For this piece, Jared discussed the plot with daddy, and it came back with a 32/40 for his 1st draft. And for 2nd draft, again with daddy's guiding he made it to 35/40. So as a GEP parent, we really are busy. Typing out the draft is always moi 's job..hah. And then he will work on it to update as draft 2 before submit to teacher..This is for every compo in class...When back at Pei Chun, only the selected compos for class distribution will required to type, so I happily type each time..now its hard work!
As soon as the door opened, I was hit by a blast of cool air from the powerful air-conditioning. I stared in awe, mouth agape like a star-struck fan who had just met his favourite superstar. There were rows and rows of shops, from antique to toy shops. The air was cool and sweet with perfume and there were lots of people, packed like sardines in a can. People bargained for lower prices. Children tagged along with their parents or played catch around the clothes racks. The air was filled with animated chatter. I could not wait to explore this place.
It was a hot and humid Sunday morning and I was bored to tears at home. My parents had left to pay grandmother a visit. I decided to get away from the scorching heat by visiting this newly-revamped shopping mall. I also wanted to get a snack and buy some comics to read while my parents were away. As I searched for the bookstore in the seemingly endless shopping mall, I had no idea that my best friend from primary one, Ben, was also in the mall.
Soon, I located a bookstore. Squeezing through the crowd towards it, I caught sight of a familiar figure. It was Ben! I quickly neared him, hoping to give him a surprise. However, he seemed to be taking furtive glances and following a woman who was engrossed in her phone, listening to music. At this instant, he cast one more glance and before slipping his hand into the woman’s bag, pulling out a prized wallet. My jaw dropped the moment I witnessed this. Surely he would not do that. Not the Ben I know!
Ben has always been a perfect kid at school. He always did the right thing. He was my true friend as he was a helpful and righteous person and would help me when I was in need. Once, he even lent me pocket money without asking for return! There must be a reason why he is committing this crime now. I just had to find out for myself.
I ran up beside him and gave him a nudge.
“What are you--” Before I could finish, he towed me to a toilet cubicle.
“What are you doing?” I whispered.
Ben replied “Shhh, I’ll share the money with you when I’m done.” With that, he dashed out of the toilet.
I tried to chase him but I lost him amidst the crowd. Sighing, I paced restlessly around the mall. I could not believe what I just saw and heard. An instant thought came to my mind: Call the police! However, if I called the police, I might lose a true friend. What if I pretend nothing happened? I considered. He might become a thief in the future! I was between the devil and the deep blue sea. After what seemed like eternity, I decided to call the police. After punching in “999” on my phone, I reported the case to the police. I also notified the security guard at the mall entrance.
As soon as the security guard was informed, I gave him a brief description of Ben. He called for backup on the walkie-talkie and dashed off searching for Ben. I walked nervously around the entrance of the mall. Would Ben severe all ties with me? After a few moments, the security guards emerged with Ben, who was hanging his head low in shame. The police had also arrived. I gave the police all the information and pleaded for leniency for Ben. He and two security guards uttered a few words. After taking down some notes and Ben’s particulars, the police replied, “Okay, we will let him off with a warning since he is still a child. But if he pickpockets again, he will be punished.” He took a photo of Ben and left. The security guard warned Ben and took back the wallet to return to the lady. His assistant talked to Ben. I saw him call his parents. After than, Ben gave me a glance and wanted to speak, but his voice was rusty. Instead, he scuttled off quickly and wordlessly. I turned around and strolled to the bookstore.
The next day at school, I was very nervous about what Ben would say. At that moment, I heard someone calling out to me. It was Ben, panting. Ben smiled and said, “ I was wrong to do that yesterday, sorry. And thanks for getting me out of trouble.” I gave him a hearty slap on the back and exclaimed, “We all make make mistakes, but let’s not repeat them again!” I was glad he was still my friend. Later in the day, I figured out he had pickpocketed as he wanted to get comics and a remote-controlled helicopter. I was sure he had learnt his lesson this time.
This incident had always been in my heart. I will never forget how tough the decision was. While we all know that stealing is wrong, we must also stand up for integrity in every situation even if it is someone who is close to you.
