by Sophie Cheong (P3 2022)

          “Remember to buy some apples and oranges on your way home!” my mother reminded me as she passed me some money. It was my turn to run the errand because we needed apples to bake an apple pie. Although my eyes were fixed on my favourite television programme, my mother insisted that I do it. I was very reluctant, and I let out a big sigh.

          Once it stepped out of the door, I made a beeline for the supermarket opposite our house. At the traffic light, I waited to cross the road. Out of the blue, an elderly man walked towards me. He seemed to be visually impaired because I saw that he was using a cane and had a pair of sunglasses on.

          The road was bustling with cars, motorcycles and trucks. Some of the cars were small, while others were much larger. They were going as fast as cheetahs. It seemed dangerous as the cars might not be able to stop in time for the red light. It was the afternoon and everyone seemed to be rushing for lunch.

          On one hand, I wanted to help the elderly man because my mother had always told me to do the right thing. On the other hand, I did not want to help the elderly man as I wanted to rush home to catch my favourite television programme. After some thinking, I finally decided to help the elderly man. Walking up to the elderly man, I politely asked, “Hi, do you need some help crossing the road?”

          “Yes, thank you very much,” he replied, with a smile on his face. He also told me where he was going and, coincidentally, he was going to the supermarket, too! I noticed that he was clutching onto some reusable bags. As the green man lit up at the traffic light, I helped him cross the road patiently by holding his hand. My eyes twinkled with delight as I helped him all the way to the supermarket.

          After we reached the supermarket, he thanked me profusely and said, “Thank you for your kindness. You are such a sweet girl.” He praised me repeatedly, patting me on the head. My face was as red as a beetroot from embarrassment but I still grinned from ear to ear.

          That day, I learnt to be kind to everyone in need because my mother had always told me to do the right thing. I skilled home merrily, beaming after buying the apples. Although my television show was over, I did not regret stopping to help the elderly man to cross the road. I was over the moon that I had helped someone in need.

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