A lesson to be learnt by Murshid

“ Murshid, it’s lunchtime!”

Just another typical day, jolted out of bed by mother's routine incessant nagging about lunch. I dragged my feet to the kitchen and washed my face. My father was watching television. He was watching a programme on Animal Planet and it was on crocodiles. Memories of that faithful day flooded through my mind.

All the Secondary One students in my school were excited. It was a school excursion and we were going to the Zoological Gardens. I too was excited as it was a good alternative to monotonous lessons in school. The school bus was buzzing with activity. Anticipation fills the air. Everyone on the bus was in high spirits. I was listening to my MP3 player - it was going to be a good day.

A man in his mid-twenties was standing at the reception to welcome us. He was our guide for the day. He told us that our first stop was at the crocodile enclosure. We went in the enclosure and we saw a lake. Inside, there was an 8-feet long crocodile staring at us. As we were going to our next stop, Zac and Corbin decided to do a dare. They sat on the fence of the crocodile’s lake. Suddenly, the crocodile leaped and caught hold of Zac’s leg. Zac was terrified. I was mortified with fear. Quickly, Corbin rushed towards the guide who quickly told the zookeeper nearby.

The zookeepers pounced on the crocodile and wrestled to open its mouth. They managed to pull Zac out of its mouth. The paramedics checked Zac. However, they shook their heads sadly. Zac was dead.

‘How are Zac’s parents going to take it?’ my mind questioned. The paramedics took Zac away and sent him to the hospital for post mortem. Everyone was in shock, especially Corbin. He had never expected things to turn out that way. He had to be comforted by the teachers.

The next day, the whole school had learned about Zac’s tragedy. On the day of his burial, the whole school observed one minute of silence. We still talk about Zac and his tragic death sometimes. Memories of him will forever be etched in our hearts.

“ Murshid, stop daydreaming and eat!” my mother shouted at me. I was brought back to reality.