Narrative Story

I am in the cafe, looking out through the windowsill. Everything seems to be similar to those days where I had been sat here with her - unless, she is not here. My peppermint tea started to cooled by time. The sky was full of cotton-wool clouds. It was the part she like the most among her saddest days, to have a sit with me in this cafe, drank some hot peppermint tea that warmed her after enduring situations that freeze her into an ice cube although in this hot September's summer. She was a fine girl with a heart-shape face, ruddy. She has very nice almost-shaped eyes with a dark green lens Her hair tamed and lustrous. In my eyes, she was a beauty that born as a Cinderella. Her life was a succession of heartbreaks. I had used to be the one who sits beside her, lending her a shoulder when she needed just so much. Before I go to a longer description about her, I would like you to know her name - Oh Young. It was September and of course, summer. Her father was home from Birmingham. He was a teacher that worked in Birmingham while Oh Young and her mother were left in Buffalo, New York. People will think that a person, who has a life in this big city, would be the most pleasure, completely has a misconception. When the summer came and the school was off for a month, Oh Young's father will return to visit Oh Young and her mother - the moment when Young hate the most! Young wished she never had a father or at least, her father had died or something so she never need to suffer as much as when he was around. Young's father was a hot-tempered man. He never curves a smile to anyone yet he still loves Young. He cares for Young with his life but Young's mother will be thrashed if she had done something that was irritating him - something that Young never did me could ever understand. No one knew what his problem was. How could he love his daughter without loving the woman who had given a life to the daughter? I still remember the night when Young tapped on my windowsill when the rain pelted down from the sky. She was drenched with rain pours. My room was already off from light as I was about to sleep but Young canceled it for me. I opened up my sliding door, letting her to step in to my room. Fortunately, I have a stairway to my room from outside the house so she could come over easily without my parents noticing it. She was shivering and quickly, I enveloped her with a nice and comforting towel. I asked her what was happening until she had come here, in this weather. "My father ..." Then, I put her in my arms and comforted her by stroking her hair. I knew she needs it to let her blurted out everything in her mind. "He had killed her." Then, she burst out into tears, a heavy one. I was shocked, adrenaline was pumping. My face was out of blood. I was loos of words. I gave Young a tight hug and let her cried as much as she wanted while I could not ever believe what she had said before. I gave her a change and let her sleep on my bed with me sleeping besides her. She told me that her father had hit her mother on the head and suddenly, blood spurts around the floor. Her mother had collapsed on the floor. She added tenderly, "I didn't know what was happening. He moved to my side and told me not to be scared of him. How crazy that idea was?! But then, he took out his cellphone and called the police and told them he had killed his own wife." She could not continue anything and started to cry over again. She felt that the world was collapsed upon her. The cold night had pierced her every bones.

On the next day, Mr. Oh, Young's father was on the first page of the newspaper. He was caught by the police and jailed until the end of his life. Young was free from him but also lost her mother, a person where she had been depending on so far. I let her to stay in my house for a while before everything return back to normal although I never know when. I told Young that I was out to the kitchen to take something for her to eat She nodded. Her eyes were puffy and red after all the crying. Downstairs, I took out bunch of chocolate bar and brought them to her in my room. I opened the door and everything was quite, more quite than usual. I looked for her every inches of the room but she was not there! She was gone! Then, I grimed when my eyes spotted the opened sliding door. A note was left on my study table, filled with her neat hand writing saying, "Drenched in my pain, Becoming who we are, As my memory rest, I never forget what I lost, Wake me up when September ends. Thanks, Mira. We will meet up later (not September, for sure)" It was 'Wake Me up When September Ends' by Green Day, a favorite of hers. The song was totally into her, telling the world how much she hate September and how she wished for September to just go away. She might had let her mother gone, buried under the earth in the casket but she will never forget that she had lost her. And that was the last note I ever received from Young until now. She was gone of nowhere. Today is my birthday, the 23rd. I could not believe I had reach this age with success and cheers while my other partner, Young had put her life into something I never know what.

Write a story starting with: The widow had to work hard to bring up her little son alone...
The widow had to work hard to bring up her little son alone. This was after her husbands early death. She and her son lived in a wooden house. It was a small house with only one bedroom and a kitchen. Mariam wanted Sam to study hard to get good result. So she would not let Sam help her do any household chores or wash his own clothes. The years flew by. Sam sat for his SPM examination and pass with flying colours. His mother was very happy. She went round telling her friends, My Sam will be leaving for the city to study in a college. He will become a Manager one day. Ill move to live with him in the city. Then, my struggle is worth it. So Mariam continued to work hard to send money to Sam who was studying a business degree. For Mariam, it was a tough life. Meanwhile, Sam kept on phoning home to ask for more money. Mariam even had to borrow from her neighbours and friends to send her son the money. Three years Sam stopped calling home. He did not even let his mother where he was. When she phoned the faculty, they told her that he had graduated and left for job. However, they could not her more. Mariam was baffled. Where was Sam? She was so sure he would come back and fetch her for city. So, she started to pack some of her bags and boxes. Three months later, there was still no news or call from Sam. One day, Mariams niece, Kate, came to talk to her about Sam. She told her aunt, Auntie, a friend of mine met Sam in a bank. Hes the branch manager. This is his address. Early in the morning, Mariam took the first bus to the city. At the bus station, she took a taxi and showed the taxi driver the bank address. On the way there, she told the driver about Sam and what a filial son he was. The driver stopped his taxi in front of a tall building. She got out of the taxi and smiled at him happily. This was the moment she was going to meet Sam. She imagined him showing surprise and delight at meeting his mother. Inside the building, a security guard asked her who she was looking for. She told the guard Sams name. The bank staff saw an old lady holding a worn-out handbag. They were wondering, Who is this woman? Why is she asking for our manager? Meanwhile, Sam pretended he did not know his mother. Feeling disgusted and ashamed, he asked the security guard to ask her to leave. Mariam was shocked to hear that! She looked Sam in a disappointed feeling ever, and ran out of the bank. Back in her house, Mariam cried the whole night. She cried and cried till she had no more tears. The next morning, she was sitting by the window with Sams photo on her lap. She saw him walking towards their house. Soon she was shouting and crying, My Sam is back! My Sam is back! Sam ran towards her and hugged Mariam as he never let go. He was so sorry and regretted the way he behaved. His colleagues were the one who made him realized his big mistakes neglected his mother. The neighbours heard her. They too shouted and cheered, feeling happy for her.

Write a story with an ending, then with tears in her eyes, she hugged me tightly.
It was the wettest December I had ever experienced. The torrential rains had ruined my holiday plans as floods continued to wreak havoc in several states. I had pleaded with dad to allow me to go to the east coast with my friends but he had been unyielding. The thought of having to stay indoors for the next two weeks was not only depressing but also unbearable. Television did not excite me anymore. I was fed up of watching the same old movies on cable television. Even the other channels had nothing exciting to offer. Finally, I decided to go into the attic to retrieve some books which I had not read for a long time.

The attic was surprisingly clean - a sign that mum had finally completed the chore that she had kept putting off. I looked around and noticed a teak chest that I had never seen before. Curiosity got the better of me and I walked towards it. I lifted the lid slowly and was pleasantly surprised to see a variety of things in it all of them reminders of my childhood. I looked nostalgically at the clothes I had worn as a child and the toys I had played with. Bobo the teddy bear, which I had slept with until I was ten, had been dry-cleaned and kept in a box which also contained the first Mothers Day card that I had made myself. I was not prepared for what I saw next. Lying at the bottom of the cardboard box was an old black and white photograph of a young woman. I stared at it incredulously. It was as if I was looking at a female version of myself. All sorts of questions and dreadful thoughts flooded my mind. I held the photograph tightly in my hand and dashed out of the attic, only to bump into my mother.

Mum....who is this? I asked in a quivering voice.

From the look on her face, I knew it was a question she did not want to answer. Quietly, she held my hand and led me towards the study where dad had been working all morning. She knocked on the door once before opening it. Dad looked up, and his expression of annoyance disappeared when he saw the photograph in my hand. What I heard that day is something I will never forget for the rest of my life. The woman in the photograph was my mother, my biological mother Lily Lee.

Son, Lily loved you very much; just as much as Janet here loves you.

My biological mother was six months pregnant when the incident happened. She had been walking towards her office when a motorcyclist came from behind and grabbed her handbag before speeding off. As a result of the sudden assault, she had lost her balance and fallen on the kerb. The head injuries she had sustained had a devastating effect on her health. The only option was to perform surgery, but due to her condition, this option was risky. The doctors had wanted to terminate her pregnancy to save her life but she had refused. A month later she fell into a coma. Although the doctors had given up hope, Lily continued to live, though in a comatose state. It was as if she was not giving up on life till her baby was born. When the doctors deemed it safe, they performed an emergency C-section. Lily breathed her last the moment I was born into this world.

Dad sobbed softly as he finished relating the heart-wrenching story. All sorts of emotions consumed me. I was sad, confused and angry. Was I adopted? What about my father? Who was he? Had he abandoned me? After a while, I braved myself and stated what I thought was obvious.

So, that means you are not my real parents. I am adopted!

No, son. You are not adopted. I am your father. Lily was my first wife. She made me promise her that I would marry her younger sister, Janet, so that you would not grow up motherless.

The sense of relief that I felt at that moment was indescribable. I looked at mum and I saw the pain and anguish in her eyes, as though she was anticipating rejection. Quickly, she looked down. Slowly, I got up from my chair and walked towards her. I went down on my knees and held her hands in mine. Her eyes remained downcast, fearful of rejection.

Mum, I know I am only seventeen but I am more mature than you think. You might not have given birth to me but you are and will always be my mother. I comforted her as much as I comforted myself.

She looked up slowly, her eyes searching my face for sincerity. Then with tears in her eyes, she hugged me tightly.

Write a story ending with my heart bleeds and I cried

Living in a serene village near the pristine sea was a real treasure for me as its tranquility and refreshing atmosphere with a picturesque sea was a really perfect getaway whenever my head was on the verge with all of the schools works and pressures. Every day, my best friend, Razman and I would go to the sea to watch the sun sets as the invigorating coolness of the sea breeze caressed our skins. Ever since we were in the kindergartens, we had done the same thing. In the eye of the fishermen there, Razman and I are kindred spirits and our genuine camaraderie could never be separated by hooks or crooks. One day, I was feeling a little bit under the weather. My head was spinning and my body was soaking wet with perspirations. So, I decided to take a nap in order to recuperate my illness. Out of the blue, Razman came visiting me. He asked me to accompany him to the ice creams stall near the beach. I refused his tempting request almost instantly as my condition was not permissible. But, he kept begging me and his constant chatter was really irascible that I thought my head was going to explode. I tried to control my temper but I failed. I shouted at him, Just go there by your own self and stop annoying me! Razman remained speechless upon hearing my yells. Sorry, I did not mean to disturb you. I promised that I will not do it again in the future, Razman said slowly. I felt guilty watching him cycling away from my house with a crestfallen face. Nevertheless, about one metre from my house Razman turned his dimpled face to look at me and I was at sixes and sevens when he gave me an unexplainable gaze. He smiled at me and I tried to smile at him back but my lips did not cooperate well with my mind causing me to stand there poker faced. So, I just retreated into my bed room and decided to wait until I am hale and hearty enough before I went to meet Razman and asked for his forgiveness. Quickly, I swallowed down two Paracetamols tablets before going to the bed. The clock was tinkling 11 a.m. by the time I dosed off into my own imaginary world of dream. I could see Razman lying unconscious on the white bed. His face was pale and his legs had been amputated. I tiptoed towards him. Suddenly, when I am near enough he woke up. He grabbed my shirts collar and shouted in a coarse voice which was very unlikely him You must pay for what had happened to me! I gaped for air and tried to struggle away from him but for a sick person that had just been out of comma, Razman was strong enough. I was lack of oxygen. I blinked my eyes rapidly and suddenly I woke up from the dreadful dream. It was only a dream, I whispered to myself as my heart was racing. My head was no longer aching and I could feel my bodys temperature had been back to normal. So, I quickly took a bath and dressed to meet Razman. By the time I was on my bicycle, I could see people running and shouting. It was like something had chased them away from the beach. I heard the word Tsunami being pronounced loudly but I could not make any sense about its meaning. Then, I saw my mother. She was a hawker at a foods stall near the beach and she was running too. She recognized me at once, Run son! Run to the hill and saved your life! I stood rooted to the ground as my teachers words about what tsunami is echoed in my mind. I remembered Razman said he was going to the beach. I tried to search for his figure but he was not anywhere to be found. At the same time, my brothers were dragging me to the hill. My whole family was safe during that unexpected tragedy as we managed to climb the hill before the waves swept us. On the next day, the government had sent the Air Forces helicopter to bring us out to our momentary shelter. There, I went all nook and cranny to find Razman but my search had come to no end. Razmans mother was crying days and nights. His 5-year old sister was always asking me to bring back her Abang Man and tears were strolling down my cheeks upon seeing her as she resembled much of Razmans features. But, we did not have to wait long as three days after that, Razmans body returned without its life. My heart bleed and I cried.

Start a story with "I could not sleep throughout that night..."
I could not sleep throughout that night. Not even a minute. It was just because I might miss the ships or boat that passed by the island. I was shivering in cold even it was just a gentle breeze. I thought to myself that things would have been different if I did not take part in that vacation. Never in my wildest dream that a spectacular vacation on a cruise ship at the beginning turned out to be a nightmarish affair. The day before was a joyous one. I embarked on a three-day vacation trip on a cruise ship. The vacation was amazing. The scenic view was splendid across the horizon of the sea as far as the eyes could see. The sea water was crystal clear and the sky was a magnificent azure. My blissful day did not stop there. The dusk thrilled me as I sat on a chair. The sky gave its golden appeal and the Sun looked like it was sinking into the sea as night began to unfold. Then, the golden yellow background of the sky changed to twinkling stars. I was staggered to see the view of the opulent God's magnum opus. As the night grew older, something totally different started to appear up to the sky. The sky was too dark. It darkens so much as the glimmering stars started to disappear. To my instinct, something bad would happen any time soon, but I just could not figure it out. I went into my room and soon dived into a deep slumber. 'RIIIINNNNGGGG!!!!!!' "This is your captain speaking. Abandon the ship! This ship is about to sink!" The loud ringing sound really woke me up from my comfort bed and I was taken aback to hear the announcement. To my horror, the ship was in topsy-turvy. High jinks enshrouded the air. Then I realized, there was a storm happening outside. To my flummox, I dragged myself outside and saw people running higgledypiggledy as they did not know what to do. As for me, the only thing I could remember is that a huge wave came crushing upon the ship and then everything seemed to darken. Streaks steaks of light awaken me found out that I was on a beach. At last I thought that my misery had ended. But a little exploration did not bring much hope. There was no one there. So, being an optimistic person, I built up a settlement near the beach. I laid upon my leaves bedding. I wondered. Could I survive? Did my family know that I loved them? For how long did I have to wait? Out of the blue, an abrupt siren was heard from afar. Swiftly, I arose from my leaves bedding and ran nearer to the beach. I shouted for my life while waving my hands up on the air. "Help! I'm here! On the island! Help! Help! I'm here!" Then, the siren became louder and louder. At the moment, I knew they had noticed me. Unexpected, tears of joy started to drop from my eyes. Before I even thought my life was over, now the door back to my life was widely opened. By the moment I stepped into the rescue boat, I know that it was the time for me to go home. Unexpected, tears of joy started to drop from my eyes. Now, looking back to what had happened to me I realised that I am surviving alone at a deserted island. Not everyone could say that they slept on leaves bedding and have the sky as the roof. It was truly an experience of a lifetime.

Write a story with the ending, "If only I had been more careful, that wouldn't have happened"
Tonight was a cold and stormy night. The doors slammed shut as the rustling sound of the leaves could be heard. The storm had been like this for the past three days. I sat on my bed thinking if I had upset the Gods above in heaven. As I lay my head down soft and gently on my comfy pillow, I wondered if mom and dad were ok. They had gone for a vacation to the Bahamas and I had to stay back because of my exams. I wasn't worried about it as I've stayed alone many times. Suddenly, the lights went out. My heart raced in agony as the storm got worse. I could see lightning lashing onto my gate and the roaring sound of thunder that came along. I pulled myself together and realized I needed to light some candles. So I headed downstairs with my trusty torchlight and worked my way to the storage room. I found the candles and begun to light them all over the house. I couldn't stand the fact that the darkness was playing games with my mind. An hour had passed till I realized something wasn't right. I felt as if something else besides me was in the house. I panicked. My mind filled with fear but I had to be sure I was right. So, I searched all the rooms on the same floor and found nothing. So I carefully walked down staircase. As I was walking, I realized all the candles that I had lit were put out. I was surprised but aware that there could be someone else in the house. My mind pondered as to how i was going to sneak around without alerting the possibly dangerous stranger. Then, it happened. As I hid behind one of the room's doors. I saw someone walk by me. He was a huge muscular guy who wore a beard and had hair that was so curly a fly could get stuck if it went through it. I was puzzled. Why someone would want to break into my house, I asked myself. I noticed the man had a huge revolver on his belt. The same one the cops used. I didn't want to stick around and ask questions. I had to call the cops. So I crept towards the phone and thank God it was still working. I made a distressed call and the cops said they would be at my house in five minutes. As I crept back upstairs, I accidently knocked over a small lamp and it broke. By this time I knew the stranger had been alerted. I was scared and feared for my life. My fears turned into my worst nightmare as I heard a loud noise. I was shot in the chest. I could feel blood oozing all over my shirt. The stranger walked towards me while mumbling words I just couldnt understand. I thought I was a dead man. Then a miracle happened just as the stranger was about to finish me off. I heard a second gunshot and the stranger was down. It was the cops who had arrived. I was rushed to the hospital and the doctors commenced emergency surgery on me to remove the bullet. I was then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) as the bullet had hit my lungs and I was unable to breathe properly. My parents rushed back as soon as they got the news. I was lucky to be alive. The doctor had explained that if the bullet had hit me a bit more to the left , it would have hit my heart and I would be dead. Nobody knew who the stranger was or what he wanted. If only I had been more careful, that wouldn't have happened.

Write a story ending with I never saw her again after that
The gaunt figure that inched its way slowly towards the medicine counter looked old and haggard. Her dreary looking outfit did nothing to conceal her bleak and depressing demeanour. Anyone who looked at her would have thought she carried the worlds burden on her shoulders. Quietly, she sat on one of the chairs and waited patiently, like the rest of us, for her number to be flashed on the digital screen.

I was rattled. I knew I had seen her somewhere before a younger, happier version. There was no way I could be wrong. Like an arrow released from its bow, the buried and forgotten memories pierced my heart with an unknown intensity. It had to be Mary Anne, my best friend in secondary school. Then again, this person looked old, much too old to be twenty-nine. Anyway, I summoned enough courage and went towards her. Hearing my footsteps, she looked up slowly. The flash of recognition in her eyes told me I was not wrong.

It is you, Mary Anne Danker, is it not? She nodded her head silently as if embarrassed. Hello, John? You are looking good.

Her remarks reminded me of how beautiful she had been once. Mary Anne had been the school beauty. Everyone had admired her for her looks, her brains and her beautiful character. Many had said, rather enviously, that God had worked overtime with her making her one of his best masterpieces.

One day, Mary Anne had stopped coming to school. Devastated, I had gone to her house, only to find it all locked up. Checks with neighbours proved futile. No one knew where the Danker family had gone and why they had left so suddenly. Taking a seat next to her, I wondered what had happened to the ravishing beauty I had once known.

Why did you leave so suddenly, Mary Anne? Why?

She looked at me nervously while clasping and unclasping her hands in her lap. I could sense that she was rather reluctant to talk, reluctant to expose a part of her life which had probably caused her a great deal of pain and suffering. A prolonged silence ensued. Finally, she inhaled deeply and started telling me her story.

Her mother had been diagnosed with end-stage cancer and there was nothing the doctors could do. They said that she had only three months to live. Her father thought it best to return to their hometown, to let her live in peace in the surroundings she had grown up in. Her father, devastated by his wifes death, started to neglect his own health and three months later, he too died of a broken heart, leaving Mary Anne in the care of relatives.

Tears rolled down Mary Annes cheeks as she related the difficult years with her aunt. The old widow treated her badly, forcing Mary Anne to quit school and to work as a dishwasher in a restaurant. The cruel old lady often beat her, and her cousins jealous of her beauty were more vicious than their mother.

Now that the aunt was old and suffering from cancer, her five children had deserted her when they realized that she needed taking care of. Despite her aunts ghastly treatment of her, Mary Anne felt sorry for the pitiable state her aunt was in.

I cannot leave her. She has no one else, she said. I have promised to take care of her till the end of her life.

I looked at Mary Anne and saw her goodness. Instead of seeing a gaunt and weary figure, I saw an amazingly beautiful human being. My heart went out to her.

Just then her number was flashed on the screen. She got up, and collected the medicine, which I understood, was for her aunt. Never had I felt so helpless and wretched. Her story reminded me of something my late grandfather often used to say, Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.

Before leaving, she turned and smiled sadly at me. I never saw her again after that.

Write a story ending with "...They looked at each other and smiled meaningfully."
I remember the time when Mum and Dad were still happy together. My family was fine. My parents sometimes do fight, but recently, the fights became all too often. I remember the day when I saw Mum crying...

It was a Saturday morning when it all happens. I was sleeping in. On Saturdays, I would sleep until 10, wakes up by then, take a big bowl and filled in with my favourite cereal, Honey Stars and catch my favourite cartoons on TV. I remember one particular Saturday morning, I was still sleeping soundly. I remember waking up to the sun rays shining through the blinds of the curtains. The sun shone onto my eyes. I rubbed my eyes and stretched. I gave a big yawn. Suddenly, I heard Mum and Dad arguing on the first landing. They were shouting very loudly. Suddenly, a loud bang was heard. I tiptoed towards my bedroom door. I was lucky that my bedroom door left a small gap for me to peek through. I peeked through and was shocked to see Mum crying on the floor. I was very scared by the sight of Mum crying. Since that day, the fights increased. And that was not the last time I saw Mum crying. I hoped Mum and Dad will apologize and be good to each other again.

Many times I saw or heard Mum and Dad arguing. Always it ended with Mum crying and Dad shouting at the top of his lungs. Dad would sometimes also scold me or beat me really hard when he is really mad. Sometimes, I don't know why he does that. I didn't do anything wrong. But at other times, Dad can be very nice to me. One day, Dad brought me out for ice cream. Dad drove me down town to the ice cream parlour for my favourite strawberry sundae. On the way back home, dad told me, "Lily, I am going to move away..." I stared at him while he concentrated to drive. "You are leaving me and Mummy?" I asked. "No, I'm not leaving you, I just want to get away from Mummy, and I want you to follow me..." I suddenly felt worried. "Daddy, are you and Mummy going to have a divorce?" I asked cautiously. "Yes, Lily. And I want you to follow me..." he replied. "No, I don't want..." There was an awkward silence in the air. I hung my head low. Dad kept quiet. I cried silently throughout the whole journey back home.

One day, I was near Mum's study. I accidentally kicked my ball onto Mum's study table and a bunch of papers fell onto the floor. I bend down and picked them up. An envelope caught my eye. The envelope had Mum's medical centre logo stamped on with her name on. I was curious and decided to open it. It was a long letter from Mum's doctor. I tried reading the letter but the words were very hard for my eight year old mind. But one word caught my attention. 'Brain tumor'. Then suddenly, it struck me. Mum had brain tumor. I quickly put the letter in and ran straight to my room. I closed the door behind me. I ran up to my bed and pulled the covers above my head and cried. I prayed Mum would get well soon.

Later on, Mum decided to agree on the divorce, on one condition. That Dad carried Mum out from their bedroom to the living room every morning for a month, to signify that Dad carried her out from her marriage, like how Dad carried Mum into the marriage. Dad said it was a ridiculous but eventually agreed to it. So the first morning, Dad carried Mum. They looked so funny, Dad carrying Mum. I squealed in delight when Dad lifted Mum up. Dad was so clumsy when he carried Mum. The nearly broke the antique vase in the living room. They looked awkward like that. I watched them everyday. Day by day, Dad could carry Mum with ease. They don't look so awkward doing so. But as days passes, Mum look skinnier and more fragile. I wonder does Dad notice that.

During the last week of the month, I asked Dad, "Daddy, do you love me?" He ruffled my hair and replied, "Yes dear, of course I do..." I smiled widely, "Then, do you love Mummy?" I saw his brows were knitted together in frustration, "Yes, I do love your Mummy..." I grinned even wider, "That means that, you and Mummy aren't going to have the divorce?" Dad bends down to look at me, "No Lily...we are still going through the divorce..."

"Why?!" I asked. I suddenly started crying. "Why do you still want to hurt Mummy, even when she is so sick? Why Daddy, why!"I couldn't contain my tears any longer and started with large sobs. Dad's eyes changed from frustration to anxiety. He held my shoulders firmly and asked, "Lily, what are you saying? Mummy is sick? How do you know? Lily, tell me!" I could see from his face that he was very scared. "I, I accidentally read Mummy's letter, from the doctor. In the letter, it said, th...that Mummy has brain tumour..."

Once Daddy understood my words, he took out his cellphone and dialed a number. "Lauren, I'm not going through the divorce. Yes, I'm sure with my decision. No, I've changed. Never call this number again." and he hung up. Dad carried me up to Mum's bedroom. In her bedroom, Mum was on her bed. She looked so fragile, so weak. Her face had that sunken look. She gave a small smile when we came into her room. Dad put me down beside her bed. "Is it true? That, you are sick?" Dad asked. I saw tears in Mum's eyes. She held onto Dad's hand, "I'm so sorry for not telling you...I didn't want you both to get worried..." Dad wiped her tears off her eyes and kissed her on the forehead. I smiled to myself. Dad and Mum are being good to each other again. I turned to look at both of them. They looked at each other and smiled meaningfully.

Write a story with the following ending: "... I felt I was the luckiest person alive."
Sunlight filtered through the window blinds and as I took a peek at the world outside, the skies were charmingly blue. It was as if Mother Nature was welcoming me home after a long stay in the hospital. A sudden gush of emotions swept through me as I packed my bags together with my family members to leave the hospital. My excitement was hard to contain as I took my first step into the outside world. It took one accident to change my perspective of life. The day it happened was my birthday, 21 st June. After having a grand celebration together with my family and friends, I drove back home alone. As I was driving smoothly on the paved road, a truck suddenly swerved into my path and the vehicles collided with much force. Later, someone said that I was thrown forward while the truck driver was unhurt. It was the truck driver who sent me to the hospital to receive treatment. The next day, I woke up with my mother sitting at my bedside. The hospital had contacted her the previous day. She caressed my hair and told me I had crushed ribs and a broken femur. I had to be hospitalised for a few months. After delivering the news, mum comforted me and gave me words of strength. Knowing that I would like to have some time alone, she patted me on my shoulder before leaving the ward. As soon as mum had left, tears started flowing uncontrollably when the harsh fact sank in. I was going to spend a few months of my life here in the hospital, unable to work or travel. My life was too short to do anything really bad and I am a good person, why must God treat me like this? These thoughts kept swirling in my head and depression soon followed suit. Family members and friends noticed the drastic change in my personality and tried to life my spirits, but their attempts were futile. I was in a world of my own, with misery as my only companion. One day, as I peered down the streets and admired the lives of people outside the ward, a family of four begging caught my eye. They wore ragged clothings and looked thin and scrawny. This sight brought me to my senses. Why should I waste my life and let depression chain my soul? If there are many less fortunate people in the world and yet they can go on with their lives, why should not I feel grateful for all that I have? Since then, I started to appreciate all the small yet wonderful things happening around me. The soft rays of the sunlight, the blooming flowers outside the window and the swaying of trees outside in sync with the wind soothes my senses. The beauty of Mother Nature mesmerised me and kept me in high spirits. Then, I had caring nurses, supportive family members and friends to help me go through this rough patch of my life. I became grateful for all that had happened to me and believed that the accident was a life lesson that ought to be learnt. Besides, my time in hospital was spent beneficially reading self-help books. These books not only increased my knowledge but also helped me to gain wisdom. As such, I felt an enthusisastic spirit in me ready to return to the challenging world of the 21st century. I was more prepared mentally to resume my life as a university student. My dream finally came true. I was finally discharged from the hospital. Although I did not fancy the healing process, valuable life lessons were learnt. As I walked into the outside world together with the ones I loved, I could only conclude that everything happens for a reason. I felt I was the luckiest person alive.

Write a story beginning with "Tia was nervous as she opened the envelope..."
Tia was nervous as she opened the envelope the contents of which might change her life forever. Her hands were shaking and trembling so much so that she dropped it on the floor. Her parents looked at her anxiously. Madam Rita, her mother, had tears in her eyes; she felt helpless as she watched Tia opening the medical report.

Tia took out the letter and stood stock still after reading it. Tears welled in her eyes. She was devastated and slumped to the floor as soon as she comprehended that she had a tumour in her brain. The tunour was malignant and was at stage three. Her parents' were broken hearted Tia their only daughter had contracted this dreaded disease. They went to the best doctors and consulted them but they told them there was nothing they could do to help.

Tia felt as if her world was falling apart. Her 17 years of life would soon end in just about three months' time. As she went home, she cried to sleep in the car on her mother's lap. She could not believe that this might be the only chance to spend time with her mother and father. Before falling asleep, she whispered to her mother, "I love you, mummy." She said this to her mother in case she might not awake forever. Both her parents felt sad and depressed; her mother sobbed uncontrollably as if her heart was shattering into a million pieces. She did not have the will to see her only daughter die at this young age. Her heart ached and she could not do anything but pray that a miracle would happen.

The next day, Tia went to school. She sat in the middle of her group of best friends. They were all anxious to know about her well-being. Tia dropped the bombshell on them. All of them fell silent. Her friends Mei Ting, Lavitha and Zarita broke down into a flood of tears whereas the male friends looked hapless, at a loss for words and their mouths were gaping. They were looking at her incredulously. Tia felt very touched and told her friends not to cry because she had expected her fate and she wanted to spend her limited time on earth to the fullest.

Tia could not bring herself to tell her boyfriend, Ryan about her illness. She loved him so much that she broke off their relationship in fear that Ryan would be broken hearted by her death. Ryan was shocked and he continued calling and sending her text messages to ask for the reason she broke off with him. She ignored all his calls and messages as she thought that it was for his own good. After a while. Ryan gave up on her; he stopped contacting her as she never responded to him.

As the days flew past, Tia grew weaker and weaker. Her face was always pale and she often had spasms of pain in her head. The doctors gave her some morphine to stop the pain but she was suffering from the excruciating pain. She no longer went to school but all her friends visited her to keep her company. Despite being very sick, Tia always smiled at her friends because she wanted her happy face to be imprinted in their memories. Her friends always cracked jokes when they visited her just to cheer her up.

One day, Tia had an unexpected visitor - Ryan. He had foud out about her illness and was angry at her for not telling him the truth. He firmly told her that he would stick through thick and thin with her. From that day onwards, Ryan became her regular visitor. He often brought his guitar with him and sang all her favourite sonfs. Occasionally, she would sing with him. Their eyes would reflect sorrow but both of them did not show it. Whenever, she had a bad bout of pain, Ryan would hold her hand and murmur soothing words to her. Tia felt very lucky to have such a truly loyal boyfriend. She was really glad to have a family to support her, friends to cherish her and a boyfriend to comfort her.

Two months later, Tia's condition was becoming critical. She could no longer talk as she had difficulties in breathing. She was admitted to the hospital. Her parents, Ryan and her friends surrounded her bed in the ward. They knew that it was just a matter of time before Tia breathed her last. Tia's face was chalky while her lips were bluish and she had dark circles unfdr her eyes. She used her little energy that was left to tell her parents to always remember her and not to be sad with her passing. She then whispered to her friends to treasure their lives and not waste time, not even for a minute. Finally, she looked at Ryan. Words failed her. She was gasping for air; death was welcoming her to the afterworld.

Ryan could not control himself. He broke down into fits of sobs. Her final words to him the day before was, "I wish I could be with you forever."

Tia died on that day. All of them present at her passing learnt a lesson to always enjoy life and fill it with good things for death could come knocking unexpectedly, irrespective of one's age.

A Person Who Has Influenced Me

"Good morning, Mum!" I greeted. "Good morning, and why are you so happy today?" Mum asked. "It's Mother's Day, Mum. Happy Mother's Day!" My mother is the best mother in the whole wide world. I would not exchange her for anything. She has helped me through thick and thin. I may only be seventeen but I have gone through some hard times. My mum works in Johor and I stay in Malacca. She comes back once a fortnight and I miss her every day. At school, I always display a strong and happy front but on the inside, I am actually very sensitive and fragile. My mum is a caring person. When I first entered primary school, I was discriminated because I was fat. I had no friends except one, Michelle Lim. Mum always asked how my day was and I lied, saying that I had had a great day and had made many friends. One day, I could not take it anymore and told my mum everything that had happened in school. She went to school the next day and complained to the teacher. The latter told my friends off and after that I easily made friends. Surprisingly, one of my best friends now is actually the one who bullied me the most when I was in standard one! That person is Tan Yi Lin. Besides that, my mum is also very protective. My dad is very hot tempered and always scolds me even when I do nothing wrong. Whenever my dad scolds me, Mum will always tell him off saying, "Why are you shouting? She has done nothing wrong." Mum will then comfort me and previously, she would buy me an icecream after that. Now, Mum has stopped buying me icecreams because it is not easy finding clothes that fit my size. My mum is also a very loving person. I have a brother and a sister who are twele and ten years older than I am respectively. Mum loves all of us although my brother and I are troublemakers while my sister is more obedient. My mum bakes cakes for us to eay every weekend when she is back or whenever she is free. The cakes that she bakes are delicious. Whenever I smell the aroma of the banana cake she bakes wafting through the air, my mouth starts to salivate. She is also a strict disciplinarian. I once got slapped on the cheek for talking back to her. Mum taught all three of us well. Now my brother and sister are independent working in Singapore and Korea respectively while I am obediently studying hard to get straight A+'s in my coming examination. Mum recently confiscated my computer because my studies were deproving.Other than that, my mum is also very good at observing things. I had a best friend whom I had befriended for almost five years. Mum told me that she was not a good friend and told me not to be too close to her. I did not listen to her and regretted it. My friend changed and started to leave me for other friends. Luckily Mum and my two other friends stood by me and helped me to overcome this setback in my life. Last of all, what I like best about Mum is that she is a great listener and gives me good advice on almost everything. She will listen to anything I say and help me solve all my problems. There was once I talked for almost 15 minutes non-stop and she did not even utter a single word. The only thing she said was, "Yes, I am listening." My mum is the person who has helped me the most in my life. She may not be perfect but she is perfect to me. I love her very much. On every Mother's Day, I give her a handmade card that I make with all my heart. My mum loves travelling and shopping, so when I grow up I want to earn a lot of money so that my mum can go shopping every week, and travelling, every year.

An Overheard Conversation
It was a very hot afternoon. I was drenched in sweat and my blouse was sticking onto my back. Beads of perspiration trickled down my forehead. I walked slowly and began to mumble stinging expletives to myself. How could anyone live in a place like this, I cursed. I could not take it anymore. That afternoon was exceptionally hot and I was asked by Mrs. Lim to help with an errand. I was allowed to change and fill my stomach before I started the job. I headed towards the toilet with a pair of shorts and a white tee shirt in my hands. As I entered, the walls seemed to create an eerie feeling as I could only hear my heavy breathing. I went into the one nearest to the exit and closed the door. I began to undress and slipped on the new set of clothing. It was a relief as I felt quite comfortable in a dry tee shirt and suddenly, it felt like there was a slight breeze running through my body. I closed my eyes and decided to let my mind drift. I saw clear blue skies, pristine beaches and even cascading waterfalls which were all so seemingly refreshing. My mind was brought back to its senses when the thumping of feet began to near the exit. I opened my eyes and started to fold my uniform quickly, feeling a little embarrassed that I could up with silly imaginative ideas in a toilet! Anyway, as the footsteps got nearer, I heard giggles and laughing. The footsteps stopped and I was now ready to unlock the door when I heard familiar voices. "Hey, you did great today, the technique you taught me was first class!" someone exclaimed. "You did well too. I guess we should have thought of it sooner," was the reply. I did not mean to be rude, nor did I eavesdrop on purpose, but somehow my legs just refused to move. I stood still like a statuette, and listened to their conversation. At first, it seemed like they were talking about the English Language examination results which we had just received that morning. Then as I began to sink deeper into what might seem like girl-talk, my eyebrows raised in disbelief and my heart stopped. The two girls talked about how their devious plan of cheating in the English paper had paid off and how they got away with it. The plan seemed simple enough but I thought it made the rest of the class seem stupid. The first girl would raise her pen with the cap intact to indicate an answer while the other pretended that she was coughing to agree or disagree. From the way they talked, I knew who they were. They were Su Fen and Amy who were seated at the back of the class. And to think that I actually gave Amy a throat-drop, I thought angrily. After what seemed like eternity to me, the two girls walked out feeling proud and happy at the same time. Little did they know that their scheme was going to be exposed... by me. I began to unlock the bolt of the door and stepped onto the wet cement floor. By now, my tee shirt was wet again but this time, I was not bothered. I headed towards the sink and began to turn on the tap. I placed my cupped hands directly under it, collected some water and splashed it on my face. I felt refreshed but my heart was racing. I repeatedly did that and looked at myself in the mirror. My reflection was a worn-out, tired girl with strands of black hair out of its place but there was a look of determination in the reflection too, which surprised even me. Carrying the bundle of wet uniform, I headed out. My steps were now faster and before I realized it, I was in the staff room. Mrs. Lim greeted me cheerfully and I managed to flash a faint smile. How was I to break the news to her that I had found out some students had cheated in her paper? My breath was heavy and slow as my mind tried hard to come up with a good explanation. Finally I said, "Mrs. Lim, Su Fen and Amy cheated in the English paper you gave a fortnight ago."

Mrs. Lim turned around and there was a shocked expression on her face. She seemed to be searching for more details and I explained everything to her. After ten minutes, Mrs. Lim said that she would seriously look into the matter as she could not tolerate cheating in her class. The rest of the afternoon went smoothly as I helped the short and chubby lady to rearrange her shelf. There were moments of awkward silence, but I did not mind them at all. I had done the right thing, I reasoned as I continued placing books on neat piles. The next day, Su Fen and Amy were called up and everyone was curious as to the reason why. I remained seated and obediently started writing an essay which had just been assigned to us. Deep in my heart, I knew that those who commit bad acts would be punished. Well, maybe I was destined to feel hot the previous afternoon. Maybe I was the 'chosen one' to reveal such cases of cheating. Either way, I felt that I had done 'justice' to the class.