PSLE: A Gift

The aroma of freshly-baked cakes and bread wafted in the air. The bakery was crowded with customers, queueing up to purchase their favourite pastries. In the middle of the queue was a very tall man, Mr Aw. He was wreathed in smiles for today was a special occasion. It was his beloved son’s birthday. Martin was turning twelve. He was there to get a gift - a surprise cake - for the birthday boy. After major dithering, he finally chose a fruity cheesecake and had Martin’s name written in elegant white cursive icing. He cost him one week in wages but he was worth it.

As eager as a beaver, the lanky man then left and mounted on his rickety motorbike. Vrooom! He sped off. However, the pastel clear sapphire sky was turning dark as dull, leaden clouds crept in to swallow it up. Mr Aw had a premonition that it might rain any moment. Little droplets of rain started splattering onto his clothes. The thunder boomed next like a row of cannons. A fork of lightning zigzagged across the dark ominous sky. The rain started pelting down like gushing taps. The road formed rivulets of water making it slippery. “Oh no! The cake will be wet in no time!” Mr Aw muttered to himself, looking very worried. He decided to take the risk and ram up the speed.

As he was making a turn, there was a puddle of rain water and he skidded and lost control of his bike. The motorcycle flew and he was flung onto the tarmac road. The bike landed a few metres away and he let out a yelp of excruciating pain. The cake landed on the wet ground. Despite his pain, Mr Aw struggled to his feet and scrambled towards the cake. He took a peek to check its contents. The cake was smashed. Its icing was smeared all over the box and the fruits were everywhere. It was reduced to a pathetic lump of creamy paste. What he saw made his heart sink down to his toes. Martin would be so disappointed. What should he do?

A wave of misery washed over him. He did not realise that streaks of blood were flowing down from his head. His helmet had cracked without his notice. Before he could comprehend what was happening, his vision blurred and he blacked out.

When he opened his eyes, he found himself lying on the hospital bed. In front of him was Martin. He wore a look of intense anxiety. Molten shafts of relief engulfed him like a powerful tidal wave when he saw his dad smile. “Dad, I am glad you have awakened. I thought I would lose you for good!” Martin exclaimed. “I’m sorry. The cake was all smashed,” Dad struggled to mouth his words audibly. “Dad, who cares about the cake? You are the best gift to me ever!” Martin smiled and gave his beloved dad the tightest hug ever.