PSLE: Kindness

It was Grandmother’s birthday. “Mom, let’s get a cheese cake for Grandma,” Jenson suggested, his chocolate eyes sparkling behind his nerdy glasses as he pointed to a lovely blueberry cheesecake on the display rack. They were in a busy bakery, the aromatic smell lingering in the air.

“That is so thoughtful of you,” Jenson’s mother smiled and patted his curly mop of black hair.

Immediately, she made her purchase and together, they left the crowded bakery.

As soon as they stepped out of the entrance, they heard a high-pitched ‘argh!’, followed by a loud thud.  Curiosity got the better of them and the mother and his son decided to head towards the scene.  A few feet away was a frail elderly lady lying sprawled on the cold concrete floor, wailing in pain.  “Ouch!  This is so painful!” she groaned as her face squashed into the shape of a wrinkled sour plum.  A deep gash was on her forehead.  She was embarrassed and clearly in shock.

Jenson felt so sorry for the elderly lady and turned to his mother, saying, “Oh no!  Mom, it is no fun falling in front of a busy crowd.”  Jenson looked around and spotted a kiosk selling fresh, sweet-smelling flowers.  A brilliant idea struck him.  Why not get a flower for the poor lady?

“Mom, can I use my pocket money to buy this lady a stalk of daisy?” Jenson suggested as his chubby index finger pointed towards a pail full of colourful daisies.

Mother readily agreed and gave him some notes.  Jenson ran to the kiosk and chose the prettiest daisy.  However, he was too shy to give it to her.

By this time, the paramedics had arrived and was trying to render the lady first aid.  Jenson was very intimidated by the blood and the medical equipment. He wanted to give the flower to the lady but he was too self-conscious.

Jenson’s mother smiled and suggested, “Why don’t we give this flower together?” 

As they approached the lady, Jenson gently placed the flower on her lap and whispered, “I hope you have a speedy recovery.”

The old lady started tearing and replied, “Thank you very much!  You are a really kind boy!”  Despite being badly shaken and hurt, she bent over and gave Jenson a light kiss on his forehead.  Jenson blushed pink instantly.

As the paramedics pushed the elderly lady in a stretcher towards the ambulance, Jenson and his mother bade farewell.  Jenson’s mother held Jenson’s hand gently and they walked towards the carpark.  “Jenson, I guess Grandma will be very pleased to hear your story of kindness,” Jenson’s mother smiled. As the setting sun cast its lovely tangerine rays on Jenson, his smiling face shone like an angel.