5 a.m. The sun was awakening as I slowly adjusted to the bright blur of the warm light glowing from my window. It was time to start working again. Noticing that i had some free time on my usually busy schedule, i decided to work harder as my short break would become more enjoyable. With a spring in every step i took, i skipped towards my car, inhaling the freshness of the crisp, clear morning; today was going to be a great day.
As i entered the poorer areas on my long journey to work, my enlightened mood faded with the darkness. A sad child. Crying for life. Reaching out for help. Its small arms stretched out to me, as if i could change its future, as if i could pick it up from the depths of Hell. With eyes filled with sorrow, I continued to drive on, warm tears comforting the coldness of my cheek. There was nothing i could do...or was there?
A sudden realisation hit me as my car came to a jerking halt. Sprinting with a heart pounding with hope, i searched for that innocent child, clenching the spare note that i found in my wallet. I could help, even if it was only a little bit.
A small, outstretched hand clutched the bottom of my skirt as i spun around to see the most prettiest, darkest eyes gazing back at me. All at once, emotions attacked me as I embraced the small, vulnerable soul and gave it the money it needed. A warm, grateful smile enlightened my day once again.
"Why are you late again?!" My colleagues snapped me back into reality as my dream-like memories were interrupted by their questions. "Do you know that your boss is starting to give up on you?"
Ignoring their silly remarks, i unpacked my things, ready to start my daily role as a doctor. It was time to begin my hard work.
6 p.m. My tiring day at work finally came to an end. As i left to go home, the boss- who was a close friend- offered to join me as he needed to give some medicine to someone who lived in the poorer areas. On the way, a drunk man collapsed onto the windscreen of my car. Frantically, me and my boss came out and helped him into the passenger seat, wanting to take him home to stop him from causing any more trouble. As he slowly muttered his address, i spotted something from the corner of my eye. The small child. Waving happily at me, with a bag of food in its hands. Another wave of relief washed over me as i drove away into the distance.
When i found the drunken, violent man's house, i noticed the dirt that created a barrier to block the beauties of nature. Empty bottles, containers, dirty nappies, clothes torn to shreds. All piling up like a landfill. The stench of soil eluded my senses. How could the people cope?
The man opened the barely stable door that threatened to crumble any second, and stumbled into the barn holding a broken glass bottle. A young girl, looking around the age of 14, rushed over to greet him only to end up on the floor with a few glass shards stuck in her arm. As she steadily regained her balance, she glanced at us, flashing a small smile while continuing to help her father into the house. I turned to look at my boss, who was checking the address on the medicine bottle he needed to deliver.
"This is the place," he murmured as he signalled for me to follow the young girl who later reappeared to take us into a sick lady's room. Instantly, a strong smell of medicine masked the disgusting stench from outside. When she saw us, the older lady struggled to sit up, welcoming us with a pained look.
"How much is it for?" She croaked, her voice quivering, about to snap like a ruler. A look of doom overcame her softened features when we gave her the price. I knew it. It was beyond affordable for them. Trying to get away from the conversation, i watched her young daughter attempting to hide her scars from us. So young, yet so strong. I remembered her fathers abuse. The laughter of younger siblings could be heard from the other room. There was something i had to do.
Disappointment shadowed my bosses face, as he put away the medicine and gradually turned away from the poor family. I couldn't. My job was at risk.
"Goodbye..."
Without thinking, i stood up dramatically. Nothing could stop me. I was burning, burning with passion, burning with hope. Burning with undying flames.
"Give the medicine to them. I'll pay for it!"
YOU ARE READING
Rise
Spiritual'A storm may be strong, may make you fall to your knees, but always, without a doubt, will go away' Asian, female, poor, uneducated. A 14 year old girl struggles to find an education due to poverty. With her sick mother and young siblings, it become...
