Saturday, June 17, 2017

PSLE: A Stranger

Pictures: Wallet, A box of chocolate, A car



  
The mall was bustling with life.  Busy shoppers were milling around for the best bargains.  Prices were slashed ridiculously low for Christmas was around the corner. “Boy, follow me closely while I shop,” Janice instructed her five-year-old, Jenson, sternly.   “Remember, never talk to strangers,” she continued as her eyes scanned the shelves for items on promotion.  

As usual, Jenson followed closely behind, pushing and shoving as he tagged along nearby.  He would not want to lose his mother in a crowd of giants.  Unknown to him, a stranger was watching him quietly.  His malicious eyes slitted as he wondered when he should strike.  The box of chocolate in his hand always worked.  Jenson was browsing as he waited for his mom to make some purchase at the frozen meat section.  She was having an animated conversation with her favourite butcher.

It was the perfect time to strike.  The tall and slender man with gold-rimmed glasses approached Jenson.  “Hey there, would you like to have some chocolate,” he asked in his saccharine voice.

“I’ve just had my teeth fixed and cannot eat them,” he spoke with a disappointing frown, his metallic braces sparkling in the light.
Jenson’s eyes widened in delight at the unexpected offer.  Chocolate was his favourite!  He could eat them all day.  Unable to resist the temptation, his chubby hand took the first one.  It was an almond-flavoured one.  Yum!  Next was the green tea flavour... Before long, he realized that he had finished the whole box.  His face immediately sulked when there was nothing left. 

The stranger smiled.

“Would you like more?” he asked. 

Jenson nodded his head furiously, throwing his mother’s ingrained warning out of his mind.  “Come, follow me.  My car is full of chocolate candies.  It is almost like a candy shop,” he chuckled and stretched out his strong muscular hand.

Without hesitation, Jenson clasped his palm tightly and they made way for the exit.
Meanwhile, Janice was at the cashier.  She had half-forgotten about his little boy and started scanning the sea of faces for her darling boy.  He was nowhere in sight!  Her face turned ghastly pale and trepidation rose within her.  Where could Jenson be?
Fortunately, she caught a glimpse of Jenson’s yellow batman T-shirt.  A stranger was leading him to a parked car just in front of the supermarket.  “Hey, stop right there!” she yelled at the top of her lungs.

The whole world froze in a fleeting second.  Two security guards put two and two together and rushed to the rescue.  It was a child abductor in action!  One guard threw himself before the car and the other wrestled the tall stranger to the ground.  It was a fierce tussle as the poor boy stared in bewilderment.  What was going on?

Meanwhile, more security guards rushed to the scene and they managed to subdue the wicked man.  The police were immediately summoned.

Janice stared at his son.  She was livid.  What a foolish boy she had!  Jenson knew he was in serious trouble.  He had never seen his mother so furious before.  She was like a volcano that had just erupted.  Her whole face was red like a tomato.  Jenson dragged himself towards his mother.  He was ready for an earful.  Instead, Janice knelt before him and embraced him, her eyes gushing with tears.

“Mummy, I am sorry I made you cry!  He was just trying to give me more chocolate. I promise never to follow strangers again,” his little voice spoke.  Waves of relief flooded Janice.  She was so thankful to have her son back. 


Monday, June 5, 2017

PSLE : Bullies



“Why did you defy me? Henry, the big and burly thirteen-year-old roared at Roan, the timid ten year old.  Roan trembled and shivered. Henry pulled Roan up by his shirt and flung him like he were a feather towards the wall. “Bang!” Roan hit the wall and lay sprawled on the floor. Bruised, he then made a hasty retreat and ran off.

I stared in horror at such wicked meanness. Being new to the school, I was also a small and short boy. Henry was infamous for bullying.  I heard he was eyeing to make me his next victim. I decided to put a stop to it.

The next day, as I walked along the quiet corridor leading to the staff room, I had a nagging feeling at the back of my mind that someone was tailing me.   I tried to keep wild thoughts at bay and I quickened my pace and walked briskly to the staff room. Still, the feeling of being stalked kept bugging me. I turned around just to be sure.  All I saw was a long row of doors along the grey corridor. I quickened my footsteps as I made my way to the staff room. 

As I stepped into the staff room, the air conditioner blasted me with cold air. It was freezing rather than cooling.  A strong wave of coffee invaded my nostrils as I stared at the teachers marking tirelessly at a long table. I walked past the maze of tables trying to find my discipline mistress. I found her typing on her computer keyboard. 

“Err…Miss …Miss Lim,” I muttered out. Miss Lim peeled her eyes off her computer and looked at me, I straightened my posture and told her about the incident about Henry bullying the kids.

“Thank you, Jerome.  This matter will be looked into immediately,”  Miss Lim assured me. I thanked my teacher and walked out of the staff room, not knowing that my conversation had been overheard crisp and clear.

As I made my way carrying my stone-heavy bag, I trudged my way under the scorching sun. As the weather was so hot, I decided to take the shortcut home. As I walked along the deserted alley leading to my lovely home, I suddenly heard footsteps behind me.

My gosh!  It was not only Henry but his infamous sidekicks, Brad and Loki, as well.   My heart was pounding fast. Brad walked up to me like greased lightning and tripped me over. I was then hauled up and slammed onto a wall. Henry stomped up to me.

“What did you just do?” Henry snarled.

“What did you do?” Henry shouted, scaring me out of my wits.  

“I…I did not do anything” I spluttered.
“You did not do anything…As if!” Brad shouted, “I overheard everything!”

Cold sweat broke out on my forehead.  Realisation dawned on me that they knew everything. What should I do?  My mind raced for a solution. I was jolted from my train of thoughts when Loki suddenly pushed me to the floor, raising his hand to punch me, but Henry stopped him.

I looked up in hope. Was he going to forgive me? 

He hesitated for a moment and asked Brad to back away with a smirk on his face. He reached out a hand to help me up and I grabbed it. Out of the blue, his free hand raised up and punched me squarely on my nose. I winced in pain and as I tumbled to the floor again in agony. They took my bag and found my brand new Adidas watch.

“No…” I screamed as I stood up, and lunged for the watch.

Henry could not care less. He took the watch and threw it to the floor, stomping on it which smashed it into pieces. Indignant anger engulfed me as I delivered him a punch to his stomach but it left nothing except a tiny bruise. Loki and Brad laughed and jumped on me, hitting and punching me as if I were their punching bag. I laid on the floor, waiting in eternity for this nightmare to be over.

Suddenly, thundering footsteps stomped towards us. The bullies looked up in horror.  It was Miss Lim. How did she know where I was? It did not matter anymore. Justice would be meted out swiftly and the bullies would get their just desserts.


PSLE: Vandalism





“Stupid! Stupid principal!” I let out a string of expletives as I walked towards the school gate fuming. I rammed my fist into a nearby tree, causing my hand to swell, but I did not care. I hated that principal. He had caned me because I had dropped my water bottle down from the fourth storey of the school. What's wrong testing the law of gravity? As I walked under the sweltering heat, I felt my anger rise up within me. Fury was practically radiating off my pores and my eyes flashed in simmering anger.

Out of the blue, I saw a black BMW parked near the school gate. I recognized it straight away. It was my principal’s car. Suddenly, a terrible thought crossed my mind, and an impromptu giggle escaped my lips as I envisioned his car covered in graffiti. A sly smile spread across my thin lips as I went to a nearby shop and brought a few cans of spray paint. Time to display my artistic talent.  Woohoo!  I sprayed nasty words noticeably in red.  It read “Go Die.” 

I sprayed the car again and again, covering a coat of paint with another. When I was done, the once nice and beautiful BMW was now colourful and looked like it belonged to a five year old girl. I was not done. I took out my keys and scratched the metal doors and I even broke one of his wipers. It bended at a horrific angle. I stared incredulity at my “masterpiece”.  I was so proud of it!

"What is happening here?” a loud voice startled me. Turning around, I saw my arch-enemy, Tom, a prefect in front of me. He broke into a wide grin and sneered, “Well, well, well. Let’s see what the principal will think about this.”

I grimaced in horror.  If he told the principal, I would be in hot water again. I could not let the truth spill out. “Arghh!” I growled before lunging at Tom and delivered a punch to his nose. “Tell and you'll be dead meat!” I snarled.

He rolled his eyes!  That made me snap!  I rushed towards him and delivered blow after blow at him like he was a potato sack. He fought back. He swung his arm around desperately to hit me. One of his flying fists hit my ear which rang uncontrollably and I groaned in pain. Tom was small but he could definitely punch very well.

“What is happening here? Who did this to my car?” I froze momentarily. Lady Luck was not with me as Tom’s accusing finger pointed in my direction. It was THE PRINCIPAL.  Puffs of smoke emerged from his nose and ears. His angry glare bored through me like a laser beam. I thought I should flee but I would be fried more than ever. His face turned as red as molten lava. He dragged me all the way across the school to the office and told me to sit down.  I stared at all the canes hanging on the wall.  Not again!?

A wave of regret engulfed me. If only… if only I could have contained my anger.  The many “if only and what ifs” flooded into my mind. If only I could turn back time, I would not have done it. However, what was done could never be undone. The embarrassment of being dragged across the school by the principal burned deeply into my crimson cheeks. Hoping the principal would show me some mercy, I bowed my head in shame and waited for the dreadful punishment.

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

PSLE: Responsibility



Japheth never knew what responsibility was.  He was highly irresponsible and always pushed the blame on others.  However, an incident on a fateful day took place and it has changed everything.  Japheth has become a very reliable boy but he has paid a heavy price for it…

It was evening time and Mother was cooking in the kitchen.  The smell of curry lingered in the air and Japheth was not hungry at all.  He was playing Clash Royale on his mobile phone and food was definitely not on his mind. 

“Japheth, Mum needs to run to the shop to get more coconut milk.  Could you be responsible enough to look after the fire for me?” Mother’s voice asked.  Japheth nodded without even looking up.  He was too engrossed to give a reply.  With that, Mother darted out of the door and locked the gate.

Meanwhile, the curry was boiling furiously.  The heat was intense and a light burnt smell began to permeate the house.  Japheth noticed it but he could not care less and continued playing.  A few minutes later, a loud crackling sound was heard and he was breathing in wisps of smoke.  Curiosity got the better of him and he finally decided to check what had happened.

As he marched into the kitchen, he saw the whole pot of curry on fire!  The flames were jumping about in the pot.   Oh no!  His lack of responsibility had gotten him into trouble!  He decided to act quickly and filled a bucket of water, ready to put out the fire.

It was a really bad move!  The splashing water caused a loud kaboom! and tossed him a few meters away.  Japheth’s eyes widened with horror and his jaws dropped.  His face blanched with trepidation and panic filled his heart.  He wished he watched the fire closely but he was too late to regret. 

By this time, half of the kitchen was engulfed with flames and the paint on the wall started melting. Thick black smoke was spreading fast.  The kitchen was burning like a charred chicken and the rampant inferno was spreading fast.   Stricken by terror, his heart pounded like an African drum.  He ran to the gate, trying to escape but the gate was locked and there was no key in the house!

“Someone, please save me!” he hollered and walled aloud.  He never knew that his irresponsibility would have landed him in such a dire state.  Fortunately, a resident had already notified the fire brigade. Within minutes, the sirens wailed down the street.  A fire engine had arrived and some heroic firemen broke the gate and doused the fire immediately.  Japheth’s immense anxiety instantly turned to relief when the flames were completely extinguished.

By the time Japheth’s mother was back, the kitchen was burned down.  Mother found out what had happened and gave Japheth the mother of all dressing-downs.  It was pointless for there was no way Japheth could turn back the clock.  However, the boy learned an important lesson.  He finally understood the importance of being responsible even for the most minute task.  It was definitely a heavy price to pay for such a valuable lesson.


Thursday, November 10, 2016

Congratulations to ALL OF YOU!!!

Children, if you see this, I want you to know that you've made me feel so proud of your hard work and your improvement really encourages me to work harder for you.  Children, thanks for loving me.  I love you MUCH too.  Do YOUR BEST for yourselves.  I am beside you all the way.





2016 P4 MATH Class

Joelle Tee 72-> 96 (+24)

Johnny Lim 63-> 94.5 (+31.5)

Japheth Tay 96 -> 94.5 (-1.5)

Peiying Ooi 72 -> 94 (+22)

Lexuan Yong 56 -> 93.5 (+37.5)

Arista Lim 91 -> 92 (+1)

Jenson Tan 50 -> 87 (+37)

Lixuan Lin ? -> 86

Jingheng Ng 39 ->  83 (+44)  Our champion of the year!

Mingzhe Teo 76 -> 83 (+7)

Bingxue Low 75 -> 78.5 (+3.5)

Yujie Teh 66 -> 75 (+9)

Yuxuan Low 63 -> 74  (+11)

Neave Chua  56 -> 67 (+11)

Rachel Tan 24.5-> 42.5 (+18)
------------------------------------------

2016 P5 MATH Class

Yongxin Au 89.5 -> 96 (+6.5)

Dongzhi Zhang ? -> 93

Rael Lee 92 -> 95 (+3)

Joken Gun 98 -> 94 (-4)

Thiru 80 -> 93 (+13)

Junhui Chong 85 -> 84 (-1)

Jinming Koo 78 -> 87 (+9)

Wenqian Lee 65 -> 75.5  (+10.5)

Jaspreet ? -> 60

Xinyi Chew 42 -> 53.5 (+11.5)



A Recent Class Survey

1) Learn more shortcuts than in school - 70%

2) Learn earlier than in school - 80%

3) Learn to do tricky questions easily - 90%

4) Harness technology to teach - 100%

5) Easy approach - 90%






Tuesday, October 11, 2016

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.

Monday, September 12, 2016

Ischool.sg: A Math portal designed to maximise learning in Math

Dear parents, 

With PSLE just around the corner, I would like to share another website with you. It is a Math portal called http://ischool.sg/.  It is done by our team and we try our very best to help your children enjoy and succeed in Math.  

Currently, we are doing the P6 level.  It has Top School Exam papers your child can practise. The mark calculation is auto generated upon submission and a few reports will be ready to analyse your child's strengths and weaknesses in topics and concepts. 

We also have selected 300+ questions that are self-generated to teach a concept or correct a common misconception. The site is currently
free for all the P6 students. 

The promo code is ENJOYMATH

To maximise the effectiveness of the site, you can like our facebook page 
https://www.facebook.com/ischool.sg/ so that we can share with you tips on how to improve further. 

You can also view the How-To videos before your child begins at 
http://ischool.sg/How-to-videos/

Please help us to share this post and pass the word around. Tell us how best to help your child grow and smile.  At ischool.sg, we love your child.  


All the best for the PSLE. 


Enjoy and succeed, 

Ischool.sg

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

PSLE: Fire



It was a quiet night.  My sister and I were at home doing our homework as my parents were out on an errand. 

All of a sudden, we heard raised voices and a strange smell started to linger in the air.  What was going on?  I decided to investigate and looked out of the windows.  To my horror, I caught sight of a group of passers-by looking upwards.  I realized that my neighbour’s kitchen was on fire.  Thick black and fluffy columns of smoke were billowing out of the windows.  My mouth fell agape and my face went as pale as a sheet. 

“Jane!  Let’s get out of here!” my nasal voice screeched as I called out to my younger sister.  There was panic in her eyes and she was trembling like a leaf.  By this time, the burning smell had invaded every nook and corner.  Realising how dire the situation was, we decided to make our way to the stairway - fast. 

Just as we were about to descend the flight of steps, I froze in my tracks.  I suddenly remembered that Grandma was asleep next door.  I told Jane to run for safety while I returned to get Grandma. Jane was reluctant to leave without me but there was no other choice.  

I rushed to her main door and banged hard.  No matter how hard I tried, it was to no avail for my grandma was a sound sleeper and she was also hard of hearing too.  A few neighbours were scurrying for safety and they urged me to leave with them.  However, I was adamant not to leave. Grandma was in danger!

By this time, the burning inferno was spreading and the smoke was suffocating me.  I felt like a roasted pig and I could hardly breathe.  In the nick of time, the door sprang open and Grandma looked perplexed as she stared at me in puzzlement.  Without a word, I grabbed her hand to make our escape.  The roar of the fire was deafening and the raging flames were melting the paint on the walls.  All the exits were blocked!  Beads of perspiration dotted our foreheads and waves of dizziness swamped us, making us sway.  Grandma’s face had turned deathly sallow and I was worried sick.  Standing behind the parapet, we waited desperately for rescue to come.

Fortunately, we heard the wailing siren of the fire brigade and the firemen immediately sprang into action and sprayed the monstrous fire with powerful, snake-like hoses.  Seeing that time was the essence, they also set up a safety net and were encouraging us to leap onto it.  I insisted that my grandma jumped first before I did.  She finally leapt after some coaxing.  I was next.  Holding my breath, I jumped and landed safely on the bouncy safety net.  I gave Grandma a big bear hug. Tears slipped down my sooty face as relief swept over me.  I was grateful that we had emerged from this ordeal unscathed. 


As for the fire, the efficiency of the firemen was astounding.  Within half an hour, the inferno was completely extinguished.  Grandma was prescribed bed rest and I was hailed as the hero of the family. 

Thursday, July 28, 2016

PSLE: Pickpockets


The shopping mall was buzzing with shoppers.  It was as busy as an ant’s nest.  It was Christmas eve and everyone was in a festive mood as Christmas carols played melodiously from the loudspeakers.

I was shopping with Mom the entire day and my feet felt sore like crazy.  I decided to sit at a metallic bench to take a breather while Mom continued her shopping frenzy.  I waited and waited, getting really bored.  I spotted two children, an older boy, about eight, and a little girl, probably less than four.  Hand in hand, they looked like they were looking for someone. 

Just then, I spotted a familiar figure.  My mum.  She was waving at me, eager to show me her purchase.  As she was rushing towards me, a girl lost her balance and fell just before her.   It was the same girl I had seen earlier. Immediately, big fat tears rolled down her cheeks.  My mother felt bad and quickly helped her to her feet.  Her older brother was behind my mom and did not even bother to help.  The girl thanked my mom and the two kids sped off.

Upon seeing Mom laden with shopping bags, I sulked and pulled a long grumpy face, folding my arms in frustration. “Sorry to make you wait. Hmm… How about a large cup of Lao Lao yogurt with your favorite white chocolate chips?” she suggested and gave a wink.  I fell for it right away.  My eyes immediately lit up in delight!  How could I turn down such a tantalizing offer? All the wait was well worth it.  We went straight to the yogurt store without delay.

As we were queueing, Mother dug into her Louis Vuitton handbag, trying to fish out her Chanel wallet.  “God, where is my wallet?”  Her face blanched white as all her cash and cards were inside as well.

I looked around and saw, to my surprise, the same siblings savouring a cup of Lao Lao as well.  In the brother’s hand was a Chanel wallet.  My goodness!  How could he afford a Chanel?  It was a limited edition one.  Could it be Mom’s?  Something inside me clicked suddenly.  I put two and two together and realised that the pair was a pickpocket duo.  The young girl was a decoy and the older one was the thief.

My mom spotted the two and must have realised it too. Immediately, she marched towards them and bellowed, “You useless midgets!  How dare you steal from me!”  The kids turned ashen-faced and were trembling in fright.  They were caught red handed!

The older boy came forward and stammered, “Here... is... your wallet!  Could you give us a second chance and let us go, please?”  The children clasped their hands together and pleaded with their doleful eyes.

Mom checked and realised the contents were all intact except for some loose change.  They could have spent it on the Lao Lao yogurts.  Just then, her phone rang.  It was Dad chasing to meet her at the car park.  Mom decided to let them off after a stern lecture.  After all, it was just a few dollars and they were so young.

As we hurried off, I turned to look at them once more.  I sincerely hoped that the children would turn over a new leaf.   In a far distance, the girl had tumbled onto the floor once more.  They had struck again and gotten their next victim.  I shook my head and sighed in disbelief.  Well, I guess, a leopard cannot change its spots.  


  

Image source: https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/x/pick-pocket-505392.jpg

Thursday, July 21, 2016

PSLE: Terror Strikes



The headlines screamed:  Terrorist attack kills scores outside National Stadium.   As I stared at the headlines, tears streaked down my cheeks as memories of what had happened came flooding back…

“Wow, Dad, did you see how Fandi kicked?  I want to be a star striker just like him!”  I spoke exuberantly.  “Yes, my son will be the greatest footballer and I will get to see it!”  Dad nodded furiously, trying to look serious and not to laugh.  I blushed as we made our way out of the crowded stadium.  We were at a soccer match between the Lion Bravo and the Cheetah Power.  Spectators were all marching out towards the MRT station, discussing the game and the players’ performance enthusiastically. 

As we crossed the quiet road, an ear-deafening ‘vroom’ disrupted the silence of the night.  When we turned around, we spotted an enormous white truck speeding towards the crowd.  Everyone started scuttling off like terrified sheep escaping from a ferocious bear. Chaos broke out.  Shrieks of terror sliced through the air. The situation was tumultuous!  Unfortunately, it was too late.  No one could outrun the speeding truck and men were falling down like bowling pins, lying sprawled on the tarmac ground.
 
For a fraction of a second, I stood rooted to the ground, stunned at the shocking spectacle.  It was a night of terror!  The truck continued zigzagging and steering directly towards the sea of people.  They were all frantically trying to save their loved ones but the unstoppable truck was trying to mow down the maximum number of innocent victims.    It was definitely terrorism on purpose! He was on a rampage!  Such atrocious depravity!  People were falling down like dead flies and their bodies were strewn all over the road as their crimson blood stained it red. 

As I stared in wide-eyed horror, I felt a sudden push from behind. It was Dad, pushing me out of harm’s way of the approaching truck.  However, at that critical moment, he could not escape in time. When I looked back, Dad was already crushed under the gargantuan wheel of the truck.  He was squashed like an insignificant bug.

“Dad!”  I cried aloud.  I could not believe my eyes!  How could someone be so wicked and cold-blooded?    My heart throbbed with intense grief.  In total state of distraught bemusement, I knelt down beside my dad’s motionless body and wept hysterically.  Heartbroken, I refused to leave him and run for safety.

That was a bad move.  The terrorist hopped off his truck and started spraying his bullets at the survivors trying to finish them off.  I tried to dodge but a bullet hit me. I slumped onto the ground, my head spinning non-stop as excruciating pain shot through my body in waves.  Finally, darkness overcame me and I lost consciousness.

When I awoke, I found myself in an unfamiliar room, swathed in bandages.  Mom was sobbing beside me.  My dad had passed away. Mom told me that a bullet had smashed my spine and I have become paralyzed from the waist down. I was devastated.  Despite the pain I was going through, nothing was more unbearable than the loss of my beloved father.  As for the villain, it was reported that he was killed by the police, his body riddled with bullets.  He deserved it!  

Despite my immobility, I vow not to be crushed by the terror of terrorism but to have an indomitable courage to triumph over such villainous wickedness. 



Image source: 
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/11/14/16/2E70C67F00000578-3317776-image-m-132_1447516923153.jpg


"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."

Henry David Thoreau