“Kenny, wake that boy sitting next to you up,” said the teacher in the class.

The boy got up, rubbed his eyes and felt sleepy. He looked at the clock and thought, “It’s almost time for recess.”

The teacher then asked Jimmy a question when he was still gazing at the clock, waiting for 11 o’ clock to come. Surprisingly, Jimmy, who was not paying attention in class or perhaps, never paid any attention in class before, managed to answer the question accurately, correctly and confidently.

Many of his classmates were jealous because he has a genius’ mind. Sleeping in class so often but still a top student in school. What an irony! Lazy yet smart. That’s Jimmy! He has white and shiny teeth, cool-looking hairstyle and mesmerizing eyes. Girls would have fallen in love with this god-like creature easily.

The school bell rang at 2 o’ clock and Jimmy was ready to walk home but he decided to drop by at Kenny’s house to teach him Additional Math since the exam is just around the corner. After that, he headed home with a sense of satisfaction because he managed to help his friend.

When he got home, his parents were not in the house. His dad was probably working at that time but he wondered where his mother went. He then took a shower, headed downstairs and tried finding something to eat. Usually, his mother would prepare lunch for him and leave it on the table so that if she is not around, Jimmy gets to eat lunch when he is back from school.

So, impatiently, Jimmy gave his mother a call. When his mother picked up the phone, Jimmy said, “Mom, where are you? I’m hungry now. Did you leave any food for my lunch?”

Jimmy’s mother replied, “I’m getting some food for your lunch now Jimmy. I’ll be back in ten minutes.”

Jimmy hung up the phone and went into his room. He cleaned his room while waiting for his mother to come back. Suddenly he paused and stared at the empty table in his room. He asked himself in curiosity, “Where did this table came from?”

After finish cleaning, his mother was still not back. He gave his mother another call in frustration.

“Ma, when are you coming home? I’m very hungry now! What took you so long just to buy me lunch?”

His mother said, “I’m sorry Jimmy, I’m coming home now.”

A few minutes later, Jimmy’s dad called him and told him, “Jimmy, your mother met an accident while driving home. She is now in the hospital. Take a bus to the hospital. I’ll rush there as soon as I’m done with my work.”

Immediately, Jimmy took a bus to the hospital and looked for his mother. When he found his mother’s room, he saw her lying on the bed. The doctor said she was paralyzed and death may occur anytime. Jimmy then saw a letter in his mother’s hand, gripped tightly. The letter has Jimmy’s name on it. Jimmy opened the letter and read it.

Jimmy, you’ll be surprised to get the television I bought you. I still remember how much you wanted a television in your room. I hope this television can make u happy.

With love,

Mother

Tears rolled down from Jimmy’s eyes. Now he knew the reason why the empty table in his room existed, why his mother took so long to buy him lunch and how much his mother loved him. A sense of regret filled Jimmy’s hear for rushing and scolding his mother for taking a long time to buy him lunch. His mother is now in a critical state, where death comes anytime. The television means a lot to Jimmy and he realized how much sacrifices his mother made just to fulfill his request, a television.

Written by:

Chan Fan Kiat 4P (2009)