It started off like any other day for me except for one difference. It was the first day of my SPM examination and my BAHASA MELAYU paper was to start in two hours' time. Mum woke me up early. I had taken a bath and a light breakfast. Yet, the feeling of dread weighed heavily on me.
I told myself that I had never had a problem with this subject and that I had no reason to worry. My neighbour, was invite me go with him go to school since it was on his way. So, I did not have to go to the bus stop to catch the bus that morning..
My paper was start at 8.30 a.m. and Encik Johan had told me to pick up me at 7.30 a,m. As soon as I heard his car approaching, without wasting my time, I give my mum a kiss and run to get into the car. After about two minutes of polite inquiries, we settled into a comfortable silence. My first inkling and that something was not right was when I noticed that Encik Johan was driving quite erratically. I looked at him. He was biting his lips and saw him perspiring although the air-conditioner was keeping the car quite cool.
Suddenly, the car swerved and almost hit a lamp post before it came to stop along a lonely stretch of road.
My heart began to beat very fast when he turned around and grabbed my arm. I pulled my arm away and looked at his face. His face had a funny pallor.
"are you all right, Encik Johan?" I stammered. He did not answer. His clothes were soaking and he was holding his chest. Then he slummped forward and his head hit the steering wheel. I quickly got out of the car. There were no cars in sight. The next bus would pass that way at nine. I forgot all about my examination. I realised that Encik Johan was having a heart attack. Just then, I heard the ringing of a phone. Of course, I had my dad's mobile phone with men. It was my mother, calling to wish me luck in the exam.
Then, I told her what happen, then she told me to remain calm and then she hung up. I was not sure what to do. I went over to Encik Johan's side of the car. He appeared to be breathing heavily. I waited for what seemed to be hours before I heard the sound of sirens. You will not believe it, but the fire brigade, the police and the ambulance all arrived at the same time. the police sent me to school. The ambulance took Encik Johanto Hospital. As for the fire brigade, my mum had not called them. They were on their way to put out a fire nearby.
I reached school before eight and I was quite calm as I walked into the examination hall. The paramedics had told me not to worry about Encik Johan. On my part, I was relived to have school on time.
In fact, after all the excitement, I found the Bahasa Melayu paper a breeze. I guess it was a case of, all's well
that ends well'.
its me !
