Road Safety (?)

Inspired by Jasse’s post, I once had a “Touched by An Angel” moment too. Really, how often do we play good Samaritans; doing random acts of kindness in society these days? Now I don’t mean to sound like a tree-hugging hippie here but that’s the sad fact. People are getting too full of themselves these days I think. Oh by the way, I’m wearing my brand new Seed today and my anak ayams say I look faaaabulous. Mak suker!

Back to the topic, I for one am all out for this. But realistically speaking, one doesn’t get such a chance too often. I mean, how often you see needy people in public seeking help kan? But if the situation arises, I will definitely lend a helping hand. Or at least try. Lau niang very kind one you know….you try ask me help you cross the road lah, I sure help one. If you leng cai, I’ll hold you even tighter…lolz!

I remember the last time I was a Good Samaritan. Back then, I was in primary….4. See, my mom’s office is just opposite my school. So everyday, dad would be waiting in her office, I’d cross the road, walk to her office and dad would drive me home. Problem is, my mom’s office and my school is located smack in the middle of town; so that stretch of road is perpetually busy with speeding cars; thus making it a little hard to cross.

So one fine day, I was trying to cross that busy road as usual. Then suddenly this old aunty came by. She was holding an umbrella with lots of plastic bags on the other hand. She said in Mandarin, claiming that she can’t see properly and asked if I could help her cross the street. Naturally I agreed. I actually believed that I was so going to get an A for Moral after that. In the end…I got a C. Stupid teacher…

Anyway, I took a step further by offering to help carry her plastic bags as well. Man was I the most helpful person in the world! I even held her arms gently so I can escort her across the road safely. It was all so perfect. So now the hardest part….crossing the busy road itself.

I looked right.

I looked left.

Looked right again.

So many cars…I couldn’t cross. I stood there for 5 whole minutes holding the aunty’s hand.

I looked right.

Looked left.
.
.
.
.
.
Right again.

10 minutes passed and I’m still on the same side of the street. There were so many cars and I dare not cross at all. Eventually, the aunty got tired of waiting. She folded her umbrella and stretched it out. All the cars stopped and SHE walked me across the street. Instead.

SO MALU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At the other side of the road, I returned all her bags, gave her a blank smile and said bye bye. I felt rather foolish for not being able to help her. But at least I know I did try. So it wasn’t too bad lah.

But oh no….the story isn’t over yet. By some stroke of fate, I met the same aunty on the road again the very next day. There she was holding the umbrella with a hanky folded under her ketiak (armpit). Oooh……I was so determined to make it up this time.

At the perfect moment, where there’s the least car in that split second, I quickly held the aunty’s arms and walked as quickly I as could across the road. And there I was!!!!! Safe and sound across the street! I felt so proud!! I was smiling triumphantly at the aunty and I said “welcome welcome…no need to thank me…its ok, I like to help people…”

What you think happen after that???

The aunty gave me an exasperated look…and she went “Haiyah ah boy….aunty just cross the road you bring me back here for what???!!”

Wah I kena lagi malu that time. It was so funny yet so embarrassing. I’m always so confident…since young even. I apologized profusely to the aunty and offer to help her cross the road again. Her statement? “No need no need….i can cross by myself ah boy…you go home 1st…”

And she raised her umbrella again…..