A lesson learnt

I reached the edge of the shortcut just as the last glimmer of light left the sky. I stifled a yawn and wished that I was in my cosy bed sleeping like a log. I had just came back from Sue's house.

Sue was my best friend in school and she was a fun and amiable person. She invited me to come to her house to play as well as to bake a scrumptious log cake.

By the time I left her house,  exhaustion was seeping through my body. I had decided to take the shortcut that led to my home. Although Mum gave me warnings countless times never to take the shortcut as there were wild dogs that attacked people, I turned a deaf ear.

The shortcut was a path through a big patch of grassland. I tiptoed through out the path as I knew that dog's ears are very sensitive and could hear even very soft sounds.

However, even taking such precautions, I heard a low growl coming from my right. Taking a step backwards, I had accidentally stepped on a branch that appeared out of nowhere.

The surrounding air became very still, almost eerie. I shuddered. My hands turned clammy. I quickened my pace. Soon enough, I was running for my life! The growl turned to menacing barking as a pack of wild dogs appeared before me. They bored their fangs.

Being the slowest sprinter in my class, the dogs could easily catch up with me - one of them even tore of the flesh off my ankle!

I grimaced in pain as I ran even faster - even faster than before. Nothing was in my mind. I only knew that I had to escape. Something bright suddenly caught my eye. It was the bright lights of the coffee shop at the other side of the short cut!  Knowing it was my only hope to escape death, I made a beeline for my safety area - the coffee shop. I dashed recklessly across the road and turned around to face my attackers.

However there was nothing in sight. Did they disappear into thin air? I wanted to know, but I did not dare to go back again. All that remained of that harrowing incident was an excruciating bleeding ankle.

Tears began to stream down my face as I panted to my house. When I got home, I embraced my parents tightly, telling them what had happened. They bandaged my ankle before bringing me to the clinic for a jab and calling the National Environmental Agency ( NEA ).

I truly deserved what had happened to me. If I had listened to my Mum's advice, I would not be hurt or even be attacked by dogs. I had surely learnt my lesson the hard way.

The Birthday Gift - Written by my P4 bro - edited

The aroma of the scrambled eggs and bacon filled the air. Mum was busy preparing breakfast in the kitchen. Today was a special day - Mum's birthday. I grabbed the opportunity to sneak to my piggy bank and take out twenty dollars to get Mum a surprise birthday present.

Quickly, I sat down to eat my scrumptious breakfast. I then bade farewell to Mum and told her I had supplementary lessons after school that day. 

The long day at school finally ended at 1.45pm. Excitedly, I put my plan to action. I sped - at full speed to the nearest shopping mall in sight, Junction 8. There, I browsed through the various shops. Just as I was about to exit a store, I settled my eyes on a cute wallet. I had a feeling that Mum was going to love this present. Grinning from ear to ear, I immediately got a staff to wrap the present up after purchasing it. Skipping all the way home with the present in my hands, I tried to visualize the expression on Mum's face. 

No sooner had I reached home then sensed something was amiss. When I stepped into the living room, I thought how happy Mum would be upon receiving this gift. My happy thoughts were interrupted by Mum brandishing a cane. Her face was as dark as a thundercloud. Her face turned purple with rage and she boomed," Joel's mother told me there was no supplementary today! How there you lie to me!"

Before I could reply, I heard the swishing sound of the cane. The next instant, I felt the agonizing pain.  It was as if she had put a red hot poker on me. She ranted and raved at me. Whatever I said, it was no use. She was blinded with rage. She hit me several more times while I pleaded with her to stop. It was to no avail. Suddenly the gift rolled out. Sobbing, I muttered,"Happy birthday Mum."

Mum's face turned pale. Surprisingly, she apologized to me. Enveloping me in her arms, she thanked me for the present and vowed to me that she would never jump to conclusions. As for me, I learnt never to lie , not even a white lie

Felix Lee Heng Rui

Catholic High School