write about memorable things that

have happened to you in recent

months .
It was a very cold morning as it had been raining very heavily the previous night. As my
mother was feeling a little under the weather, my sister volunteered to drive me to school. I had
overslept and as a result, was running a bit late for school. We got into the car hurriedly. The
road was already congested with traffic. It appeared that everyone was late as well.
My sister was a careful driver and despite the fact I was already late, she refused to drive fast
on the slippery road. I was lucky she was such a resolute and careful person because a few
hundred meters away from the school, we witnessed a tragic accident. it all happened very
quickly, as most accidents do. A car full of school children had made a left turning without
signaling and as a result a school bus crashed into it. A few cars behind the school bus rammed
into the bus as they could not brake in time and soon it became a pile up. The already
congested road became jammed with vehicles that came to a crawl. I told my sister that I
wanted to help the victims and she nodded silently. She brought the car to a halt not too far
from the accident spot.
The scene that greeted us was something I would never forget. It left an indelible imprint in my
mind to date. The impact of the accident had plunged three school children out of the car. The
driver, a lady, lay lifeless on the steering wheel. I rushed to the children who were
preschoolers. Two of them were seriously hurt and bleeding profusely from the head and
hands. they were conscious although too weak to realize what had happened. One of them had
her left hand severed and appeared unconscious. I think she was killed on the spot. In the
meantime passers-by had called the ambulance and while waiting we tried as best as possible
to help the victims.
The passengers in the school bus too were injured. I dashed into the bus and saw the driver laid
slumped on the wheels. He had severe injuries on the head. While my sister helped him down
from the bus, I told the injured school children to stay calm. Most of them appeared to suffer
from minor cuts and bruises on their arms and bodies. it was really fortunate that nobody was
badly hurt. By then a few adults had entered the bus and together we instructed the children to
come out of the bus slowly. The children were crying and screaming for their parents and we
had to hug them to keep them quiet.
Meanwhile, two ambulances had arrived. A traffic police car was there too. Two policemen
were taking down statements from eye-witnesses. The injured and the dead were whisked away
to the hospital. My sister and I later gave an account to the police of what had happened.

I was late for school. In fact, many drives were also late for their work. I informed my teacher
of the accident and both felt that it could have been prevented if the drivers had been more
careful. Innocent lives would not have been lost otherwise.

Dangers on the road

A motorcyclist was following behind was taxi very closely. He was so impatient that
he was trying to overtake my taxi even near a sharp bend. At that critical moment, there
was an oncoming car. The taxi driver swerved to the roadside and I got a terrible jolt. It was
too late for the mot

Road accidents are reported in newspaper and on television every day. There are more frequently caused
by reckless drivers rather than faulty vehicles. Last Saturday, while I was travelling from Ipoh, I
witnessed a serious accident. The scene of the accidents was vivid in my mind. orcyclist to avoid the
car. His motorcycle ran against the bumper of the car and smashed its windscreen. The
motorcyclist somersaulted over the car and was found lying in a pool of blood. It was a
scene to chill the flesh! The car driver, who was cut by the flying glass, was in a state of
shock. All that happened in split second and fear overwhelmed us.
The taxi driver stopped his taxi and I quickly ran to the nearest to the nearest
telephone booth to inform the police and the hospital. From a distance I could see some
people trying to help the injured motorcyclist and the car driver. They carried them into one
of the onlookers car and sent them to the hospital for treatment. Meanwhile the taxi driver
tried to control and directs the traffic. Soon the police arrived and they promptly took some
measurements and evidence. After that they moved the damaged car and the motorcycle to
the roadside to ease the traffic congestion. They also took down the evidence provided by
witnesses and onlookers. Some sweepers were clearing the debris and the blood stains on
the road.
When the taxi finally continued the journey, I silently thanked God for my narrow
escape. I learned a good lesson that impatience and recklessness would bring harm and
danger. I was happy to see that Malaysians are public-spirited and they render help to
others readily. Since then I remember and follow the saying more haste less speed and
prevention is better than cure. I believe good road manners and roads safety campaigns

can help to reduce the number of road accidents which cause injuries, loss and lives and
properties.

Disappointed
Having just finished high school, some of my most memorable experiences are
also some of my most recent ones. I had many opportunities to get involved in
academics, as well as athletics. I chose to participate in basketball, football, and
track. As a team member, I learned some valuable lessons to help me progress
throughout life. One experience I will never forget was a football game that
helped me deal with disappointment.
Football was my favorite sport to play. Ever since my head was big enough to
fit in a helmet I have played football. The feeling of being able to hit people and
catch passes in the same game was an exciting rush. I have played almost all of
the football positions on the field, along with two new positions my senior year.
While in high school, football was not just considered a sport. It demanded a
great deal of time and commitment.
My football coach, Mr. Steve Weber, has committed his whole adult life to
coaching football. He taught me about respect and that winning is not everything.
Still today, when I need his help, he is willing to offer advice. Because of his care
and concern for me, it prompted me to do my very best for him, as well as for the
team. When we won a game he gave us the credit, but when we lost he took the
blame.
Coach prepared us well for the game against North Daviess. We knew the
plays forward and backward. We were emotionally pumped and physically ready.
This game would change my life forever. If we won, we would advance onward,
but if we lost, my football career would be over forever.

The first three quarters were much like other games we had played so many
times before. The last quarter began. Exhausted as we were, we knew we were
only one touchdown behind and could still win this game. I sensed the time was
running out at I looked at the clock on the score board at Roy Williams Field.
Only ten seconds remained.

The night market

The night market begins when the vendors arrive in the late afternoon. More and
more goods laden vans arrive to begin a brisk day of business. Most of the vendors
busily set out to set up their stalls respectively in order to get ready for a brisk day
of business.
The sun gradually sets and the night market picks up momentum. More cars and
vans are arriving. By now, the stalls are neatly and strategically arranged to entice
their customers. There is an assortment of goods sold ranging from food, toys and
clothes, to name a few. A variety of goods is sold at low prices.
Large rainbow-coloured parasols are used to shade the people from rain and shine.
A concoction of blaring music can be heard in the night market background amidst
the constant shouting. It is an amazing kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, smells and
colours.
The night market is known as a haven by local gourmets who can enjoy various
kinds of mouth-watering local cuisine. Still more people arrive, they come from all
walks of life, mingling freely and harmoniously. Crowds are walking up and down in
an endless stream. Some of them are stopping by the stalls and haggling before
making purchases. Little children tag along, amused and excited. Sprinklings of
tourists join in to experience the lifestyle of typical Malaysian folks.
When night falls, lighted lamps brighten up the place, they add gaiety to this
atmosphere, and it is like a funfair. The night wears on and the traffic of people
recedes. Vendors get a chance to rest their weary legs besides bantering with each
other.
By 10.00 pm, all the stalls call it a day. The vendors pack up and close the van
doors. One by one, they leave, leaving behind pieces of papers, plastic bags and
discarded boxes. It us an eyesore! Finally, the night market disappears. The place
becomes quite and still once more.

What makes Malaysia a popular

destination with tourist

Malaysia is a multiracial country. Malaysia has a population of 23.27 million

consisting of 61 percent Malays, 30 percent Chinese, 8 percent Indians and 1
percent of other ethnic groups. Malaysia is unique because of its diversity of races,
religions and cultures, the stability of the country and many places of interests.
Besides, there are many international achievements which are the pride of our
nation.
Diversity of races, religions and cultures is a significant characteristic of our nation.
Malaysia is a multiracial country with a rich cultural heritage. Unique to Malaysia is
the 'Open House' concept where during the various cultural and religious festival
like Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Gawai Day and others, friends and
families and even strangers would visit the homes of those who are celebrating the
festival, to wish them well and enjoy the feast prepared by the hosts. Although the
visitors may be from different races, they still can tolerate with each other and live
under the same roof where they celebrate the festival together. This will help to
strengthen the ties among themselves.
Moreover, the stability and peacefulness of Malaysia is also a uniqueness of us. We
live harmoniously in a country where there are no wars and conflicts among
Malaysians. War is dreadful and it may deteriorate humans' lives. We are fortunate
that our country is safe and runs off the war. So, people can live safely here.
Somehow, Malaysia is a paradise for those Iraqis or Pakistanis. Besides, our country
is freed from natural disasters such as earthquakes. Earthquakes may bring death
and destroy many buildings. Therefore, Malaysia is unique because of the stability
and peaceful environment.

On top of that, there are many places of interests in country such as beaches,
islands and rain forest. Malaysia's rain forest is considered as the oldest in the
world. The diverse species of animals and plant life continue to excite a great deal
of scientific research. Many believe that some undiscovered plant may hold cures to
many currently incurable human diseases. There are many islands in our country
such as Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Redang, Pulau Ketam and many others. Pulau
Langkawi has a lot of historitical informations. Those who are in favour of history
can go there to explore the history of that place. All the beaches in those islands
are beautiful. The sand is soft and white. The accommodation is well-established
and that makes those islands ideal places to visit.
Following this, there are also international achievements of our country. Those
achievements include the existence of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA),
Formula One (F1) racing circuit and the Petronas Twin Towers. KLIA is unique
because it has all that is needed for business, entertainment and relaxation within
its boundaries. The airport is part and parcel of the Multimedia Super Corridor
where high technology industries are being actively developed. Nevertheless, there
is a Formula One Race Track near the airport, so foreign car racing enthusiasts from
all over the world can come for a visit to gather here. Besides that, Petronas Twin
Towers which is a building that soars 452 metres into the sky is once upon a time,
the tallest building in the world and yet it is a national pride to the people of
Malaysia.
In short, Malaysia is unique that it has diversity of races, religions and cultures, a
stable and peaceful environment, places of interest and some internal
achievements. Those are important characteristic of our nation. It is rich of cultural
heritage; it would be worth to play a visit here.

Robbery

PULAU PINANG, Thu An elderly businessman and his wife foiled a robbery attempt
by two men armed with a screwdriver and a knife. The victims were reported safe
from any bad injury.
Tan Ah Wok, 60 and his wife were taking a morning walk near their home in
Helen Heights yesterday when two men on a motorcycle stopped them under the
pretext of asking for directions. As Mr. Tan was giving directions, one of the robbers
pointed a knife at him and ordered them to keep quiet. He then relieved Mrs. Tan of
her jewellery and instructed Mr. Tan to hand over his ring and watch. When he
refused, a struggle ensued. Meanwhile, his accomplice grabbed a helmet and hit Mr.
Tan on the head with it. On seeing this, his wife started screaming.
One of their neighbours, R. Subramaniam, who was taking his dog for a
walk, heard the screams and when to investigate. On seeing Subramaniam and his
dog, the robbers fled. I was taking my dog for a walk when I heard someone
shouting for help. Knowing that something was wrong, I ran there as fast as I
could. Before I reached the scene, the robbers fled on a motorbike. They were
probably afraid of my Rottweiler.
Mr. Tan, who suffered a small cut on his head, was given outpatient
treatment at a private clinic. He said that it was a horrified experience as he never
expected the two men would attack his wife and him. He thought that they were
lost and needed help. He also mentioned that the guard who in charge nowadays
easily allowed the strangers to enter their residents. State CID Chief Supt Harun
Din advised him and the people to be more careful in giving help to strangers. The
guard also must be stricter in letting people from entering any residents without
proper permission.
He added that the suspects, aged between 25 and 30, were believed to be

illegal immigrants. He said there had been similar incident last week when two men
approached a factory worker who was on her way home after work. The duo then
relieved her gold chain and cash. He advised the residents to be alert and reports to
police any suspicious-looking characters lurking in their area.

The most important person in your

life
About seventeen years ago, a beautiful young woman, named Kari, was trying to
adjust and understand the purpose of her life. She was a typical adolescent, making
mistakes and hoping each lesson would guide her in the right direction of life. At
this time, she was living in Germany, occupied in the US Army, on and off with a
boyfriend, and fighting to keep a relationship with her family, through letters. It
may not seem like an ideal situation, but everything in life has a purpose, the
challenge is discovering it. Unlike most adolescents, her life was put into
perspective very quickly. At the age of nineteen, Kari received results from a test,
which changed her life forever. She was pregnant.
In January 1995, at the age of twenty years old, Kari gave birth to a baby girl. Her
life now revolved around her child, Alexis. She got out of her relationship, got a job,
and found a safe place for the two of them. Now living with her mom and step dad,
working as a papergirl (newspaper delivery person), and fighting for divorce, Kari
was struggling. It didnt matter though; she made the best of it.
When Alexis was two, Kari married her husband, Mike. Together, they got a town
home. Now, with a home and family, it may seem like times were great, but there
was still a lot of life to be learned from. Mike was constantly traveling; in fact, he
was in Utah for two years after they got married. Kari was now raising Alexis,
working seven days a week, and working to keep her marriage healthy. As with
everything in her life, Kari took sacrifices and made it work.
Fourteen years later, looking at this 36 year old, you would never realize the
struggles she has faced in life. She is a beautiful, young, and caring, mother, friend
and wife. She lives in a nice house, takes care of kids, home-schools Alexis and, her
husband is home almost every night. She has many great qualities, but I think the
characteristic that makes her the most unique and genuine person, is her love and
creativity. She was, and is, able to take anything normal and make it enjoyable.

By now you have probably realized, I am Alexis, her daughter. I have a great
relationship with my mom, something many girls, my age, are lacking. In some
ways, its like we grew up together (although twenty years apart), best friends. She
has always provided the loving, but strict mother figure, which I can rely on, in my
life. Her creativity brought me lots of fun times, and cherished memories,
throughout my adolescents. Her strong words and lectures, many she has learned
from in the past, bring me wisdom and guidance for the rest of my life. And her
open and loving heart, gives me a safe place to share my emotions. I never could
ask for a better person to spend my memories with, for they wouldnt be the
memories they are, without her.

13

I stood motionless and looked at the solid, dark brown wooden door. The house was
painted white, and black on the wooden beams and window panes. It looked huge
and expensive from the outside. I had to make my mind up whether to knock or
press the bell. I turned to face the garden. I thought about going back to my car
and drove home. Home. That was where I wanted to be; or was it where I would be
after I knocked the door? I sighed and walked to the side where there was a
wooden bench by the beautiful garden. I could see that the woman in the family
loved the garden. The smell of white lilies reminded me of the florist down the road
on Sixteenth Street. I sat on the sturdy looking wooden bench, trying to figure out
what I would say if someone was to open the door. I wished I did not find out
where she was so that I would not have three sleepless nights thinking of why she
left me, whether she was looking for me or whether I should be angry.
I was abandoned at Bliss Home when I was barely four. They said they found me
playing joyfully in the playground, innocently thinking that I was sent to school.
After three years, I found out that my mother left me at the orphanage because she
had to go and find my father who left us when I was two. I was devastated,
knowing that my mother left me to strangers. Funny, I thought, how manipulative
and contradictory adults could be when it comes to giving advice. Those at Bliss
Home took good care of me and made me realise that I was still lucky to be able to
enjoy life. Sister Lisa was one of those who managed to make me see that I should
make the most of myself than being miserable, grieving my unfortunate life;
thinking nobody loved me. I stayed there till I was 12, when I was then transferred
to Rouston Public School. Well, Sister Lisa thought it was a good school. Spurred by
Sister Lisas determination to give me life, I did my best in Rouston and would go
back to Bliss Home during semester breaks or Christmas to be part of the family.
Well, I was not sure whether I knew the meaning of that word, but Sister Lisa
convinced me that I was part of them when my presence was usually welcomed by
freshly baked apple pie and mince meat. Then we would all sit in our warm huge

and rather aromatic dining hall. I could still smell Marthas mouth-watering
Yorkshire pudding and roast beef in the kitchen whenever I visited Bliss Home.
It was 8 years ago when I started digging files and tailing endless documents to
find out who my biological parents were. Blessed, I found where my mother lived
but was reluctant to go and see her. I knew it would shake her down to her knees
and she would beg forgiveness for leaving me; that she was young and naive; that
she would not have managed looking after me on her own. Even worst, my
presence would stop her heart; that she would collapse unconsciously, leaving me
feeling guilty instead. Sister Lisa was the one who insisted. At the end of the year, I
eventually gave in but forbade her from calling Mom to inform that I was coming; in
case I changed my mind. She gladly agreed and even packed me cheese and
tomato sandwiches for the journey. I was skeptical when she said that Mom would
be waiting for me. If mom knew where I was, why didnt she come and find me?
My thoughts were interrupted by a butterfly flying right in front of my nose. I
looked back at the house to see if anyone noticed my presence. Silence. I glanced
at my watch but I forgot what time I arrived, so I did not know how long I was
there. I stood up and walked back to the sandy path leading to the house. I
stopped at the wooden door again wishing it was an automatic door so I did not
have to decide. Spotting a shadow by the window on my left, my heart pumped.
Somebody was at the window and was walking towards the door. I found it very
hard to swallow a big lump in my throat as my heart thumped against my chest. I
thought that I was the one who would be unconscious.
Hi, can I help you? asked the girl who was standing in front of me with a huge
grin. I swallowed hard while admiring her curly blonde. Seeing that, I knew she
must be Moms daughter. She looked 15, lean and has beautiful brown eyes. Pretty.
Yess.. Ermm yeah.. I was looking for Mrs Collins. Hmm well, is this Mrs Collinss
house by any chance?
Ohh yeahh.. Hmm..Moms upstairs. And I think shes expecting you. Aunt Lisa told
mom this morning. She smiled pleasantly holding the door. Despite the dazzling big
smile, I could see the quizzical frowns on her forehead. I wondered whether it was
because I frowned first. Obviously Sister Lisa must have had said something to
Mom.
I waited. Looking for words, 1 folded my arms unintentionally and looked away at
the lilies, biting my lower lips. I thought of saying that it was a big mistake and
should just walk back to my car. After all, it had been 25 years since she left me. It
would not change anything, would it?

Owh well, you must be freezing. Please come in, shell be down in a minute.
She opened the door and took my left hand, looked at me in the eyes as if to ask
for permission and pulled me inside. As I dragged my feet down the hallway, I could
see a family picture on the wall. Something stabbed me, right on my chest. Deep. I
could feel the pain that I felt years ago when I found out I was left on my own, and
was on the verge of tears. Again, I thought of walking back to the door but I
brushed the thought away when I heard the footsteps. It happened so quickly, I
was not sure whether I was actually there. My stomach tightened when I saw the
hopeful look in her eyes.
William, ohh its you. Ive been waiting for you for what..like..30 years? I knew you
would find me. See, its in your nature. Being curious, that is.
Well, as if it was my mistake that she had to wait so long. I thought I was supposed
to wait for her to find me, or at least she should have gone to Bliss Home to find
out. Silence. I could not say anything looking at her fragile face. I noticed that her
daughter was standing by the small coffee table, looking out of the window
expressionlessly, pretending we were not there.
I looked at Mom pityingly and sighed. I was unsure of what to say. As if to wait for
me to invite her in her own living room, she stood by the door and smiled
awkwardly. Despite the quivered smile, I could still vaguely recognise those
beautiful brown eyes when she smiled. Then, she looked down at her hands, which
she clenched and unclenched nervously. I presumed that she was as uneasy as I
was. After a moment, I cleared my throat and forced a weak smile. Seeing that,
she ran towards me and hugged me. Sobbing. Tears welled in my eyes. I closed my
eyes, afraid that anyone would see me, but I knew she was forgiven.

27

Holidays, a time everyone gets hyped up over, parents planning activities for the
family to spend quality time with and school children ( as well as teachers) jumping
for joy. Hello, waking up late, celebrating, goin for tuition and best of all, vacations!
In myy case, a holiday I would never forget is a fruitful one I expereinced five years
ago, where my family I spent six days in the land of K-Pop and ' kimchi '- Korea.
Finally, after ages of waiting, our family arrived in beautiful Korea. Stepping
out of the plane, we could feel the chilly weather to our bones. Never experiencing
that kind of weather, my siblings and I were totally excited. Passing through
immigration and baggage claim, we were talking animatedly about our new
surroundings. Since we went with tour group, we knew we were in good hands.
Incident number one. We were supposed to take a bus to check in at the
hotel, as instructed. I guessed I was overeager and without thinking. I ran to a
random bus and knocked on the door. The young bus driver opened the door and
looked at me with a puzzled expression. He started asking me something in Korean,
which of course I did not understand. I tried to reply in English, but before I could
make the attempt, my father quickly apologized to the driver and walked me back
to the tour group who was watching from afar, shaking with laughter. It turned out
that the bus I was running to was not the bus we were supposed to take. I
dismissed my burning cheeks. I was glad I could be the butt of everyone's jokes on
my first day in a foreign country.
It was a bit past lunch time when we were done checking in our hotel. Not
doubt, everybody's stomachs were grumbling. Thank God after checking in, we
were going to have our lunch and do a bit of sightseeing. While waiting for the
others outside the hotel, we walked around nearby. There was a row of vending
machines that sold various snacks and beverages, including Haagen Dazs ice-cream
, and instant noodles. My mother had a craving for Nescafe, so she spent her first
Korrean money on that.

At the restaurant, a delicious meal was already spread out for us. That was
the first time we all tried kimchi, a spicy and sour vegetable side dish.I did not
think it was horrible, buut I preferred the fish kimchi much better. We all ate using
chopsticks, so that was kind or awkward for me and my siblings, as we were not
skilled at using them yet. Being Malaysians, we were used to rice, so it was a good
thing that the Korean meal included rice and a few other side dish, eaten from a
Bento box. It was weird though, the rice was stickier compared to the rice we eat
at home, mainly to make it easier to eat using chopsticks. There was also hot and
scumptious miso soup together with the meal. Since my sister and my brother did
not like it much, I finshed up theirs. I gulped the warm soup down my throat- a
nice connntrast from the shivering weather outside.
One of the highlights of our activities that we did in Korea was skiling.
Everybody from the tour group was looking forward to that, even the 52-year old
couple traveling with us. Since it was'nt fully snownig yet, the hill was coverred with
artificial snow. After grobbing our ski gear, we listen to a briefing by the instructor.
He was very help ful, especially with us kids annd the elderly couple.
Feeling jumpy and hyperactive, me and my sister made our way to the cable
car and successfully skied down a slope. I thought, " We're natural at this," and my
sister could not agree more. When we came to see how our parents and brother
were doing, my brother started to throw a snowball towards me and my sister. It hit
me, and we started having a small snowball fight of our own, just like in the
movies! I guessed we got a bit out of hand and my sister accidentally hit a woman's
back. when she turned around, she had this angry look on her face and started to
walk towards us.I hurried my siblings to continue skiing with our parents,and we
ran away before she cold catch us. Breathless, we giggled innaivety as we recapped
the moment.
In a way, skiing is like swimming. Why do I say so? Well, when swimming ,you
do not feel tired , but you would see the effect when you get ravenous and eat
more after a session or when you aintend to tke a nap, but it is extended to long
hours. The same goes to skiing. When we arrived at the hotel after skiing, we were
drained out and starving. Instant noodles saved the day! We all ate curry-flavoured
Maggi together, savouring the memontary pleasure. We also dozed off quite early
that night , right after going for a walk to enjoy the amazing night view of th
mountains, and breathing the cool, fresh winter air.
Shopping in Korea was also different compared to Malaysia. Its malls were
packed with small shops or stalla on every floor. Big boutiques were not seen as
much as the quaint kiosks. Nevertheless, I found shopping at their markets more

enjoyable, especially because you could haggle the price. Their specialities were
crystals, fabrics and outerwear. Apart form that, I also liked their wet markets ,
mainly because they were very clean and they did not have that fishy smell. I
remembered a shocking incident when walking through the stalls of the wet
market. A large fish jumped out its aquarium and onto the floor. I stared at it and
suddenly, I saw a huge cutting knife slicing through the fish's neck! It was the
owner of the stall's doing. Then, the owner left the fish flapping around lifelessly
without a head.
There was also a treasure trove among the stalls of the wet market- a tiny
shoop which served grilled seafood. My family stepped into the shop and ordered
some grilled fish and cockles.
After saying our prayers, we devoured our mouth-watering find of the day.
Dripped in a type of souce, the seafood was the best I had ever eaten, as you could
taste the freshness. Or maybe I was just hungry after a full day of activities.
If it was up to me, there were so many things to write on my memorabe trip
to Korean. Not onli we got to spend quality time together as a family, but we also
learnt countless new things and even discovered hidden talents. My father always
said we should travel with an open mind and an open heart. This is when you get
to see your capability to adapt to changes. Just enjoy the simple things in life and
be thankful of what you have. So, do just that. Who knows you might discover a
part of yourself you never know existed?

I opened the door, to my horror, a few skeletons lay there, chained on the wall.
Okay, time to recap. I and my friends, Jack and Peter, were playing around an old,
abandoned mansion. We were told that no one was allowed to enter. However,
curiosity overcame us and we picked the lock, granting us entrance into the sacred
lair of the unknown.
At the sight of the skeletons, the three of us were completely stunned. Our jaw
hung wide open for a few minutes before we came back to our senses. My sixth
sense told me that something was about to go wrong, so I urged the other two to
back out of the mansion.
Dont be such a chicken, said Jack, with a shaky voice.
Arent you scared too? I challenged him.
Yes, but we might never get the chance to explore here again if we leave now.
All right, but we leave as soon as the first sign of danger shows.
We ventured deeper into the mansion. The design looked like some sort of torture
room, or a prison. Even though I was afraid, I was eager to discover more.
Throughout the lair, we did not lose sight of skeletons or spider webs. These were
at every corner, at every turn. The occasional howls from a distance made the hair
on our backs stand up straight. We finally arrived at a long hallway. Jack picked up
a piece of wood and lighted it up with his lighter. The flame seared at first, but after
it simmered down, I was able to see the walls clearly. There were ancient writings,
the kind we usually see in an Egyptian grave robber movie. As the expert in history,
Jack tried his best to decipher the carvings. Meanwhile, Peter leaned towards the
wall to catch his breath. At that very moment, a cold chill went down my spine.

Watch out! I shouted.

Before he could react, that portion of the wall he was leaning against flipped,
trapping him on the other side. All he could let out was a loud shriek and he
vanished behind the walls. I pounded against the wall, shouting his name. Only
then did I know what real terror felt like. However, the chance of rescuing him was
bleak. I sank to the ground, desolated and hopeless.
Lets get out of here, we have to inform the adults! suggested Jack.
I got to my feet swiftly and both of us sped through the building. My heart was
racing. I knew that danger may be waiting at the next corner. I could hear blood
pounding in my ears. Wait, was that a creak I heard? Uh-oh, I thought to myself.
The ceiling began to crumble. My sub-consciousness took over. I sprang forward
and tackled Jack. Both of us fell to the ground. Just as I thought that trouble was
out of the way, the burning piece of wood slipped out of his hand and landed in a
pile of grease. Fire started spreading like mad. I struggled to get up.
Come on, theres not much time left! I screamed as I turned towards the exit.
Aahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
In a split second, my head turned 180 degrees. A gigantic marble pillar fell on Jack.
I mustered all the strength from every single cell in my body, trying to lift it up, to
no avail. My eyes were watery. I was completely out of ideas.
Save yourself, leave me, please, muttered Jack, with a weak tone.
This was certainly a tough decision for me. All the moments we had spent together
flashed through my mind. How could I leave him now? As the fire was close to
sealing my only exit, I knew that I had to be rational. I dived for my escape route.
Tears rolled down my cheeks as the mansion erupted into flames behind me.