Shengliver’s Note: Chenglin the boy is one of the fastest runners in his class. He did not become a racing gold medallist at the sports meet. Instead, the other week he tripped and fell, resulting in a temporary disability.

About a fortnight ago, my left leg got injured while I was rushing to the canteen as fast as a rocket.

After that fall, in the beginning I was still able to go speedily despite the slight pain. Nevertheless, the next day anytime I walked, it felt as if my leg were being stabbed by a sharp knife. My God! How could I possibly manage my hectic daily schedule with the suffering?

In this entry I would like to express my gratitude to Mr Liu Zelong and Mr Wan Yingzhong. The two mates accompanied me on my daily trips to and from the canteen. Instead of running on their own, they had to slow down and walk, each on one side, propping me up. Thus, they sacrificed their precious time for me.

I normally have meals at the second-floor canteen while Mr Liu prefers those served on the first floor. Yet, he took the trouble to ascend the stairs with me to my favourite dining place. I insisted that I could make it alone, but he said that it was no hassle at all because he would go up and deposit some money in his meal card account at the canteen office, which happens to be located on the second floor. I was moved by the fact that Zelong went out of his way to reach out to me at the trying moment.

Not only Mr Wan and Mr Liu, but also many other classmates offered a helping hand. For instance, as I was recovering from the injury, something mysterious occurred and it lasted about a week. Every morning, limping with great difficulty into the classroom, I found my drinking glass filled. The first morning it happened, I was not impressed and sat down to work right away. The same thing repeated, for the following days. I wondered who it was that had acted so thoughtfully. I decided to investigate. On the fourth morning, I managed to get to the classroom earlier than usual. Arriving at the doorstep, I saw someone right there replenishing my glass. It was Miss Song Xuemei. What a kind girl! Xuemei has a beautiful heart as well as good looks.

Now I am as powerful as before, having made a full recovery from the injury. I still go like an aeroplane. The accident has taught me that happiness consists in sound health. In my daily life I will be extra cautious. Accidents, as often as not, strike at moments when we are off guard. Apart from that, this ordeal, which subjected me to pain and inconvenience for weeks, has helped open my eyes to the presence of good guys around me.

It is a blessing in disguise.