PSLE: Empathy for the Poor

The blistering sun beat down mercilessly and blasted its ray everywhere.   It was finally after school.  Scott and Joshua were having an animated conversation, chatting mirthfully, despite the intense heat.  

As they were walking down the street, their eyes caught sight of an old lady across the road.  Silvery grey hair was plastered to her forehead as she trudged forward.  She was inching forward arduously, pushing a trolley filled with stacks of cardboard and old newspapers. Her back bent low under the strain of collected trash.  Her face which was as crumpled as the sour plum wore a weary expression.

The boys’ eyes followed her agonizing progress.  Their hearts went out to her.  Without hesitation, they rushed to her aid.  However, before they even reached her, she let out a startled cry and fainted.  The boys rushed to her aid.  The old lady had lost consciousness.  She lay motionless on the rough pavement, breathing weakly.  Her face was drained of all colours. 

“What should we do?  We can’t leave her here to die!”  Scott spoke gravely, cradling her body in the nook of his arms.

“Let’s bring her to the nearby clinic!” Joshua suggested.

That was a great idea!  However, the old lady weighed like a tone of lead.  No matter how hard the boys tried, they could not lift her up.  Scott had a brainwave.  “Why don’t we empty the trolley and place her there instead?” Scott suggested.

Joshua agreed readily and tossed all the trash on the ground.  The two boys dragged her body onto the cart and pushed forward with all their might. 

Soon, they reached the clinic and the doctor immediately lifted her to the clinic to check her vitals.  He decided to call the ambulance. 

Just then, the old lady regained her consciousness.  She was muttering in a disconcerted manner, wondering where she was.  When the boys told her she was in a clinic, she flew into a rage. 

“You busybodies! Why did you bring me to a clinic?  I am homeless and penniless.  I can’t afford the medical bills!”  she boomed in Hokkien and stared steely at them.  She apologized to the doctor and made her way out of the clinic.  

“We… we just trying to help!” Joshua retorted.

“Where is my trolley?” the old lady asked. 

“There!” the two boys pointed to the cart outside the clinic.

“Where?  Where are my newspapers and cardboard?” she thundered.

“We… we threw them away to bring you here,” replied Scott.

“Really! How could you?  Do you know it took me one whole morning to find them, you idiots!” she raged.

“We are so sorry!” Scott nudged Joshua and the two boys emptied all their money from their wallets and wanted to give it to her.

She refused to take it and waved her hand to dismiss them.  She then stood up feebly and pushed the trolley and disappeared down the street.  Scott and Joshua felt sorry for the old lady and realized how poverty could really cause hardship and suffering.  They have learned an important lesson to have empathy for the poor that day.