Winning Essay - The Misery of Drug Abuse - 2009
Contest Date: 12-Jan-2009 to 31-Mar-2009
By Isabelle Neo, Tao Nan Primary School, 6M
It was raining.
Crouched small under a flight of stairs, I shivered uncontrollably in my thin school uniform. Looking at the pelting raindrops, I recalled the smirk on Darren's triumphant face when I had been wheedled by him into downing those little white pills.
I recalled the questioning look on Mothers vexed face when I had repeatedly asked for money under the pretext of having to buy school books and stationery. I recalled Father's disbelieving frown and I knew he was suspicious of my cold, sweaty palms and excessive lethargy.
I recalled Father's fists clench when he caught me red-handed: opening that little bag of pills from Darren. I had jumped upon hearing his bellow. Darren had bolted, leaving me to face the music on my own. I was numb with shock and terrible guilt.
I recalled Mother's disbelief, disappointment and despair when Father stormed home, unmercifully dragging me by my collar. "Go!" he had shouted. I heard Mother's desperate pleas with Father to let me stay with them and undergo rehabilitation. She would do anything to let me remain by their side, to be together always.
Anguish and tears washed over her weary face when Father blatantly refused. I, too, tasted salt water, seeing her kneel in front of fuming Father, my shoulders trembling uncontrollably; I had pulled her up and said two words to my parents, "Im sorry."
However, I knew it would not help the situation. I turned and ran, deaf to Mothers cries.
Now, I saw a thin figure stumbling in the rain, frantically calling out a name. I froze, watching Mother trying to find me. It was futile. I turned my back to her.
My face was wet but it was not from the rain.