Shopping was my hobby. I love buying things
for myself more over for my friends and family especially during festive
seasons or celebrations. I would also try to go every weekend and persuade my
sister to join me. I’ll go every shop and buy anything I like as what they
“shop till you drop”.
Until a few days ago, I was shopping for a
perfect present for my best friend for her coming birthday. I came across a
beautiful dress, which is very suitable for her slim body. Then, suddenly the
security alarm sounded. I glanced around and I saw the security guard caught a
familiar face. The boy shouted at the security guard to let go of him.
My first reaction was to rush over to see the
commotion. While I was among the crowds, the boy looked straight into my eyes.
It was then I remembered. He was the little boy who used to play with me when
we were younger until my dad got a job in the city so we shifted. That was the
last time we seen each other. Richard was his name.
After that I bailed him out from the hands of
the security guard and apologized on behalf of him. I looked into his bag and
found that he stole a t-shirt. He looked at me with an apologetic look like he
wanted to say something. I looked into his eyes and it shows misery and painful
feelings.
We
rested at a restaurant in the mall after that commotion and ordered a few for
our lunch. He ate hungrily as he didn’t eat for days. The more I looked at him,
the more I felt sorry for him. After he recovered from hunger, he started
slowing down. He told me that after 2 months my family and I moved, his family
drop bankrupt. His dad was caught for illegal trading and his mother was
heartbroken and disappointed with him and hung herself. Now Richard has to
steal to survive and to take care of his younger sister who’s merely a child.
I felt more terrible and sorry because he
kept on struggling to survive another day while all I do is shopping and finish
every penny I have. He has to pick the trash or steal food while I can eat in
5-star restaurants. He wore only a pair of cloth while I change every time
according to my mood.
After we are done, I walked him back to his
“home”. He led me into an old abandoned house near a hill. His younger sister,
Racheal, was waiting for his return. She had grown a lot since I last saw her,
which was 5 years ago. She looked just like her mother. She has brown wavy
curls, fair skin and the most beautiful eyes. Above all that, she looked really
thin and hungry. Luckily, we brought back some food from the restaurant. Just like
her brother, she eats hungrily.
Looking at the surroundings, there were
barely anything except an old sofa and a table, which its color had faded. I
couldn’t imagine how all the time they survive. Richard thanked me a lot and
hoping that he could help in return. I assured him that he could someday to
make him feel better.
When it’s late, I went back home. All the way
back, I thought about the ways to help him and his adorable sister. I would
help them no matter what and that is my decision. I’m going to help them
without limitation until they are safe and have a proper shelter.
By the time I got home, I hurried to my
parents’ room and told them what had happened and asked them if they could help
too. I also told them about my decision. Mom was very sad about her friend’s
death and prayed that Richard’s mother found peace in the afterlife. My dad
however stood behind mom just in case she needs a shoulder to cry on. After mom
finish mourning for her beloved friend, we start talking about our plan to help
those two siblings.
The next day, Dad went to the government to
arrange foster parents for the both of them. Dad can easily persuade them to do
so because dad’s an important businessman to them. While waiting for the
result, the both of them stayed at our house. In those times, I got to know
more about them and got closer to Racheal whom I never played with when I’m
younger. She’s an easy girl to get along with and without thinking of survival;
she’s really a very cheerful person. It makes her look more beautiful than
before.
After a couple of days, the government found
the most suitable foster parents, who’s friendly, kind and very light-hearted.
Richard and Racheal thanked our family and wishes to repay our deed but we
refused. Now they looked happy as they have a family again. Before they leave, I
kissed Richard on his cheek as a goodbye kiss. He blushed and waved shyly
towards me. I just gave him a warm smile and watched them go.
Ever since then, I started saving money and I
don’t spend as much as before. Now I only buy the things that are necessary and
for emergency only. My hobby became saving from shopping. My mom is proud of me
for start saving than spending. Throughout the event, I’m grateful of my life
and it opened my eyes to save for what will come in the future.
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