Last Saturday evening, I accidentally stepped barefoot on some slivers of broken glass in the bathroom at home. My left foot was cut. Therefore, I have to get about like a lame duck these days.

On Monday, evening classes over, at the school gate, I scanned the hordes of parents for Mum, but she was nowhere to be found. I decided to go home alone. I was making my way homeward extremely slowly and painfully because of the injury in the foot. It was not long before I could not find any schoolmate in sight. I was left behind the only soul in school uniform on the pavement.

While I was crossing the road, a police patrol car stopped at the crossing to give me the right of way. A bit nervous, I quickened my pace and limped over. On the other side of the road, I was about to resume my trek home when the patrol car made a U-turn and pulled alongside me. The driving officer rolled down the window and asked, “Are you hurt, girl? What is your address? We could take you home.”

I was entirely shocked and incredulous. As you know, I am a law-abiding citizen. I never imagined a ride in a police car. I declined it right away, but the officer insisted that he give me a ride given my difficulty. I had no choice but to accept his offer.

After I got in, I found two other police officers on board. I squirmed a bit; I had never been so close to the police before.

On the way, the officer behind the wheel chatted with me, asking about my lessons and my class. I answered him honestly. Learning I was in Class 4, Grade 2, YYHS, he was a bit amused. Right away, he asked, “Do you know Peter, girl?”

“Of course, I do,” I replied. “Peter is my classmate.”

“Oh, he is my son,” the officer grinned from ear to ear.

All on board were amazed by the coincidence.

Before long, our tower block came into sight. I expressed my gratitude to the three police officers sincerely before I bade them farewell.

Nowadays, there are a lot of complaints about the police misbehaving and abusing their power. My personal experience, however, illustrates that not all the police are that bad. The three officers I bumped into the other day were generous and responsible. Moved by their act of kindness, I will remember it forever.