Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Anti drug story
By Elliot
April 20, 2010
“I am sick and tired of all this!” screamed my mother as she stormed out of the house to go to work.
Dad stared at her retreating back, his fist clenched white by his side. His shoulders drooped in defeat. I gobbled my cornflakes as though my life depended on it, hoping that the noisy, crunching sounds would block out this painfully familiar scene in front of me.
Hot waves of heat wafted in through the open windows of the class room. The teacher droned on about force and friction. The oppressive midday heat almost defeated my attempt to pay attention. I fought a losing battle to stay away.
“Ouch! What’s that?” I exclaimed in shock.
Luckily, the teacher did not notice the small commotion. I glanced back and saw Sandy gesturing to me with a note. I grabbed the note and grimaced to signal her to act normal. Then turning back, I slipped the note under the table. At the next opportunity, I sneaked a look at the note. I lifted my eyebrow in anticipation. I could hardly contain my excitement.
The pulsing music set my heart throbbing faster and the flickering disco lights made me wish that I had not only worn my party best but also my mum’s rhinestone studded sunglasses. Smoke permeated the air as teenagers gyrated to the jarring music. I wished I had not accepted Lisa’s invitation to her famous weekly Saturday parties.
Lisa was new in class. She had transferred from another school at the end of last term. There were some speculations about the reason for her transfer. But as she was super rich and cool, people soon forgot about why she left her previous school. Imagine being able to stay alone in a big apartment by herself because her parents are in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her parties were well known and only good looking girls are invited. I was regretting my decision to lie to my parents and come when I saw Sandy waving to me from the midst of the thong of undulating bodies.
“Hey, Michelle! I have something really cool to show you.” Sandy exclaimed above the din. “Come to Lisa’s room.”
Curiosity welled up and I followed her into the bright fuchsia, perfumed room. It was really overpowering. Lisa must be burning some kind of incense as I could smelled something weird. She was lying on her bed smoking, a dreamy look on her face.
“Come, have a hit.” she smiled, enticingly. There was a glint of challenge in her eyes as though she was assessing me.
My mind raced and debated as I took a hesitant step forward. It was only a smoke, it would not kill me. The thought of being branded a coward was too much to bear. I stretched out my hand, grabbed the cigarette and took a tentative puff. The past few months of domestic tension slipped off my young shoulders. I felt deliciously dreamy. I sank into the bed took another puff and floated away. Pure bliss.
Like a bolt out of the blue, a siren blared. I was brought back to earth with a jolt. Police! Someone shouted. My drug-befuddled brain could not comprehend what was the big deal. Outside the room was pandemonium as police rushed in arresting everyone on sight and frisking them. The music had stopped but the disco lights still pulsed and rotated like a bad comedy.
“Oh no! Not again! I will go to prison this time!” wailed Lisa.
Sandy grabbed me and tried to push me under the bed. But I was too dazed to move. Then three policemen rush in and started to handcuff all of us. It finally sank into me the horrible reality of what was happening. I had been caught taking drugs! A cold fear spread from my stomach and I started vomiting. My parents are going to kill me.
We were all herded unceremoniously into the police van and driven to the police station. Apparently, some neighbour called the police and complained about rowdiness. The police took all our particulars and called our parents as we were all below eighteen years of age. As I was waiting there at the station, the enormity of the offense struck me. I was so remorseful and embarrassed. I wished the floor could open up and swallow me up. Why did I give in to temptation? I should have known nothing can really make my problems go away.
It seemed like an eternity or was it a blink of an eye. My parents, united at last, were here to pick me up. I could not meet their eyes. After the paper works, they took me to our car. They still had not said anything to me. I knew I was in a cauldron of trouble.
Once in the car, my mum burst in a tirade of questions and scolding. Something broke in me. Was it my heart? Was it just temper long held? I started screaming back. All the fears of them having a divorce, tensions of their prolonged quarrels finally burst forth, raging like a mighty river. Why? Why can you people be nice to each other like our neighbour, Elliot’s parents. Why can I not have a normal childhood. I ranted. And ranted. Till my voice cracked.
It was then I realized that both mum and dad were holding hands and sobbing quieting. I was so exhausted. I cannot care anymore. It was too painful.
“Lets all go for counseling.” said my dad quietly. “We will sort things out. It will be all right you see.”
Over the next two months we went for counseling. Our family started to heal together. As for the drug offense, I was given a warning since I was only thirteen and Sandy had testified that it was my first time and I did not know what I was doing. Sandy and Lisa both had to go to a Girls’ Home. I learnt in life there will always be problems but drugs are not the solution. I choose life not drugs.
By Elliot
April 20, 2010
“I am sick and tired of all this!” screamed my mother as she stormed out of the house to go to work.
Dad stared at her retreating back, his fist clenched white by his side. His shoulders drooped in defeat. I gobbled my cornflakes as though my life depended on it, hoping that the noisy, crunching sounds would block out this painfully familiar scene in front of me.
Hot waves of heat wafted in through the open windows of the class room. The teacher droned on about force and friction. The oppressive midday heat almost defeated my attempt to pay attention. I fought a losing battle to stay away.
“Ouch! What’s that?” I exclaimed in shock.
Luckily, the teacher did not notice the small commotion. I glanced back and saw Sandy gesturing to me with a note. I grabbed the note and grimaced to signal her to act normal. Then turning back, I slipped the note under the table. At the next opportunity, I sneaked a look at the note. I lifted my eyebrow in anticipation. I could hardly contain my excitement.
The pulsing music set my heart throbbing faster and the flickering disco lights made me wish that I had not only worn my party best but also my mum’s rhinestone studded sunglasses. Smoke permeated the air as teenagers gyrated to the jarring music. I wished I had not accepted Lisa’s invitation to her famous weekly Saturday parties.
Lisa was new in class. She had transferred from another school at the end of last term. There were some speculations about the reason for her transfer. But as she was super rich and cool, people soon forgot about why she left her previous school. Imagine being able to stay alone in a big apartment by herself because her parents are in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her parties were well known and only good looking girls are invited. I was regretting my decision to lie to my parents and come when I saw Sandy waving to me from the midst of the thong of undulating bodies.
“Hey, Michelle! I have something really cool to show you.” Sandy exclaimed above the din. “Come to Lisa’s room.”
Curiosity welled up and I followed her into the bright fuchsia, perfumed room. It was really overpowering. Lisa must be burning some kind of incense as I could smelled something weird. She was lying on her bed smoking, a dreamy look on her face.
“Come, have a hit.” she smiled, enticingly. There was a glint of challenge in her eyes as though she was assessing me.
My mind raced and debated as I took a hesitant step forward. It was only a smoke, it would not kill me. The thought of being branded a coward was too much to bear. I stretched out my hand, grabbed the cigarette and took a tentative puff. The past few months of domestic tension slipped off my young shoulders. I felt deliciously dreamy. I sank into the bed took another puff and floated away. Pure bliss.
Like a bolt out of the blue, a siren blared. I was brought back to earth with a jolt. Police! Someone shouted. My drug-befuddled brain could not comprehend what was the big deal. Outside the room was pandemonium as police rushed in arresting everyone on sight and frisking them. The music had stopped but the disco lights still pulsed and rotated like a bad comedy.
“Oh no! Not again! I will go to prison this time!” wailed Lisa.
Sandy grabbed me and tried to push me under the bed. But I was too dazed to move. Then three policemen rush in and started to handcuff all of us. It finally sank into me the horrible reality of what was happening. I had been caught taking drugs! A cold fear spread from my stomach and I started vomiting. My parents are going to kill me.
We were all herded unceremoniously into the police van and driven to the police station. Apparently, some neighbour called the police and complained about rowdiness. The police took all our particulars and called our parents as we were all below eighteen years of age. As I was waiting there at the station, the enormity of the offense struck me. I was so remorseful and embarrassed. I wished the floor could open up and swallow me up. Why did I give in to temptation? I should have known nothing can really make my problems go away.
It seemed like an eternity or was it a blink of an eye. My parents, united at last, were here to pick me up. I could not meet their eyes. After the paper works, they took me to our car. They still had not said anything to me. I knew I was in a cauldron of trouble.
Once in the car, my mum burst in a tirade of questions and scolding. Something broke in me. Was it my heart? Was it just temper long held? I started screaming back. All the fears of them having a divorce, tensions of their prolonged quarrels finally burst forth, raging like a mighty river. Why? Why can you people be nice to each other like our neighbour, Elliot’s parents. Why can I not have a normal childhood. I ranted. And ranted. Till my voice cracked.
It was then I realized that both mum and dad were holding hands and sobbing quieting. I was so exhausted. I cannot care anymore. It was too painful.
“Lets all go for counseling.” said my dad quietly. “We will sort things out. It will be all right you see.”
Over the next two months we went for counseling. Our family started to heal together. As for the drug offense, I was given a warning since I was only thirteen and Sandy had testified that it was my first time and I did not know what I was doing. Sandy and Lisa both had to go to a Girls’ Home. I learnt in life there will always be problems but drugs are not the solution. I choose life not drugs.
Dog Attack
By Elliot
April 20, 2010
“Come on! Race you to the end!” shouted Sue, my sister, as she took off suddenly. She was hardly breathless even after our 4 kilometre jog round the park outside my estate in Shanghai, China.
The thought of losing to her once again galvanized me into action. I pumped my legs as fast as I could. The browning willow leaves by the pond slapped my face in admonition as I raced past with all my might. My track pants flapped against each other rhythmically. Almost there now. Sue’s long hair flew into my eyes as I drew alongside. The stinging pain slowed me just a split second. Alas, that was enough. With a gleeful breathless laugh, she triumphantly slapped the naked, knobby branch of the peach tree which was our usual terminal point.
“Not again!” I panted in defeat. “Not fair, it’s your hair’s fault.”
“You are right, James. You almost beat me. You are getting faster each time. Soon I’ll be eating your dust.” Sue consoled me.
It was a lovely, cool, late autumn evening. The air was infused with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus. Winter was fast approaching. This would be one of our last outdoor runs before it gets too cold. Our sweat cooled rapidly as we strolled the last 50 metres home, kicking up the fallen oak leaves. The orange hues of the swirling leaves looked like mini fires as our feet disturbed their resting place.
Like a bolt out of the blue, a loud crash was heard coming from our neighbour’s house. A piecing scream followed, shattering the peace of the tranquil evening. My heart thudding loudly, I followed Sue who was already peeping through the large gaps of the wooden fence. What I saw froze me to the spot.
A huge Doberman was standing at the opened kitchen doorway. It was foaming at the mouth. It stood there trembling. A low primal growl was emitting from the nightmarish beast. Through the doorway I could see little Tom, my six year old neighbour, standing in the kitchen with a shattered bowl at his feet. He looked petrified. His Chinese nanny was behind him. Her pale face was frozen in a grimace of fear.
“Oh James, what should we do?” whispered Sue urgently.
The sound of my normally brave and bossy sister asking me what to do shocked me out of my stupor.
“Quick, run home and call the police.” I urged her. “I will try to distract the dog.”
“Be careful James,” exclaimed Sue, squeezing my shoulders before running off.
I took a deep breathe to still my fear. I quickly scanned the compound for something I could use to defend myself against the rabid dog. I tried to pick a fallen branch but it was too heavy. As time was of essence, I picked the nearest things I could find; a fist size rock and a short stick. Thus armed, I was about to climb the short fence into the lion’s den when what I saw congealed my blood.
The rabid Doberman was crouching in preparation to lunge at tiny Tom. There was no time to climb in. Instinctively, I threw the rock at the drooling, foaming, crazy dog. The rock hit its back with a dull thud. It stopped short. Turned around slowly. Purposefuly. Locked eyes with me. Then it let out a blood-cuddling growl. Cold sweat broke out and peppered my brow. My legs trembled like jelly. Fear gripped me in a tight vice. I tried to scream. My dry throat could only managed a frightened croak.
The beast took a slow menacing step towards me. Tom’s nanny slammed the kitchen door closed with lightening speed. My fear-numbed brain registered a momentary sense of betrayal. Anger unlocked the hold of fear. I backed away slowly. The low wooden fence did not seem like much barrier against the slow relentless approach of the rabid dog. I stared at the manic bloodshot eyes. It took one more step, drooling and growling.
Suddenly, it leapt! Over the fence it loomed towards me. Its foaming mouth wide opened, saliva flying everywhere. It was a split second or perhaps an eternity. I could smell the putrid smell, the rotting stench of decaying filth. I thrust out the stick to protect myself. Its dripping fangs snapped closed miraculously on the stick. I pushed with all my might. Its foul smell made me gagged involuntarily. I pressed it against the fence. Beneath its matted, tick-infested fur, I could feel jutting ribs. Revulsion mingled with pity as I tried to keep the stick in its mouth.
The stick broke suddenly. The crazed dog sank its viral-infected fangs into my left arm. The pain was excruciating. I screamed. And screamed. It let go. I turned and tried to scramble away. I felt a heavy push on my back. I fell, tasting blood as my teeth closed on my lower lips. The beast stood over me. I could feel its hot breath on the back of my neck. Saliva dribbled on my neck. No! I am too young to die! I closed my eyes waiting for the inevitable.
An ear-splitting shot rang though the air. I felt its dead weight on my back. Something warm and wet spread down my back. I opened my eyes in disbelieve. I was saved! The police arrived in time.
Someone quickly pushed the body off me. I got up shakily. I looked at the pathetic fur bag and felt a strange sense of pity for the poor creature. Next Sue slammed into me in a tight hug.
“Thank God you are all right!” she sobbed in relief, shaking like a leaf.
“Thanks to you, Sue. You got the police here on time. If it were me, I wouldn’t have been able to call the police in Chinese.” I thanked her.
I was taken to the nearest hospital to stitch up my arm and to get the first of the 5 painful anti-rabies injections needed over the next month. My parents were informed and they rushed to see me at the hospital. They told me how proud they were of me. When they brought me home, Tom’s parents came with Tom and his nanny to thank me for saving Tom. My fiercely protective sister scolded the nanny for her selfish action. I was just thankful that I was able to save Tom and that I was alive. I also resolved to learn to speak Chinese.
By Elliot
April 20, 2010
“Come on! Race you to the end!” shouted Sue, my sister, as she took off suddenly. She was hardly breathless even after our 4 kilometre jog round the park outside my estate in Shanghai, China.
The thought of losing to her once again galvanized me into action. I pumped my legs as fast as I could. The browning willow leaves by the pond slapped my face in admonition as I raced past with all my might. My track pants flapped against each other rhythmically. Almost there now. Sue’s long hair flew into my eyes as I drew alongside. The stinging pain slowed me just a split second. Alas, that was enough. With a gleeful breathless laugh, she triumphantly slapped the naked, knobby branch of the peach tree which was our usual terminal point.
“Not again!” I panted in defeat. “Not fair, it’s your hair’s fault.”
“You are right, James. You almost beat me. You are getting faster each time. Soon I’ll be eating your dust.” Sue consoled me.
It was a lovely, cool, late autumn evening. The air was infused with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus. Winter was fast approaching. This would be one of our last outdoor runs before it gets too cold. Our sweat cooled rapidly as we strolled the last 50 metres home, kicking up the fallen oak leaves. The orange hues of the swirling leaves looked like mini fires as our feet disturbed their resting place.
Like a bolt out of the blue, a loud crash was heard coming from our neighbour’s house. A piecing scream followed, shattering the peace of the tranquil evening. My heart thudding loudly, I followed Sue who was already peeping through the large gaps of the wooden fence. What I saw froze me to the spot.
A huge Doberman was standing at the opened kitchen doorway. It was foaming at the mouth. It stood there trembling. A low primal growl was emitting from the nightmarish beast. Through the doorway I could see little Tom, my six year old neighbour, standing in the kitchen with a shattered bowl at his feet. He looked petrified. His Chinese nanny was behind him. Her pale face was frozen in a grimace of fear.
“Oh James, what should we do?” whispered Sue urgently.
The sound of my normally brave and bossy sister asking me what to do shocked me out of my stupor.
“Quick, run home and call the police.” I urged her. “I will try to distract the dog.”
“Be careful James,” exclaimed Sue, squeezing my shoulders before running off.
I took a deep breathe to still my fear. I quickly scanned the compound for something I could use to defend myself against the rabid dog. I tried to pick a fallen branch but it was too heavy. As time was of essence, I picked the nearest things I could find; a fist size rock and a short stick. Thus armed, I was about to climb the short fence into the lion’s den when what I saw congealed my blood.
The rabid Doberman was crouching in preparation to lunge at tiny Tom. There was no time to climb in. Instinctively, I threw the rock at the drooling, foaming, crazy dog. The rock hit its back with a dull thud. It stopped short. Turned around slowly. Purposefuly. Locked eyes with me. Then it let out a blood-cuddling growl. Cold sweat broke out and peppered my brow. My legs trembled like jelly. Fear gripped me in a tight vice. I tried to scream. My dry throat could only managed a frightened croak.
The beast took a slow menacing step towards me. Tom’s nanny slammed the kitchen door closed with lightening speed. My fear-numbed brain registered a momentary sense of betrayal. Anger unlocked the hold of fear. I backed away slowly. The low wooden fence did not seem like much barrier against the slow relentless approach of the rabid dog. I stared at the manic bloodshot eyes. It took one more step, drooling and growling.
Suddenly, it leapt! Over the fence it loomed towards me. Its foaming mouth wide opened, saliva flying everywhere. It was a split second or perhaps an eternity. I could smell the putrid smell, the rotting stench of decaying filth. I thrust out the stick to protect myself. Its dripping fangs snapped closed miraculously on the stick. I pushed with all my might. Its foul smell made me gagged involuntarily. I pressed it against the fence. Beneath its matted, tick-infested fur, I could feel jutting ribs. Revulsion mingled with pity as I tried to keep the stick in its mouth.
The stick broke suddenly. The crazed dog sank its viral-infected fangs into my left arm. The pain was excruciating. I screamed. And screamed. It let go. I turned and tried to scramble away. I felt a heavy push on my back. I fell, tasting blood as my teeth closed on my lower lips. The beast stood over me. I could feel its hot breath on the back of my neck. Saliva dribbled on my neck. No! I am too young to die! I closed my eyes waiting for the inevitable.
An ear-splitting shot rang though the air. I felt its dead weight on my back. Something warm and wet spread down my back. I opened my eyes in disbelieve. I was saved! The police arrived in time.
Someone quickly pushed the body off me. I got up shakily. I looked at the pathetic fur bag and felt a strange sense of pity for the poor creature. Next Sue slammed into me in a tight hug.
“Thank God you are all right!” she sobbed in relief, shaking like a leaf.
“Thanks to you, Sue. You got the police here on time. If it were me, I wouldn’t have been able to call the police in Chinese.” I thanked her.
I was taken to the nearest hospital to stitch up my arm and to get the first of the 5 painful anti-rabies injections needed over the next month. My parents were informed and they rushed to see me at the hospital. They told me how proud they were of me. When they brought me home, Tom’s parents came with Tom and his nanny to thank me for saving Tom. My fiercely protective sister scolded the nanny for her selfish action. I was just thankful that I was able to save Tom and that I was alive. I also resolved to learn to speak Chinese.
Treasure
By Elliot
April 21, 2010
“Come on! Don’t dawdle. We’ve still a long way to go.” exclaimed Sue impatiently.
Lucas and I exchanged an exasperated glance and shrugged, indicating shared suffering. “Is she always like that?” whispered Lucas, giving Sue a furtive glance.
“You haven’t seen anything yet!” I whispered back.
It was an enchanting spring morning. The flowers were in full bloom. Soft sunlight shimmered off the surface of the lake creating a million mini rainbows. The singing of the birds filled the air and the trees were budding. It was a prefect day for a hike after the long cold winter. My friend, Lucas, my sister, Sue and I were hiking at Sheshan Mountain.
Lucas and I were admiring the panoramic view while Sue was hurrying us to move on.
“Sue, the idea of hiking is to also enjoy ourselves. Not just hurrying to finish it,” retorted Lucas. “You don’t get a grade for finishing first.”
Before Sue could reply, I spotted something floating at the fringe of the lake. “Hey! Guys, stop fighting. Look over there. There’s something in the water.”
Sue dashed off to investigate even before I completed my sentence. The rest of us had no choice but to follow her like sheep. By the time we reached the lake, Sue was already trying to hook in the object with a stick she had picked up.
“Careful, it could be something dangerous or gory. Like a skull or something.” I cautioned her as most big brothers are obliged to.
Lucas almost fainted at the thought. Sue ignored me as usual and continued hooking the object. Rushing forward to help, I discovered that it was actually an antique wooden chest with bronze trimming and a rusty old lock. I scanned the surrounding for another stick to help hook in the chest. Almost immediately, I found a suitable branch and started trying to haul the chest in with Sue. The still water made it easy. In no time at all, the rusty old thing was dripping dirty, green, lake water by our feet. What is inside? Is it a treasure or something gross?
With mounting excitement, the three of us examined the exterior of the chest, hoping for a clue to what was inside. Finally, Lucas picked up a large stone and smashed the lock. The air was pregnant with anticipation as together we opened the chest. What we saw made us all gasp.
“A rock? All this effort just for a rock!” I blasted. Picking up the lousy, clayey, fist-sized piece of junk, I flunked it at the nearest tree. There was a loud thud as the ‘rock’ hit the tree trunk.
Crack! The ‘rock’ broke. Something red and sparkly got my eye. Sue race to the ‘rock’ and pick it up. Flaking off the rest of the dried mud, she revealed a large ruby! It was the most beautiful thing I had every seen. Deep red and mesmerizing. Shaped like a teardrop, it is 8 centimetres long.
“We are rich! We are rich!” exclaimed Sue exuberantly. She grabbed it and waltzed with it like a drunken person.
“Careful, you might drop it,” warned Lucas, trying to control his laughter.
Out of nowhere, a nefarious voice ordered in Chinese, “Hand over the gem.”
We had been so engrossed in the ruby that we were oblivious to the approach of the two thugs. The one who had spoken was tall, muscular, has unkempt hair and elaborate dragon tattoos on his right arm. The other guy was short with pig-like face. Pig face was brandishing a cleaver. There was something familiar about them. Then it struck me like a lightning bolt. They were the infamous criminals Ah Gou and Ah Choo. They had broken out of state prison with six other members of their gang two days ago. The four members had since been recaptured.
“Hand over the gem now or you die, lao why(a derogatory term for foreigners)” Ah Gou commanded as he took a threatening step towards us.
Sue clutched the gem tightly. Tears of fear oozed out of her eyes. My heart was in my mouth. Lucas started trembling. Cold sweat peppered our brows. Fear seemed to have petrified us. I tried to run but my feet were leaden with fright.
Loosing his temper, Ah Gou grabbed Lucas by his shoulders to push him away so that he could reach Sue. What happened next took us by surprise.
Lucas turned and hit Ah Gou on the head with the rock that he had used to smash the lock. He was still holding it! Ah Gou fell down with a heavy thud. Blood oozed in great fat crimson drops out of a deep gash in his head. Seeing his partner lying motionless, Ah Choo ran off into the thick foliage.
Quickly, I fished out my hand phone and called the police. “ I thought we were going to die!” wept Sue in relief. “Well done, Lucas.”
I examined Ah Gou swiftly to make sure he was alright then tied him up with a rope we had brought along for the hike. Suddenly Lucas started to shiver, he raised his finger and croaked a weak scream.
We glanced at the direction he was pointing at. Ah Choo was advancing with two equally ugly and menacing brutes. Oh No! Blood rushed from my head and I almost fainted in fear. Now I know how Lucas frequently felt. My legs were like jelly. I felt like throwing up. I could not breathe.
“Run!” shouted Sue as she sprinted off.
Galvanized by her shout, Lucas and I started running after her. Fear lent us wings. We ran like the wind. Just then gunshots ran through the air. We stopped right in our tracks. Was Sue or Lucas shot?
I scanned Sue and Lucas anxiously. They seemed alright. Then I turned around. What I saw made me cry in relief.
The police had arrived. They quickly rounded up the villains. They thanked us for our bravery and quick thinking. Our parents were informed and they met us at the police station. They were so proud of us.
As we had found the famous legendary Ruby Tear which is supposed to be the teardrop of the Heavenly Dragon, we were each rewarded fifty thousand yuan which is ten thousand Singapore dollars. Wow!
By Elliot
April 21, 2010
“Come on! Don’t dawdle. We’ve still a long way to go.” exclaimed Sue impatiently.
Lucas and I exchanged an exasperated glance and shrugged, indicating shared suffering. “Is she always like that?” whispered Lucas, giving Sue a furtive glance.
“You haven’t seen anything yet!” I whispered back.
It was an enchanting spring morning. The flowers were in full bloom. Soft sunlight shimmered off the surface of the lake creating a million mini rainbows. The singing of the birds filled the air and the trees were budding. It was a prefect day for a hike after the long cold winter. My friend, Lucas, my sister, Sue and I were hiking at Sheshan Mountain.
Lucas and I were admiring the panoramic view while Sue was hurrying us to move on.
“Sue, the idea of hiking is to also enjoy ourselves. Not just hurrying to finish it,” retorted Lucas. “You don’t get a grade for finishing first.”
Before Sue could reply, I spotted something floating at the fringe of the lake. “Hey! Guys, stop fighting. Look over there. There’s something in the water.”
Sue dashed off to investigate even before I completed my sentence. The rest of us had no choice but to follow her like sheep. By the time we reached the lake, Sue was already trying to hook in the object with a stick she had picked up.
“Careful, it could be something dangerous or gory. Like a skull or something.” I cautioned her as most big brothers are obliged to.
Lucas almost fainted at the thought. Sue ignored me as usual and continued hooking the object. Rushing forward to help, I discovered that it was actually an antique wooden chest with bronze trimming and a rusty old lock. I scanned the surrounding for another stick to help hook in the chest. Almost immediately, I found a suitable branch and started trying to haul the chest in with Sue. The still water made it easy. In no time at all, the rusty old thing was dripping dirty, green, lake water by our feet. What is inside? Is it a treasure or something gross?
With mounting excitement, the three of us examined the exterior of the chest, hoping for a clue to what was inside. Finally, Lucas picked up a large stone and smashed the lock. The air was pregnant with anticipation as together we opened the chest. What we saw made us all gasp.
“A rock? All this effort just for a rock!” I blasted. Picking up the lousy, clayey, fist-sized piece of junk, I flunked it at the nearest tree. There was a loud thud as the ‘rock’ hit the tree trunk.
Crack! The ‘rock’ broke. Something red and sparkly got my eye. Sue race to the ‘rock’ and pick it up. Flaking off the rest of the dried mud, she revealed a large ruby! It was the most beautiful thing I had every seen. Deep red and mesmerizing. Shaped like a teardrop, it is 8 centimetres long.
“We are rich! We are rich!” exclaimed Sue exuberantly. She grabbed it and waltzed with it like a drunken person.
“Careful, you might drop it,” warned Lucas, trying to control his laughter.
Out of nowhere, a nefarious voice ordered in Chinese, “Hand over the gem.”
We had been so engrossed in the ruby that we were oblivious to the approach of the two thugs. The one who had spoken was tall, muscular, has unkempt hair and elaborate dragon tattoos on his right arm. The other guy was short with pig-like face. Pig face was brandishing a cleaver. There was something familiar about them. Then it struck me like a lightning bolt. They were the infamous criminals Ah Gou and Ah Choo. They had broken out of state prison with six other members of their gang two days ago. The four members had since been recaptured.
“Hand over the gem now or you die, lao why(a derogatory term for foreigners)” Ah Gou commanded as he took a threatening step towards us.
Sue clutched the gem tightly. Tears of fear oozed out of her eyes. My heart was in my mouth. Lucas started trembling. Cold sweat peppered our brows. Fear seemed to have petrified us. I tried to run but my feet were leaden with fright.
Loosing his temper, Ah Gou grabbed Lucas by his shoulders to push him away so that he could reach Sue. What happened next took us by surprise.
Lucas turned and hit Ah Gou on the head with the rock that he had used to smash the lock. He was still holding it! Ah Gou fell down with a heavy thud. Blood oozed in great fat crimson drops out of a deep gash in his head. Seeing his partner lying motionless, Ah Choo ran off into the thick foliage.
Quickly, I fished out my hand phone and called the police. “ I thought we were going to die!” wept Sue in relief. “Well done, Lucas.”
I examined Ah Gou swiftly to make sure he was alright then tied him up with a rope we had brought along for the hike. Suddenly Lucas started to shiver, he raised his finger and croaked a weak scream.
We glanced at the direction he was pointing at. Ah Choo was advancing with two equally ugly and menacing brutes. Oh No! Blood rushed from my head and I almost fainted in fear. Now I know how Lucas frequently felt. My legs were like jelly. I felt like throwing up. I could not breathe.
“Run!” shouted Sue as she sprinted off.
Galvanized by her shout, Lucas and I started running after her. Fear lent us wings. We ran like the wind. Just then gunshots ran through the air. We stopped right in our tracks. Was Sue or Lucas shot?
I scanned Sue and Lucas anxiously. They seemed alright. Then I turned around. What I saw made me cry in relief.
The police had arrived. They quickly rounded up the villains. They thanked us for our bravery and quick thinking. Our parents were informed and they met us at the police station. They were so proud of us.
As we had found the famous legendary Ruby Tear which is supposed to be the teardrop of the Heavenly Dragon, we were each rewarded fifty thousand yuan which is ten thousand Singapore dollars. Wow!
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