"An act of cowardice" tells a story of what caused a good friend to be lost ...
Justin
was my best friend.
In
my eyes, Justin had always been the perfect gentleman and to the extent of
being effeminate. Exceptionally puny for his age, he bore delicate elf-like
features, adorned with expressive doe-like eyes. He stuck out like a sore thumb
in our class as he was the only one who was soft-spoken. Do not judge a book by
its cover. Justin often spared a thought for others but unfortunately
frequently to his disadvantage. While boarding a bus back home, he would often
allow the rest of the commuters to board first. His selflessness deprived him
of a much needed seat despite his long journey home. When asked, Justin would
often shrug his shoulders and answered with a broad smile that making the day
and environment better for everyone was in itself a rewarding endeavor. His
gentle demeanor was appreciated by all who came into contact with him. Every
single day, we could spend hours taking, playing soccer or reading. The close
relationship we had was simply wonderful. I still have vivid memories of that
fateful day.
I
was as happy as a lark.
My
almond shaped brown eyes glinted with indescribable joy. I had passed my
examinations with flying colours! Mother would definitely be proud of me!
Carrying my maroon school bag, I treaded back home with steps that seemed to
have springs in them. Birds chirped melodiously as if they were celebrating my
sweet success together with me!
Deeply
engrossed in my thoughts, I unknowingly stumbled upon an alley. A sea of
darkness enveloped the alley accompanied by forbidding silence.
Silence.
At
that juncture, a whimper punctuated the laid-back air surrounding the silent
alley. Then, gales of laughter rang out. It sounded very familiar to me, just
like what I would often hear during recess. What was it? It was none other than
Tim and John, the infamous school bullies. Who was their victim this time
round?
I
had to find out.
Slowly
tiptoeing into the dark alley with trembling steps, my blood ran cold. A
prickling sense of fear crept down my vertebrae. Tim and John were seen
bullying Justin. I gasped on seeing their terrible actions. Tim held terrified
Justin captive with an iron grip. John used a bamboo stick and rained Justin
with blows to his malnourished body. My helpless friend was being beaten
senselessly by the two bullies. When do these two ever stop?
With
bulging muscles, Tim looked as sturdy as an oak. His bulldog-like demeanor made
him out to be a force to be reckoned with. His hold on Justin was extremely tenacious
and he evilly chuckled at Justin, who was struggling to squirm free and
whimpered like a tortured kitten. Justin was indeed weak like a newborn calf
compared to this burly bully.
“What
a wimp!” John proclaimed as he continued to beat Justin with the bamboo stick.
Collapsing
like a wreck in an accident, Justin’s body was polka-dotted with multiple
bruises. In between agonizing whimpers, his coal-black eyes scanned his
surroundings like a robber on the lookout for the men in blue. It seemed to me
Justin had been searching for a person as bold as brass to save him and release
him from his agony. Then, his eyes met mine. A look of hope brightened his
tortured face briefly as his eyes sent me an imploring plea for help.
My
fight-or-flight instinct kicked in.
Flight
was the obvious choice, like a bawling baby toddler screaming at me. Who wanted
to be involved in this? The last look on Justin’s face as I turned and fled the
scene as cowardly as a wild duck was one of pure anguish and disappointment.
My
act of cowardice was as good as punching Justin too. In the end, Justin was
hospitalized and his parents lodged a complaint against the school. To add fuel
to fire, I did not even step forward with the truth when the school
disciplinary master questioned me if I had witnessed the bullying taking place.
Since then, I never saw Justin again. It was as clear as a bell – I had lost my
best friend, all because of my inaction.
Till
this day, I regret my act. I am so fearful of apologizing to Justin for fear of
being rebuked by him. I know that I should and probably would someday soon.
Till the next story,
Nice
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