked with a rather surprise tone. Nick was lying on the ground like a rag doll –motionless. Why didn’t I listen to his advice? I stared at Nick hard and swallowed the lump in my throat. Nothing must happen to him. I would never forgive myself for anything that happened to him. The words flashed in my mind repeatedly.
Almost instantly after understanding the situation, Miss Tan whipped out her mobile phone and dialed the numbers for the ambulance. Trying to appear strong, I held my tears.
Minutes seemed like hours before a white ambulance with a red crass on it arrived. The sirens of the ambulance rent the silent afternoon. Paramedics raced to Nick with a stretcher. I accompanied Nick into the ambulance with Miss Tan. After a few minutes, the ambulance lurched and moved forward a little before coming to a stop. Paramedics immediately transferred Nick from the stretcher to a movable bad. They pushed him into the emergency room while Miss Tan and I were led to chairs located outside the room.
Tears threatened to spill out from my eyes. I prayed fervently to Nick that he must be all right. At that moment, my parents arrived. Concerns and worries were all written on their faces. With bated breath, they paced the aisle anxiously. After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor came out from the emergency room with a grim face. His face told it all. “Your son has fractured his leg and may not be able to walk for the rest of his life again. Sorry,” the doctor pronounced.
Kneeling beside Nick’s bed, I apologised sincerely, “I…I am…am so sorry. I should have…” I did not finish my sentence before tears had already streamed down to my cheeks. “You do not have to apologise to me. I am glad that you have decided to change for the better. That’s enough. I will not blame you for my injury,” my twin brother told me.
“Michael, “my father called me. I was jolted out from my reverie. “We will go for lunch now,” my father said. I wiped away the tears forming on my eyes but even doing so was difficult.
Although my twin brother did not blame me, I was ashamed of myself. If only I had listened to his advice, he would not be in this state. If only… No matter what I do now, it was still too late for regrets. The incident came flooding into my mind like a newsreel.
“Class, read your storybooks quietly while I go out for a while,” Miss Tan said after she received a call. Then, she strode out of the classroom hurriedly. “Hooray!” The boys in our class were in an uproar and punched their fists into the air victoriously and the girls pranced around happily. My twin brother, Nick, was reading quietly as usual. Although we were twins, our character was totally different.
“Look at me. I bet none of you can do this,” I boasted before jumping from one table to another. Everyone in the class, except Nick, was staring in awe at my somersaults. They cheered and applauded. “Michael, come down now,” Nick pleaded with me. I gave him a slight push. Infuriated, he tugged at my shirt harder for this time. Losing my balance, I slipped and my whole body weight crashed on Nick. Nick lay eagled-spread on the ground, doubling over in agony,
I was in a daze with my mouth fell open. Snapping back to my senses, I asked with concern, “Are you all right?” Through his haze of pain, I could see that he could make out my anxious voice asking him if he was fine. He opened his mouth but nothing came out from his parched throat. The words seemed to be stuck at his throat. Beads of perspiration dripped down from his forehead. The pain was excruciating for him. He closed his pair of eyes slowly before he was out like a light.
Everyone in the class looked at one another, speechless –not knowing what to do including me. Just then, Miss Tan was standing at the door. “What has exactly happened?” she asked with a rather surprise tone. Nick was lying on the ground like a rag doll –motionless. Why didn’t I listen to his advice? I stared at Nick hard and swallowed the lump in my throat. Nothing must happen to him. I would never forgive myself for anything that happened to him. The words flashed in my mind repeatedly.
Almost instantly after understanding the situation, Miss Tan whipped out her mobile phone and dialed the numbers for the ambulance. Trying to appear strong, I held my tears.
Minutes seemed like hours before a white ambulance with a red crass on it arrived. The sirens of the ambulance rent the silent afternoon. Paramedics raced to Nick with a stretcher. I accompanied Nick into the ambulance with Miss Tan. After a few minutes, the ambulance lurched and moved forward a little before coming to a stop. Paramedics immediately transferred Nick from the stretcher to a movable bad. They pushed him into the emergency room while Miss Tan and I were led to chairs located outside the room.
Tears threatened to spill out from my eyes. I prayed fervently to Nick that he must be all right. At that moment, my parents arrived. Concerns and worries were all written on their faces. With bated breath, they paced the aisle anxiously. After what seemed like an eternity, the doctor came out from the emergency room with a grim face. His face told it all. “Your son has fractured his leg and may not be able to walk for the rest of his life again. Sorry,” the doctor pronounced.
Kneeling beside Nick’s bed, I apologised sincerely, “I…I am…am so sorry. I should have…” I did not finish my sentence before tears had already streamed down to my cheeks. “You do not have to apologise to me. I am glad that you have decided to change for the better. That’s enough. I will not blame you for my injury,” my twin brother told me.
“Michael, “my father called me. I was jolted out from my reverie. “We will go for lunch now,” my father said. I wiped away the tears forming on my eyes but even doing so was difficult.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Fight
Fight
Sweat was trickling down from my forehead profusely. I rolled up my sleeves as I sat on a bench in the canteen. “They could still play basketball after two hours,” I thought while looking at my watch.
Suddenly, I could hear someone shouting angrily, “Thief!” What was going on? Why was someone screaming in the middle of the game? I took a few steps forward before stopping in my tracks. I cringed. What if something were to happen to me? As curiosity got the better of me, I walked towards the basketball court. By now, a crowd had already gathered in the court. Being smaller-sized than my other friends, I squeezed my way to the front.
One of them was my best friend, Jack, and the other was our class bully, Mark. How did Jack land himself into such trouble? Both Jack and Matt’s faces had turned into a dark shade of red. Their hands were curled into tight fists. Glaring out through their bulging eyes, they breathed heavily. The veins in their necks seemed ready to pop out. They were staring at each other like ferocious, wild animals, ready to deliver their knockout blow.
Matt gave a punch into Matt’s stomach. Jack staggered but he soon regained his balance. Jack’s eyes narrowed as he aimed for Matt’s stomach. His leg found its mark and Matt crashed to the floor. Obviously embarrassed, Matt pulled himself up. He raised his right leg, straightened it and lashed out into Jack’s chin. His foot powered into Jack’s chin with such great force that he did not have time to cry out. Jack fell to the ground. He looked dazed and lay spread-eagle. Taking advantage of the situation, Matt rained blows after blows at Jack – punching and kicking him. Jack’s eyes remained close. He was totally defenseless against the cruel assault. I gasped and heard someone shouting at Matt to stop. I realised that the person was me. However, I did not dare to strike as I was afraid of being hit.
“Shut up! What right do you have to interfere in this situation!” Matt thundered. I stood rooted to the ground, not knowing what to say. Suddenly, I head a familiar Voice. Immediately, I regconised that it was our discipline master. “Stop fighting at once!” he ordered. Almost instantly, the crowd dispersed at the sight of him. He was totally speechless when he saw Jack. Snapping back to his senses, he whipped out his mobile phone and dialed the numbers for the ambulance.
Minutes seemed like hours before the ambulance arrived. Paramedics jumped out of the ambulance with a stretcher. They lifted Jack onto the stretcher. “Who is accompanying?” one of the paramedics asked. Both Miss Tam and I raised our hands. With much persuasion, Miss Tam allowed me to accompany Jack. In the ambulance, I prayed fervently to Jack.
After what seemed like an eternity, we reached the hospital. Jack was brought into the emergency room while Miss Tam and I were led to chairs outside the room. “Jack must be all right. He must be fine. Don’t let god take him away from Earth. Please don’t,” I whispered to myself repeatedly.
Jack’s parents entered the hospital with a worried look. “How’s my son?” Jack’s mother inquired. “Nothing must happen to my son,” she sobbed. At a loss of words, Miss Tam patted her shoulders reassuringly. Jack’s father was trying to look strong; however, I could see that tears were threatening to spill out of his eyes. Just then, the doctor came out of the emergency room with a grim face but brightened up as he approached Jack’s parents. “He’s fine,” he told Jack’s parents. Both of Jack’s parents shrieked in delight upon hearing the news.
The next day, Matt was expelled from school as he was believed to be a threat of danger to others. Investigations revealed that Jack was not the one who stole Matt’s wallet but was accused as he was in the class at the point of time.
Sweat was trickling down from my forehead profusely. I rolled up my sleeves as I sat on a bench in the canteen. “They could still play basketball after two hours,” I thought while looking at my watch.
Suddenly, I could hear someone shouting angrily, “Thief!” What was going on? Why was someone screaming in the middle of the game? I took a few steps forward before stopping in my tracks. I cringed. What if something were to happen to me? As curiosity got the better of me, I walked towards the basketball court. By now, a crowd had already gathered in the court. Being smaller-sized than my other friends, I squeezed my way to the front.
One of them was my best friend, Jack, and the other was our class bully, Mark. How did Jack land himself into such trouble? Both Jack and Matt’s faces had turned into a dark shade of red. Their hands were curled into tight fists. Glaring out through their bulging eyes, they breathed heavily. The veins in their necks seemed ready to pop out. They were staring at each other like ferocious, wild animals, ready to deliver their knockout blow.
Matt gave a punch into Matt’s stomach. Jack staggered but he soon regained his balance. Jack’s eyes narrowed as he aimed for Matt’s stomach. His leg found its mark and Matt crashed to the floor. Obviously embarrassed, Matt pulled himself up. He raised his right leg, straightened it and lashed out into Jack’s chin. His foot powered into Jack’s chin with such great force that he did not have time to cry out. Jack fell to the ground. He looked dazed and lay spread-eagle. Taking advantage of the situation, Matt rained blows after blows at Jack – punching and kicking him. Jack’s eyes remained close. He was totally defenseless against the cruel assault. I gasped and heard someone shouting at Matt to stop. I realised that the person was me. However, I did not dare to strike as I was afraid of being hit.
“Shut up! What right do you have to interfere in this situation!” Matt thundered. I stood rooted to the ground, not knowing what to say. Suddenly, I head a familiar Voice. Immediately, I regconised that it was our discipline master. “Stop fighting at once!” he ordered. Almost instantly, the crowd dispersed at the sight of him. He was totally speechless when he saw Jack. Snapping back to his senses, he whipped out his mobile phone and dialed the numbers for the ambulance.
Minutes seemed like hours before the ambulance arrived. Paramedics jumped out of the ambulance with a stretcher. They lifted Jack onto the stretcher. “Who is accompanying?” one of the paramedics asked. Both Miss Tam and I raised our hands. With much persuasion, Miss Tam allowed me to accompany Jack. In the ambulance, I prayed fervently to Jack.
After what seemed like an eternity, we reached the hospital. Jack was brought into the emergency room while Miss Tam and I were led to chairs outside the room. “Jack must be all right. He must be fine. Don’t let god take him away from Earth. Please don’t,” I whispered to myself repeatedly.
Jack’s parents entered the hospital with a worried look. “How’s my son?” Jack’s mother inquired. “Nothing must happen to my son,” she sobbed. At a loss of words, Miss Tam patted her shoulders reassuringly. Jack’s father was trying to look strong; however, I could see that tears were threatening to spill out of his eyes. Just then, the doctor came out of the emergency room with a grim face but brightened up as he approached Jack’s parents. “He’s fine,” he told Jack’s parents. Both of Jack’s parents shrieked in delight upon hearing the news.
The next day, Matt was expelled from school as he was believed to be a threat of danger to others. Investigations revealed that Jack was not the one who stole Matt’s wallet but was accused as he was in the class at the point of time.
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