PSLE: Stealing from a shop

It was a dilemma for me. To steal or not to steal. If I were to steal, my sister's fever might subside and she might recover. If I did not, she might die. I had little choice. I decided to steal.

My dark brown eyes darted from side to side in the shop. Every passing minute, my heart was pounding more and more wildly. The grocery store was jam-packed with customers. I gazed at the panadol box on the shelf through my dishevelled fringe. Surreptiously, I mustered up my courage, swiftly nicked the medication box and stuffed it into my tattered pocket. As quick as lightning, my puny frame took off and whizzed towards towards the exit.

Suddenly, a loud voice hollered, “What is in your pocket, boy?” Shivers ran down my spine. I looked up and saw a gargantuan shopkeeper glowering at me with eyes like hot coals. Steam was literally blowing out of his ears as his face flushed beetroot red in anger.

Fear struck my heart like a crucifix. What should I do now? I was in hot soup! The shopkeeper had caught me red-handed and was now stomping toward me. The word “run” ricocheted in my head.

My legs took flight and I ran hell for leather. Unfortunately, I dropped the panadol. Should I just run off? I would be wasting my effort! I screeched to a halt and decided to run back to grab it. The shopkeeper was in hot pursuit. He seemed to be as fast as a cheetah and caught up with me, grabbing me by my collar.

“Please let me go!” I pleaded. “My sister is very sick and she needs the fever medicine badly!”

The shopkeeper was flabbergasted. He released his grip and spoke gently, “Could you tell me more?”

I was stunned and had to gather my thoughts. I then recounted how my kid sister was running a high temperature and we could not afford to see a doctor. I burst into tears and my eyes became like two gushing taps.

The shopkeeper's eyes turned red. His heart softened and he felt sorry for us. “You can keep the medicine and take this money to see a doctor. Don't steal again.”

I looked up, puzzled. In his hands was a fifty-dollar note. I was speechless. How could I be so lucky to meet such a kind soul? My heart was filled with remorse and I was paralyzed with guilt. Knowing my sister need the medicine desperately, I could only nod and mutter my apologies before dashing off to save my sister.