![]() ![]() Is it like a boat when it wobbles on water? Can it happen here? It is when the earth shakes and the ground rumbles, Mum explains. Ray, there was an earthquake in a place called Nepal. What are you talking about? What happened? Ray asks. Your Mum and I had not married yet, and I was staying in a small house with a friend. Dad’s eyes flick to the clock again before settling on my pale face. I can’t get the images of falling houses out of my head.ĭad, please, I really want to know, I beg. Bedtime is 9pm, and asking questions to delay my dinner and bedtime is a trick I’ve done one time too many. It is 8.30pm, and I know what he is thinking. I’d grab it quickly if the room starts shaking.ĭad looks at the clock on the wall. Dad, have you ever been in an earthquake? I let go of the table, but my senses remain alert. Ray, can you stop interrupting please? I scowl.īecause I am asking an important question. It’s an exhibition in a box! I made a cockroach diorama for my school project. Has anyone in your class done a project like that? Ray scampers over to join us at the table. The cardboard houses and Lego figurines all fell down. When he shook the board, the entire structure trembled. He made a diorama with cardboard houses, trees, fences and some Lego figurines to create a model of a neighbourhood. Yes, Dad, but he is older and gets to work on fancy science projects in Primary 6. Mark, your friend from the neighbourhood? Dad asks. I remember Mark recently did a science project in his school. I gulp down some water and it brings my voice back to life. A natural disaster like an earthquake can happen anywhere in the world, though, so we have to be brave and helpful. It is a terrible thing, but one very far from here. Nothing has changed, but I want to hold on to the table. The lamp, flower vase, the paintings on the wall-I imagine them shaking as the ground rumbles under our feet. I push my plate away and look around the room. The words echo in my head and a frightening image appears. I don’t have much more information, but it was very close to the capital city, Kathmandu. Dad’s voice takes on a sombre tone as he cuts me off. There was an earthquake in Nepal.įreddy, you are not listening. Can we go to Nepal during the June holidays? I ask as I heap pasta onto my plate.įreddy…something happened this afternoon. It’s far away from here I think it’s above India. ![]() Yes, it’s in the map game that I got on my birthday. Next time you want to take me for a baby trek, my answer will be NO! I want to go on a REAL trek on a REAL mountain, like Mount Everest."Īfter my brief protest, Dad is silent for a moment.įreddy, do you know where Nepal is? he eventually asks. "I know, but I still wish I could have gone with you. I know you are strong, but remember, one step at a time. Mum emerges from the kitchen with a steaming pot of spaghetti with meatballs.Ĭome here, Freddy. We camped for two days! I am ready for a tougher trek, I insist. Last year we went to Malaysia and I climbed all the way to the top of the mountain. This was a very tough trek-seven full days in the wild, and we each had to carry a backpack weighing 20kg.īut Dad, you and I go on a camping trip every year. I am not talking to you.Ĭome on, Freddy, I’ve already explained this to you, Dad sighs. You went on a trek to Australia and you didn’t take me. I refuse to look at him.įreddy, did you hear about what happened today?ĭad, I’m still upset with you. I am placing the plates when Dad comes and starts helping. Since then, Ray’s nickname for me has been Coco.įreddy, please lay the plates on the table. The aunty in the family referred to me as Ray’s kor kor, which means older brother in Cantonese. When Ray was very young, we lived next to a Chinese-speaking family. We are from India but now live in Singapore. He is reading his favourite Geronimo Stilton book for what seems like the hundredth time. Yes, Coco, Ray says without looking up from his book. Should I sneak up and scare him? He is already seven, but he’s also a scaredy-cat and may start howling. Even after reading it a few times, it is still thrilling. The book was a birthday gift from six months ago, when I turned ten. ![]() Today, I am following the adventures of Samuel Tan Cher Lock in Sherlock Sam and the Stolen Script in Balestier. I like to challenge myself by memorising the page number instead of using a bookmark. She turns to address my brother, who is sitting on his beanbag, also reading. A few moments later, Mum bustles into my room, wiping her hands on a towel.ĭinner is ready, Mum says from the doorway. I am so absorbed in my book that I jump when I hear someone call my name. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |