Denise was dressed casually in shorts and a singlet. She wore a pair of sneakers and walked into the compound, looking a little shy.
Tommy : Woahhhhh…. Chio bu leh…. Jim… hahahah….
Mohan and Eric could not believe what they we seeing and I saw them talking to each other before running to get Soh from the office.
I introduced Denise to everyone, making it clear that we are just friends.
Soh came out and he too was surprised to see Denise there with me.
Soh : Oh….
Denise : You asshole !….
Denise made a show of wanting to throw a corn cob at Soh but I held her back.
Denise : I’m just kidding…
Soh , ever the gentlemen apologised to Denise properly.
Soh : It’s all in the past…. I’m sorry…. Just business, nothing personal….
Denise shook Soh’s hand and everyone helped themselves to the food.
Mohan could not resist making some jokes about having milk at the BBQ and Denise gave him a glare that ensured he stayed at least 2 metres away.
We ate, we chatted and we laughed.
I sat beside Denise as she peeled a prawn for me.
There was this flush of warmth as I looked at Tommy feeding his grandmother.
I envied Eric as he danced with his daughter Claire before chasing her around.
Denise : Miss your daughter ??
Jim : yeah… all the time…
8pm
The lot of us gathered around the BBQ , drinks in hand
Soh : Thank you guys…. Really…. All this… would not have been possible without you all…
Rizwan : Soh.. you going to cry ah…
Soh : Fuck you la… hahah..
It was just a simple gathering but it brought about emotions that have not experienced in a while.
We are more than colleagues, more than just army mates, more than just friends.
There is this bond between the group of us that is impossible to explain.
Eric’s daughter was cheeky and playful, running around and trying to play with all of us.
In the end, she ended up taking selfies with Denise.
Jim : all grown up already…. Easy liao la…
Eric : hahaha… you wish ah….
Eric’s daughter Claire then went on to try and identify each of us by name and the funny antics we did back in our younger days.
Clarie : My daddy say you are kan cheong spider….. my daddy say you snore very loud…..
“ my daddy say you do things very slow “
“ my daddy tells me you always don’t know where you running in the jungle “
The memories of our trainee days flooded back into my head, bringing with it images and smiles I already forgotten.
The group parted ways at 10pm that day.
11th March 2017
Saturday
10am
Moving day for Denise and I promised to help.
She has gotten a job at a café while she takes night classes for her degree.
I don’t know if it was deliberate, but Denise had picked to move to Pasir Ris, just a stone throw away from my parents place where I was staying.
She rented the whole 3 bedroom flat for herself and I could not help but ask her how can she manage to pay the rent, her night classes on her part time café pay.
Denise : I’m a lot richer than you think I am Jim…. A lot… haha…. Herman bought some bluechip stocks for me…. or rather… he bought them using my name and my account… so…. Technically… they’re now mine…
Jim : wow….
Denise : it’s not a lot la… hahah… still gives me an average of 6-700 a month in dividends…Plus some savings of mine, and the job at the café…. Just enough to get by…. I’m comfortable….
I got her settled in and she celebrated by having sex in all the rooms of her new place.
With me of course.
13th March 2017
Monday
8.15am
I will never forget that faithful day.
The day when our lives are ripped apart by a series of events.
Eric picked me up at Pasir ris with his daughter in tow.
Eric : Don’t mind ah… I drop Claire off at the child care first….
Jim : morning…. Where did you all go ??
Eric : Stayed over at Wendy’s place for the weekend lor…
Claire : Morning Uncle Jim…
Jim : K2 already right… going to go primary school soon….
Claire : yah… hahaha….
We arrive in Hougang and Eric pulled over by the drop off point and switched off the engine.
I could hear the noise and the hustle from the childcare centre as I alighted.
Eric : Quick.. quick.. they having breakfast already… !!
Eric was already off towards the main entrance with Clarie’s bag.
Claire almost caught up to her father when she ran back to the vehicle.
Clarie : daddy wait… I forgot my bottle……..
I opened the passenger door for Claire with a smile as she reached into the seat for her bottle.
Then I blacked out.
I fucking blacked out.
I don’t know what happened.
I really don’t
My ears were ringing and there was a continued buzzing sound in my head.
I tried to open my eyes and everything was a blur.
A thick grey cloud of dust drifted towards me from the childcare centre.
I could hear screams, anguish screams of pain and despair coming from the centre.
A figure emerged, walking unsteadily from the cloud of dust.
I saw Eric walked out, his face covered in blood as he clutched onto his stomach.
I pushed myself off the ground and turned to looked for Claire.
She was on the floor too crying as she scraped her knees and palms.
Eric staggered towards his daughter and I quickly supported him. The moment I felt Eric’s weight on me, I lost balance and we collapsed onto the floor.
Blood seeped out from Eric’s stomach and I grabbed his hands, pushed it on the wound and applied pressure on it.
I was shaking, trembling. What the fuck is happening.
I’m afraid. I was really scared.
As a grown man well into my adult hood, I cannot recall the times when I’m actually scared.
And at that very moment, I was petrified as I tried to dial for emergency services.
I called and ambulance, on the verge of tears, I told them my address and I needed help.
The operator was calm and hold me to hang on.
Operator : Hang on brother… we are receiving multiple calls…. We’re on our way…
I dropped the phone as Claire crawled over to Eric
Claire : Papa….Daddy…. daddy…. Daddy… no.. no.. no.. daddy…
Eric was shivering as well.
Claire saw I was holding onto the bleeding wound and she too put her hands on mine as she cried, tears streaking down her puffy cheeks.
The cloud of dust cleared up a little and when I turned to look towards the childcare centre. My heart sank.
The first thing that greeted my eyes caused the first streak of tears to cascade down my cheeks.
A toddler.
No more than 4 years old.
He walked out, daze, blood dripping down his sides.
I saw his right hand, his fingers.
They were gone.
They were all gone.
And he was just walking. Walking out.
Another little girl ran out, crying as she held up her left hand with her right.
Her entire left wrist was limp and she was bleeding from her ears.
I can’t breathe.
My heart was finding it hard to pump oxygen into my head.
Then I saw a figure run past me.
A construction worker. His neon vest and yellow cap on him as he paused outside the childcare.
He shouted towards the main road in a language I don’t understand.
He’s probably from India, or Bangladesh , I don’t know. I turned and saw a dozen of other workers running over. They were doing some construction work by the road.
Without waiting for his friends, the worker ran into the childcare. Moment later, he emerged with 2 toddler in hand.
He was shouting and shouting. He was crying too as he laid the 2 lifeless body on the grass patch just a distance away from me. Then he ran back in again.
I could see the lick of orange flames coming from one wing of the childcare centre.
A couple of adults staggered out with crying and screaming kids in tow. I could hear the sirens of ambulance approaching.
The construction workers entered the school, each one of them carrying out a child or 2.
A few broke down by the grass patch after seeing the lifeless children.
Barely 5 were able to continue heading back in an even so, I saw tears streaking down their eyes as they brought out the endless stream of kids.
“ uncle… uncle…. Pain…pain pain… aHHHHH “
“ mama…. I want mama “
“ papa…. Papa where are you “
The cries and screams filled the air and I saw more people arriving to help.
Residents staying from nearby blocks ran down.
The town council cleaners too, ran into the school with no protective gear at all.
A taxi driver who happened to drop off a passenger also ditched his cab aside.
I saw 2 road bikes streaking up the grass patch, one of the cyclist falling on his sides before scrambling up.
I could hear him curse under his breath.
Cyclist : fuck.. fuck.. no… fuck no….
They were both Caucasians. Instead of running into the school, they immediately went to the group of screaming kids.
I overheard one of them say they’re doctors.
Eric’s breathing slowed and he just looked at his daughter.
He didn’t say anything.
He just looked at Claire with a smile.
Claire continued sobbing, calling out for her father.
Eric : jim…
Jim : NO!!.. no don’t you fucking say a word Eric…. Don’t you say anything… don’t do this to me…. fuck… don’t do this to me…
That feeling was like someone taking a knife, heating it up and pressing it on my bare skin as I felt Eric slipping away slowly.
There was none of those exaggerated Hollywood panting and choking of blood. No smart ass speech, nothing.
It was just Eric.
His body felt heavier by the minute, his hands felt cold.
Claire : papa… daddy.. daddy… are you ok… please… tell me you are ok… daddy !!…
The ambulance arrived and I saw the paramedic immediately rushing in.
Then the next ambulance arrive, and another, and another.
The construction workers by then were covered in a thick cake of dust and dried blood but they kept going.
Those that could went on.
The row of bodies got longer. Residents gathered by the side of the scene, some of them taking pictures and videos of what was happening.
A paramedic came over and checked on Eric.
They asked me to move out of the way and within a minute, they had Eric and Claire up the ambulance, leaving me alone at the scene.
I sank down onto the grass patch as I pinched myself to make sure I’m awake.
That this is not a dream .
CRAKEDDDDDDEDDED!!!1
I heard this loud rumble and more screams filled the air.
A portion of the school has collapsed.
The 1st parent to arrive on the scene screamed for her child, calling out her name desperately.
I saw a old man, unsteady on his feet as he wobbled on his walking stick.
He was calling out for his grand daughter.
Oldman : Ah boy ah…. Ah boy !!!.. ah gong is here… ah gong is here. !!!
I felt this lump on my throat as I choked on the dust and my own saliva.
I bent forward and vomited as I saw a lady clutching onto her lifeless daughter.
Her screams left this permanent scar on my eardrums as she shouted for her daughter to come back to her.
Lady : come back to mama….. come back to mama please baby… please….
I saw another grandmother scurrying over, dropping her bags of shopping on the floor as she shouted for her grandchildren.
I slammed my fist onto the soft ground , trying to numb the pain in my heart as I heard a little boy shout for help while clutching his sister in his embrace.
Boy : my meimei…. My meimei not moving…. Sobz.. sobz… help… help…. Sobzz… my meimei…
I immediately went over and checked the little girl as tears streaked down my cheeks.
FUCK!
I looked at the little boy, his eyes red and he was bleeding on his head.
Boy : Uncle… please… sobzz… uncle… save my meimei…
A paramedic slid onto the grass patch beside me. I could see he too was choking back on his emotions as he accessed the kids.
He looked to be in his early 20s.
He was biting down on his teeth, grinding them hard as he remained professional.
I struggled to get onto my feet then there was another ground shaking roar a distance away.
A police officer grabbed me and asked if I’m ok seeing all the blood on my body.
Jim : I’m fine.. I’m fine… help the kids… this is not my blood.
The entire road was choked up within minutes by all the emergency services.
Fire fighters descended upon the scene and the kids just kept coming.
I saw the construction heaving as he brought out 2 more crying kids.
He lost his balance and fell, I immediately went over and helped him.
The boys he brought out were bleeding on their arms.
One of them had a finger bent beyond the normal angle.
I finally mustered up enough courage to enter the school together with the construction worker.
I could no recognised the school in that state. There was blood everywhere.
The walls which should have been adorned with the children’s artwork were now filled with palm prints.
Little palm prints of blood .
I lifted a cabinet and the worker pulled a lifeless child out.
A firefighter came in and asked me to leave for my own safety.
I nodded but not before carrying another sobbing toddler out into the open.
I dropped the toddler down and my body just acted on it’s own.
I went back in and grabbed another.
Just one more. Just one more.
I ran back into the school and saw a fire fighter trying to break down a door.
Another came with a ram and within seconds, they got it open just a crack. I helped to push against the door, trying to prise our way into the room, I saw there was a cabinet, it had tipped over, jamming the door shut.
The 3 of us managed to get it out of the way and when we did. All 3 of us froze for a good 2 seconds.
That room was for the infants. Babies barely 18 months old.
I saw a bloodied teacher cradling 2 in her hand as she wept.
Another older teacher had her body over a small baby less than 6 months old.
She tried to protect the child from a chunk of falling concrete and ended up giving her life for it.
2 toddlers were crying as they hugged onto each other.
The fire fighters shouted for help but it was too chaotic on the site. Everyone was shouting and screaming.
Heartbroken parents holding onto their offsprings.
We got all the infants and toddlers out into the open .
I went back in again, and I felt someone drop a large stone on my chest as I picked up a dead infant, her pink red bunny still cradled in her arms but she was no longer breathing.
I brought the entire cradle out as I washed my dust covered cheeks with tears.
I saw this helper run towards me as she collapsed onto the floor. That must be her employer’s kid.
Someone offered me a bottle of water, I don’t know who.
I drank up and I could feel myself falling.
I black out.
Again.
When I opened my eyes, I was leaning against a pillar.
I don’t know how long it’s been.
There’s a dog just few steps away from me.
I could see the handler holding onto the leash of the dog. The dog belonged to SCDF and I could tell it was exhausted.
I’ve never seen a dog pant like that before.
It’s eyes, I could see it was crying too as it jerked against the leash, eager to head back to the rescue.
It’s paws were bleeding, it’s snout had scratches , his handler trying to calm the dog down.
Dog handler : shhhh.. shhhh… ok boy…. Ok boy… calm down… calm down… you’ve done enough…. Calm down…
The dog whined and whimpered, leaving bloodied paw prints just a few feet away from me.
How painful it must be for the poor dog.
Man’s best friend.
I could imagine it being able to smell the survivors just a distance away yet unable to do anything.
The handler tried to feed the dog some water.
A distance away I saw another dog running over, it’s handler running close behind.
The new arrival came over to it’s exhausted friend and they sniffed each other, communicating in a way we would never understand. I watched the shepard licked the blood of it’s panting friend before wagging it’s tail eagerly as it’s owner arrived at the shelter.
Dog Handler 2 : Road’s jammed up all the way…. We ran here…
The handler patted his dog and looked towards the collapsed portion of the school.
Without a word, the 2 of them disappeared into the mass of rescuers .
I called Soh and told him what happened. Soh asked me to head down to the hospital.
Soh : I’m on my way…. They called me…. I told the rest as well…
I struggled onto my feet and I ran.
I ran 3 streets as I tried to put as much distance as I can between me and the heart breaking screams that filled the entire estate.
I managed to get a cab to bring me to the hospital in Simei.
Soh told me the ward Eric was in and I rushed up, attracting curious stares from patients and staff alike for the blood I have on my body.
A couple of them asked if I needed help but I told them I’m fine.
I got to the ward and I saw Tommy on the phone outside as he gestured for me to get in.
I entered the ward into a blanket of silence as I looked at Claire slumped over Eric’s body.
Where are the doctors, where are the nurses ? Why are there no electronic beeps of equipment monitoring his vitals ?
I looked at Mohan with his bloodshot eyes.
I looked at Rizwan who was squatting down, his head buried in his arms.
I looked at Nelson who was opening weeping.
Wendy , Eric’s girlfriend was sobbing by the bed.
I grabbed Soh and he shook his head at me.
Fuck.
This is a nightmare.
Someone tell me this is a nightmare.
Claire : papa…. Daddy !!! DADDDY!!!!! DADDDY!!!!wake up !!!!!
The anguish cries fully illustrated how helpless we are in the face of death.
A cycle no one is immue to even though we are at the top of the food chain.
Claire’s screams tugged every single nerves that regulated my tears as I gritted my teeth.
What Clair did next surprised everyone of us.
She ran over to Soh, shouting and screaming at him.
Clarie : WHY !!! WHY DID YOU NOT PROTECT MY DADDY !!! WHY !!!
Soh bit down on his teeth but said nothing. I could see he was on the verge of a total breakdown.
Claire grabbed a fistful of Soh’s shirt in each of her hand and shouted at him, raising every hair I had on the back of my neck.
Claire : Daddy says all of you are his best friends !!!! he says all of you will keep him safe !!!! HE SAYS YOU ALL WILL KEEP EACH OTHER SAFE !!!! WHY…. WHY !!!!
Claire sank to the ground , sobbing and crying for her father.
A nurse entered the room and she saw the situation we’re in with Claire sobbing on the floor.
I was the closest to her and she told me that they needed to move Eric soon.
Nurse : We have a lot of patients coming in….we need the room… I’m sorry…
I took the nurse outside and tried to ask for more time.
Jim : Please… give her a bit more time….her father was everything to her…her mother left them when she was born…. Her father raised her on his own…
The nurse was caught between a rock and a hard place as she agreed to give us 10 more mintues.
Tommy was talking in a hush manner into his phone as he massaged his forehead. Soh grabbed Mohan out of the room and I could hear the tremble in his voice.
Soh : as…. As long as…. We breath…. Eric’s pay check will continue to go to Claire… until the day she gets married.. you hear me !!
Mohan nodded.
Soh was struggling to deal with the reality when Tommy came over to the lot of us with a grave expression on his face.
Tommy : Soh… I need to tell you something….
Soh : What…..
Suddenly the hospital corridors were filled with screams and gasped as staff gathered around the TV at the waiting area.
Within seconds I could hear someone saying.
Another childcare was hit….
A total of 3 now.
Tommy grabbed Soh by his shirt, stressing the urgency of his news.
Soh : what is it…
Tommy : I spoke with a friend from SCDF… his team determines the cause of the fire and explosion….
Soh : and ?
Tommy lowered his voice to a whisper and I could the colours drain from Soh’s face.
Tommy : Potassium nitrate …..fireworks Soh…. They were all improvised explosives made from fireworks….
Jim :What….
I felt this cold chill run up my spine as Soh’s breathing got faster and faster like someone on the verge of an asthma attack.
Tommy : only 1 person can bring in that amount of fireworks…. Ah Peng…..
Soh grunted like a wounded animal and smashed his fist into the walls of the wards as the group of us held onto him trying to calm him down.
Soh : let me go.. !! LET me GO!!!! FUCK!!!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Police officers stationed outside the wards came running over and I quickly put up both palms apologising for the outburst
Jim : sorry brother… sorry… we just lost someone…sorry…
Soh was still struggling and grunting as Mohan and Tommy restrained him. Nelson and Rizwan came out too and I reassured the officers the situation was under control.
By the time we managed to calm Soh down, he shut himself out for a good 5 minutes, not responding to any of us.
His hands rest on his knees as his head bent low, looking at the ground beneath his feet.
We gathered around Soh and we waited.
It was on all our minds but no one would say it.
It was not up for us to say it.
13th March 2017
Monday
2.30pm
When Soh finally raised his head to meet our eyes, I could feel he was a changed man.
Something was different about him
The way he looked.
The way his eyes stared.
We waited.
I could feel it coming.
The wave of heat rising from beneath my body, as I clenched my fist. The anger, the frustration.
The thirst.
We waited.
And it finally came.
Soh : Find him….
……………………………………………………………….
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tai_zi21
Can u pls post something tonight my fav sbf writer?
Happy new year to u too
Happy new year to you too.
Soon soon…. i’m editing the last bits
Updates in a while.
Apologies for the long wait.
Every update just gets harder to edit. There are emotions that i have to go through again and again just to edit it.
It is as difficult to write, as it is difficult to read.
I hope something like this would never happen anywhere.
Cheers
James
Soh : find him…. Find out where is he….
Soh got up and reached into his pockets, pulling out 2 phones and his packet of crushed cigarettes. He handed one over to Tommy who immediately began scrolling through the list of contacts.
Soh walked out for a smoke and Rizwan went along just to keep an eye on him.
Tommy : Ah Peng has multiple lines…. We’ll split it and try to get him on the phone first…. We’ll probably have to head down to the Kelong….
Within seconds, I was already dialling one of the 2 numbers given to me. One was switched off, the other one connected but no one answered the call.
I kept hitting dial the moment the ringing stopped.
Again and again, I hit the call button.
There must be an explanation to this.
Soh came back 10 minutes later just when the same nurse came over to me and said they really need to vacate the room.
Nurse : I’m sorry sir…. We really need the room….. patients are coming in and they’re already lining them along the corridors… we need to get ready….
Before I could give the nurse a reply, Mohan charged in and thrust his phone towards Soh.
Mohan : Soh…. Ah Peng…. He’s on the line….
Soh immediately grabbed the phone and walked away.
I told the nurse to let me talk to Claire and Wendy about the need to move Eric.
Heading back into the room, I knelt down beside Claire who was still hugging onto her father’s body. There is this desperation in her sobs and pleas as she mumbled softly, talking to her father.
That ache in my heart cannot be described with words. Perhaps it’s because I’m a father myself. I would not want my daughter to be crying for me, pleading for me to wake up.
Claire should have been able to enjoy the innocence of her childhood, she should have had the opportunity to grow up bask in her father’s love but it was all gone.
Jim : Claire……Wendy….. the… the nurses need to move Eric…. Many other patients are waiting for the room…..
Claire : No…. no.. don’t take my daddy away from me please… no….. don’t take my papa away….
Wendy hugged onto Claire who screamed into her embrace as she cried for Eric to wake up.
I looked away, out the window, trying to hold back my tears as I heard Claire pleaded for Eric to give her one last hug.
Claire :Papa…. Hug me one last time !! please….
Claire : Daddy…. Daddy!!! I love you…. say you love me one last time please !!!!
I clenched my teeth as the waiting staff entered, their eyes red and choked with emotions as Claire tried to hold onto Eric’s lifeless arm.
Claire : daddy !!! you promised !!!! you promised to watch me grow up !!!!
Clarie : You promised to wait for me to bring you overseas !!! Daddy !!! PAPA!!! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Claire pushed herself off Wendy who too was sobbing uncontrollably as they followed the staff down to the morgue of the hospital.
My eyes pressed shut as I exhaled.
Looking back down the corridor, I saw Rizwan running towards me, gesturing for me to gather at the lounge of the visiting area.
When I reached the lounge, Soh was already tasking everyone with his orders.
Soh : Nelson , Tommy, Derrick….. stay here…. Eric’s funeral arrangement… everything… take care of it…. Do what you can for Wendy and Claire…. Charge everything to the company….
Turning to Mohan and Rizwan, Soh wanted them back in the office.
Soh : go through the schedule… cancel all the jobs…. Mohan…. Money… I want to know how liquid we are….. Jim…. We’re going to see Ah Peng….
We parted ways and got into Soh’s car.
Jim : Where are we headed ?
Soh : Geylang…. A coffee shop…
I put the car into drive left the hospital.
The radio was filled with news of the tragedy that has befallen the country. Repeated updates of the latest casualty counts were being updated every 15 minutes.
As of the time we pulled into the expressway, the newscaster put the figure at 56.
Of which 47 are kids and toddlers.
I tried to change the channel but it was everywhere.
Everyone was reporting about the incident.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement but major international news networks have already called it an act of terror. No organisation has stepped up to take credit for the attack as yet but the few usual suspects and organisation names have been floated by so call experts.
Condolence messages poured in from world leaders together with offers of help and assistance.
3.30pm
The roads around Geylang were all jammed up. There appears to be an accident at a major junction. I parked a good 5 street away from the coffee shop.
Soh commented on my blood stained shirt and handed me a spare top of his which he kept in the car. It was a little loose for it’s fine, I changed out before walking towards the meeting point with Soh.
I called my ex wife and checked in with her, asking if she’s ok. She told me she’s find and her parents had already picked up our daughter from the daycare.
Soh and I arrived at the quiet coffee shop where the few customers present were glued to the TV.
The large screen which should have been playing a football match or sports channel on your typical day is now focused on the events that are unfolding in the country.
We took a seat without ordering drinks, everyone’s eyes was transfixed on the screen which showed a reporter standing along Geylang road. There was a flurry of activities and I could see a couple of police vehicles blocking the entrance to a particular lorong.
Fuck, that place was just 3 streets way from where we were.
The ticker text along the bottom of the TV was saying that there is now a hostage situation in Geylang.
Traffic was choked up along the entire main street. Cars could hardly move.
Gunmen attempted to set off another explosive device but were unsuccessful. They barricaded themselves inside the childcare centre, taking the staff and kids hostage.
There was a loud crash and everyone gasped as the camera fell and the reporter ran out of focus. There were screams and shouts as chaos followed. Gunshots were heard and the whole country watched on as 2 police officers were shot in cold blood on live TV from masked men who appeared from nowhere.
The screen went off before switching back to the broadcast studio where another news caster say there appears to be a connection problem.
I turned my head, so did Soh when the gunshots came again, nearer this time.
Jim : Fuck …. It’s just a few street down….
We saw people running towards our direction and away from the fighting.
Soh tried to call Ah Peng to ask where is he.
Soh : Where the fuck are you !!!! ………..then get out and run what the fuck !!
Soh hung up after 3 seconds before saying that Ah Peng was stuck in the street where the shooting is.
Jim : exactly where ??
Soh : He’s in his car…. Too scared to move… along the main road… just before the junction..
Jim : Fuck…
I hesitated for a moment before asking Soh to text me the car plate number and description.
Jim : Ask him for it… I’ll go get him….
I ran off towards the direction of the noise and within seconds came into view of the dead police officers. Their weapons were gone. They were lying face down and a large puddle of blood pooled beneath their heads.
A mini bus had crashed into the police barricade.
I could see several masked men entering the day care centre their comrades had taken. 2 of them were out front of the gate, waving their knives and weapons at residents from neighbouring units, warning them to get back to their house.
I checked my phone and Soh had send me the description and car plate number for Ah Peng’s car. A silver Toyota.
I crouched low and was about to cross the street when I heard a smattering of kids screaming.
Looking down the alleyway, I saw kids running out of the day care centre.
They were screaming and crying, scattering in different directions.
A couple of them was running towards me.
Then I saw more masked men appearing from the day care. A dark marooned mask and black caps masked their faces. They were chasing the fleeing kids.
I saw one chasing after the little girl and little boy running towards me.
Tears streak down their faces as they shouted for their parents.
Fuck ! There was no way they can outrun that man.
I slammed my fist against the damaged police vehicle and I ran towards the fleeing kids.
The masked man saw me and he reached behind his back, drawing out a knife.
This is it, this is where it all ends for me.
I quickened my pace and I could feel the burn in my thighs as I tore up the ground, charging towards the 2 kids.
I grabbed the little girl just as the masked man grabbed the boy before I could push him back.
Jim : NOOOOOOOO!!!!
Right in front of my eyes, he stabbed the little boy in the stomach, pulling out a blood stained knife as he lunged towards me.
Jim : Fuck !!! aHHHHHHHHHH!!!
I was about to turn and run with the screaming girl when I saw a heavily tattooed man appear out of nowhere.
Tattooed Man : ARGHHH!!!
His shout was followed immediately by the hissing sound of a burst artery as he stabbed the masked men several times in his neck with an ice pick.
The injured boy was flung onto the floor, sobbing for his mother.
Jim : fuck… fuck…. No… no
I ran towards the injured boy as the gate beside me opened.
Several men emerged, they were all armed. Parangs, metal poles, cleavers, you name it.
There were only 5 of them as they walked towards the childcare centre.
I applied pressure on the boy’s wound.
Jim : It’s ok…. It’s ok… don’t move….boy… don’t move….
Shouts erupted and the gates and doors or more houses and units opened up.
Men flooded onto the streets. Malays, Chinese, Indians, the Hainanese, the Hakka, the Hokkiens, Teochew. For every person running away from the impending clash, there were 3 more heading towards it.
The girl I was holding onto started calling out for her father before breaking loose. I watch her run towards a tall and heavy built man, his hair dyed a golden shade of yellow and I could see the tattoo of a deity peeking out from his unbuttoned shirt.
A thick gold chain went around his wrist as he bent down and scooped his daughter up.
I heard him ask where is her elder brother.
Little girl’s father : Where is Kor kor ??? ( brother )
Little girl : kor kor…. Korkor still inside…. Kor kor still inside sobzz.. sobzz….
There was another commotion at the entrance of the day care.
3 kids screamed and ran out but before they could get far, a succession of shots rang out and one of them collapsed immediately onto the ground.
That was the tipping point and like the pull of a switch, the gathering men and residents of that particular Geylang street charged and rushed towards the childcare centre.
Masked men ran out too, using kids as shield.
I watched on, petrified by the scene unfolding in front of me.
Long regarded at the underbelly of a prosperous country, Geylang was a neighbourhood rife with crimes and prostitution. Illegal gamblings, secret societies were rampant along the infamous streets.
Hardly a day goes by without some incident happening in the area.
Rival gangs slug it out regularly in the cover of darkness to settle their scores, while illegal street walkers ply their trades.
Sexual enhancement drugs were easily available by the streets and if you know where to look, you can get drugs of all sorts from dealers hiding in the shadows.
Who could forget the various legal house for prostitution?
With such reputation , it is easy for many of us to forget something about Geylang.
It too was a neighbourhood, inhabited by people. People like you and me. Fathers, mothers, grandparents.
The older generation may have their differences when it comes to business, territories and trade within the infamous neighbourhood, but with only a handful of day care services at the fringe of the neighbourhood, many of their kids and grandchildren go to the same school.
So what if their fathers has been to prison ?
So what if their bodies were adorned with tattoos and scars ?
Their past actions were of no consequence compared to the love they have for their kids.
I watched as the men plunged sharpened stakes and knives into the body of the hostage takers with total disregard to their own safety. Several of them suffered injuries of their own when they came into contact with the hostage takers.
There was no hesitation, none at all.
I watched as a Chinese man took a knife in his abdomen and yet without flinching , he sent his into the attacker’s neck.
Another gunshot rang out, puncturing the thigh of a huge indian man, sinking him to his knees. A masked man plunged his dagger into the man’s sides, rupturing his kidney as he unloaded a fresh flow of blood from his body.
There was no room for breather as I watched a old man throw a old rope around the man holding the revolver ‘s neck, choking him backwards and onto the ground.
I watched at the 2 bodies struggled and go into spasm on the blood stained floor.
That amount of trashing as the masked man grasped at his neck. That rough gagging and choking sound would stay with me for the rest of my life. His eyes looked like they were going to pop out of it’s sockets but there were no signs of the old man letting go.
A young kid who don’t look a day over 20 jumped in, stabbing the choke victim several times in his neck before running away.
There were no shouts, no gang cheers of any kind. The men worked with a eerily quiet efficiency as they disposed of the intruders to their neighbourhood.
It was all over in less than 5 minutes. Men streamed out of the childcare, some were crying as they hugged their lifeless child.
One ran out, screaming for help as he clutched onto his daughter who was bleeding from her head.
Another came out with his sobbing son, thanking the gods that he is ok.
2 little girls who seemed like they were sisters ran out, they were on the brink of tears but broke down completely when they saw their grandfather lying in a pool of blood.
They hugged onto their grandfather, crying for help that never came.
I looked at the old and tanned man lying on the ground. His skin were wrinkled and he’s probably touching 70. His tanned complexion were adorned with several tattoos and I could see needle marks on his arms. He’s probably a drug abuser.
I would have never given someone like him a second look on the streets yet I found it impossible to tear my eyes away from that moment when his 2 granddaughter held his hand and cried.
The man was still conscious, I heard him telling his grand daughter in Chinese.
Old man : 阿公老了。。。不用紧。。我什么都不怕。。只要你们没有事。。
(grandpa is old, it’s ok.. I’m not afraid of anything… as long as you girls are ok..)
I saw another man emerge from the childcare with a infant in his arms. He ran towards the old man on the ground, calling out to his father.
I could not take this any longer. My heart would not allow it.
I felt a hand on my shoulder and I caught a reassuring glimpse of the dark coloured uniform of a paramedic and I handed over the boy to him.
As I left the street, columns of paramedics flew past me towards the day care centre flankes by police officers with their weapons drawn. I could hear the echoes of the cries that were getting louder behind me.
The screams of a anguish father left childless, to the desperate cries of a kid looking for her parents.
Every one of us is different, from the way we look, to the colour of our skin, to the kind of gods we worship yet we all speak a common language of pain and loss when it happens to us.
The cries are the same. The colour of our blood are the same.
I could feel my phone vibrating in my pants as I ran towards the Toyota Ah Peng was in.
He saw me coming and he got out.
His face was pale, as if he had just seen a ghost. His eyes were red and bloodshot.
I could smell urine from his clothes as I grabbed him by the shirt.
Jim : What have you done… what the fuck have you done !!!
Cars honked for Ah peng to move now that the road was starting to ease up. I pushed him back into the vehicle and he drove down another street before turning to park at a illegal spot.
He was shaking as he drove, mumbling to himself.
I dragged him out of the car towards the coffee shop where Soh was waiting.
The moment Soh saw Ah Peng, he shouted and grabbed him before punching him across the cheek.
Soh : What have you done !!!
The few patrons of the coffee shop cast Soh and Peng a uninterested look before turning away. Drama happens often in this part of the country.
Ah Peng : Soh…. Soh…. I don’t know… I really don’t know …… I didn’t know they… they would….
Soh : What the fuck were you thinking !!!… are you that hard up for money ?? !!!
Soh whispered harshly at Peng, asking how much did he bring in.
Soh : How much ? How much of it did you bring in ??
Peng : i…. I sold them a total of 50 boxes… over 2 years…
Soh : WHAT!!! Are you mad ??!!
Peng finally snapped and shoved Soh, pushing him on his chest.
Peng : who are you to criticize me ??!!! were you not making a profit as well ??!! I sold it to you too !!
Soh walked up close to Peng, hissing sharply into his face.
Soh : I only took 1 box at a time…. It’s for some rich fuck with his own boat…. Where he can just sail out to some god forsaken island and shoot them off and impress some girls !!!….
Peng came back almost immediately.
Peng : How do you know ??! HUH!!! ?? how do you know ?!?! have you seen it?? Hur ? have you see him finish all his firecrackers ??? with your own eyes ???
Soh was at a loss for words.
The 2 old friends stared down each other at the coffee shop. Each thinking of what else to say no doubt.
Peng : I also sold it to some rich fuck with his own boat….. he also wanted to impress some girls…. How the fuck would I know he would use it for this… !!!
Soh sank down onto the chair and buried his face in his palms.
Peng grabbed a chair and took a seat beside Soh.
Peng ; Help me Soh… I’m afraid… I’m scared shitless…. What should I do ?? …
Soh sighed and lit up another cigarette.
Peng : the client…. The client wanted some more…. he said my route was the safest …. That he needed me to continue bringing stuff in for him….. I don’t want to but… but I’m afraid what they would do to me… they know where I stay….. what should I do ??
Soh : Who ? …. Who is the client. ???
Peng : Edward Fernando Chan…
Soh : What the fuck is that… is that 3 person or 1…
Peng : 1…. That’s his name… I don’t know if it’s real….
Soh : How do you usually deal ?
Peng : Cash…. In malaysia…. We would meet, he would tell me what he wants… and..
Soh : What about the goods ? …..
Peng : I dropped them off…. In a warehouse in singapore….
Soh : He pays you personally ?
Peng nodded his head.
Peng : He would pay me on the spot…..
Soh : when did you last speak with him ??
Peng : just… just a couple of hours ago….
Soh : What did he say ?? …
Peng : He…. He warned me to keep my mouth shut…. And that I was to continue bringing stuff in for him….and…. he…he wants to meet again…. I told him I’m scared….. that I don’t want to be involved….. he… he said it was too late… I’m already involved…. That we must strike while the iron is still hot…… he said he will meet me soon….
Soh : When ?
Peng : he’ll call me… I don’t know… probably after this shit storm has died down a little…I really don’t know….
Soh : Did he say why he want to meet ?
Peng nodded
Peng : He said he wanted more shipment. ….he wants to talk…..He did not go into details….
Soh nodded and told Peng that he’s staying with him for the next few days.
Soh : You will stay with me… you do not fucking leave my sight or I will kill you myself… you hear me ?? …
Peng nodded.
We got into Soh’s car and when we turned on the radio, there was confirmation that a 5th day care centre has been hit while it was being evacuated.
The news broadcasted that all schools will be suspended for the next 2 days and all residents were to stay at home for the time being and avoid unnecessary travel. Social media were flooded with videos and images of the tragedy.
There were still no official statement from the authorities.
Even the North Korea had issued a statement by their supreme leader. That such acts of atrocities should not be condoned. May the innocent children find peace wherever they are.
5.30pm
I dropped Soh and Peng off before making my way back.
The funeral arrangements for Eric has been finalised, it would begin later that evening at the void deck of his flat.
I’m headed home to grab a quick shower before heading over to Eric’s place.
I got home and I saw my parents in the living room, surrounded by bags of groceries.
Rice, instant noodles and bottles of water.
I asked if they are ok and they said they’re fine. I told them Tricia is fine and back home with Anna.
I had a few missed calls from Denise. I called her back and told her I’m ok.
Denise : You sure ? … you don’t sound ok…
I told her I’ll drop by her place in a bit but I can’t stay long.
6.45pm
I bought dinner up to Denise’s place.
She gave me a hug the moment she opened the door.
Denise : you ok ? …
I nodded.
I sat the food down on the table and broke down.
Denise : fuck Jim… don’t scare me… are you ok ?? is Tricia ok ?? what happened…. ?
I told Denise what happened earlier that day, that I was there when it happened , and that Eric has passed away. It took a while for Denise to register the shock and she broke down as well.
We just held each other in embrace for a while before breaking off.
I told her I needed to go. Denise said she wanted to drop by the wake too.
Denise : Text me the address… I’ll head over tomorrow…
………………………………………
9.00pm
We were all gathered at the void deck of Eric’s place.
Claire sat staring at the photo of her late father, a plate of uneaten rice in front of her.
Wendy was talking to a couple of her colleague. She broke down as it dawned on her that she could too have died if she had been working that day.
The group of us sat, silent around the table.
No one touched the drinks, no one touch our phones. No one spoke.
We just stared blankly into space.
Soh’s arms were folded, his eyes were closed.
This has to be the most depressing day of my life.
Ah Peng was there too, his head hung low. He was jittery, even the screeching sounds of car wheels made him jump.
He would have to live out the rest of his life with the weight of this on his shoulder.
The silence around the table was broken by a vibrating phone.
Ah Peng’s vibrating phone.
He took a look and grabbed it, gesturing it nervously as he turned to Soh.
Peng : It’s him..!… it’s Him!!… Soh.. SOh… how… how….
Soh : answer it…
Peng picked up the phone and you could hear the fear in his voice. With everyone of us glaring at him, it made him even the more nervous.
Peng : yes….
He kept quiet and just listened for a good 30 seconds before looking back at us.
Soh : What did he say …..
Peng : Edward…. He wants to meet…. At the usual place….
Soh : Where ?? …
Peng : Pengerang……. My grandmother house…..is there….
Soh : You deal in your grandmother’s house ??
Peng shook his head.
Peng : No… no…. there’s a makeshift café / provision shop of sort… it’s beside a plantation….we would meet there….
Soh : When are you meeting him ??
Peng : in 5 days time…. He’ll call…. I was to wait….for him… back in Pengerang…. How Soh ? … what should I do ??
Soh : You’ll meet him….. we’ll all meet him….
Peng : what… how… you can’t… he will kill me.. he might kill me….
Soh : Not if we kill him first….
Peng was grabbing his hair as he cursed and whined at the table.
All of us looked at Soh.
Soh : those….. taking care of elderly parents/grandparents…. Step away from this table… now….
Tommy : Fuck you Soh…. Fuck you….
Soh ignored Tommy and went on.
Soh : Those with kids…. Step away from this table as well…
I saw Soh turn to look at me and I gave him a middle finger.
Soh : by standing at this table……Do you all…… have any idea…. What I’m about to ask of you….
Rizwan put his hand on Soh’s shoulder and gave him a squeeze.
Rizwan : Soh…. The reason we are at this table…. is so that you do not need to ask….
Soh’s eyes teared up and he pressed them shut tightly, trying to hold back his tears.
Mohan spoke first as he raised his packet drink to the table.
Mohan : for Eric….
The rest of us : for Eric….
Soh sniffed and wiped his eyes with the back of his hands before turning to me.
Soh : Jim……do you think…… we can borrow some of Riona’s toys…. From the range….
Jim : it’s not enough…..
Soh : how do we get more ?
I gave Soh a squeeze on his shoulder.
Jim : Leave it to me….
I stepped away from the group and went through my phone contact. It was right among the top.
Anurak.
I hit the dial button and waited for it to connect.
Anurak pick up the phone after 5 rings.
Jim : Khun Anurak….
Anurak : Who is this….. how did you get this number….
I hesitated for a moment as I thought of how to introduce myself.
Jim : I’m Ryan….
Anurak : Ohh… brother Ryan….
The cheerfulness in his voice died down almost immediately as he composed himself.
Anurak : I’m sorry….. for what has happened in your country…. It’s….. horrible…
Jim : it is….
Anurak : What can I do for you….
Jim : I need… some more toys from you…. a lot more….than the previous round….
Anurak was quiet for a while before replying.
Anurak : Brother…. The borders are tight…. After what has happened in Singapore….everyone is jittery….. I don’t want any trouble….. I’m just business man….
Jim : I know brother… is there anything you can do ??
Anurak : are you involved….in what has happened ? ….
I could hear Anurak’s voice turn a little ominous on the line as he questioned my intention. I remained calm and told him no.
Jim : No.
Anurak : Then why…. Why do you need the toys….
I gave him the most honest answer I could.
Jim : Because I know who is responsible…. The toys are meant for them…
Anurak : Oh…..
Anurak said he will call me back in 5 minutes.
I looked up into the clear night skies and realised how quiet the streets were.
The attacks had taken it’s toll on the country.
Soh : JIM!!!
I heard Soh call out and I ran back to the void deck.
Nelson had his phone tuned to the radio.
There was an announcement being made.
A group called the LFO ( Liberation from oppression )has taken responsibility for the attack.
The radio was broadcasting a message they recorded and uploaded online.
LFO : People of Singapore…..you have long been oppressed under the rule of your government…. You are buckling under the weight of trying to survive in this city of yours. We, the LFO brothers are here to liberate you. We shall free you from the shackles of your meaningless lives.
We have infiltrated your country right under everyone’s nose. We are everywhere. We bear no allegiance to religion and we do not care about politics. My brothers and I just want the people of this country to live free.
Free of the rule of law, free of bills, of taxes.
Singapore is just a start. Our ideals shall be carried by the wind and spread throughout the world.
There is no stopping us. We are in your midst. We are entrenched in your life. We want you to join us. Join us and be free.
There is no point in resisting. My brothers and I shall topple this country in a matter of weeks. We wear no uniforms, we will not be identified by the colour of our skin or the language we speak. We blend in like the rest, striking when you least expect.
We have already crippled this country with the 1st wave of attacks.
There will be more attacks, they will be bolder, bigger and there is nothing you can do to stop us.
Join us brothers….. join us and be free.
The message ended with a static buzz before returning to the newsroom.
Nelson shut off the radio app and I felt my phone buzzed.
It was a message from Anurak.
Anurak msg : ….. 9k usd each…..5.56. 3usd each…
I whispered to Soh about the price and he gestured for Mohan to step aside together with me.
Soh : guys…. We’ll go to jail for this….they’ll hang us for this….
Mohan : Only if we get caught…. Only if we get caught….
Soh nodded and asked Mohan for the total amount of liquid cash the company has.
30 seconds later I asked for 7 units and 300 rounds of ammunition in a text message to Anurak.
An account for a local bank was sent to me 5 minutes later.
Anurak sms : pay first…. And I’ll send it to any location of your choice…. In malaysia…. You can bring it into Singapore on your own….
Jim sms : It will stay in Malaysia… I’ll text you the address after payment….
……………………………………………………..
15th March 2017
Wednesday.
4pm
We all stood, silent with our heads bowed as Eric was being cremated.
Claire had fainted once from seeing her father’s cortege enter the cremation slot.
She clawed at her chest, as she shouted for her father.
I ran out of tears.
My heart ached as well but I could not bring myself to show anymore emotions. I was numb.
Numb with anger.
The death toll was still climbing.
In 2 separate incidents where the parents lost both kids in the attack, the parents committed suicide together, jumping off the flat where they lived with the kids’ favourite toys in their arms.
I cannot imagine the grandparents , well into their seventies having to bury their child and grandchildren at the same time.
I touched the backpack I had beside me, feeling the rough straps. I was packed, my passport is in my pocket.
We would all leave and make our way to Ah Peng’s place in Pengerang after the cremation.
I could still smell the shampoo of my daughter Tricia when I held her earlier that day. I could still remember how heart warming it felt to hear her call me ‘papa’
I told my ex-wife I will be away for a few days for work.
I stuck a note with my banking pin on my passbook in my drawer for my parents in case anything happens.
5.00pm
The lot of us parted ways and we entered Malaysia via different routes and checkpoints.
Some took a ferry, some went to woodlands, some took a large detour to Tuas, it didn’t matter.
Our meeting point is the same.
It was a little over 9pm at Peng’s place in Pengerang
9pm
Soh and Peng were the first to reach and they had dropped by the local supermarket and stocked up on food and supplies. I entered the place and waved off a buzzing mosquito. Cartons of water stacked 4 tier high were lined against the wall of the old house.
Crackers, snacks and instant noodles filled up 4 big bags as well.
Mohan and Tommy were the last to reach having to take a large detour. The situation at the checkpoints were less than ideal too give security checks being more through than usual.
9.45pm
I waited alone at the main road of Peng’s place.
There were no street lamps, the dirt road was totally deserted. It’s literally in the middle of nowhere. Peng’s house was surrounded on all sides by oil palm plantations of various age. The younger saplings to the east offered a great view to the landscape and terrain of this magnificent country.
Sprawling acres of land that never seem to end.
The stars dotted the skies and you could see them much more clearer over here.
I was waiting for Anurak’s man.
They would be delivering our orders to Peng’s place.
The agreed time was 10pm
I waited till 10.30pm before I heard the grind of a old car engine heading towards me. The headlights were off and I could not see how far away it was but I can hear it.
A motorcycle as well.
When the 2 vehicles finally stopped in front of me, I saw a man got out. I’ve seen him before. He’s the hotel staff that was trying to take a picture of Riona.
Without even a greeting, he handed me the key to the car, hopped onto the motorcycle driven by his friend and they disappeared back the way they came.
I got in and backed the car into the compound.
Opening up the boot, I was hit with the smell of durians. There were sacks of them in those thick brown paper bags.
I heard the door behind me opened up and the guys came out.
Rizwan : Woah….. that smells really good…
We unloaded a couple of sacks before finally seeing what we were after. Loaded in similar bags, I could see the muzzle of the rifle sticking out of one of them.
We brought everything into the house and unloaded it onto the table.
My heartbeat became irregular. One moment I was afraid, another moment I was excited.
I touched the cold steel of the weapon and the moment I gripped it in my hands, I felt this wave of reassurance. There is something comforting about it I cannot describe.
Derrick : Jim…. Look….
Derrick pulled out a card from a shoe box. Inside was the magazine and ammunitions we asked for.
It was a hand written note by Anurak.
“good luck brother”
A
I put the card aside and Nelson asked how did I get a contact like Anurak. I gave the team a condensed version of what happened at the hotel with Riona.
Soh : You son of a bitch… and you kept it from us….
Jim : I never thought we would need a contact like this anyway….
We spread out within the house, each settling into a corner of our own.
Ah Peng lit up his cigarette with his shaky hands as he turned on the TV.
A few days has passed since the attack but the memories were still fresh on the people’s mind. Several ministers have spoken up about the incident but we have yet to hear from our prime minister.
Soh walked around the room, throwing pieces of old cloths at us as we started to clean the weapon.
Mohan : This feels awfully familiar Soh… hahah…
Soh : Remember what I said before… you clean it…. You take care of it…. And when the time comes… it will take care of you….. especially you Nelson…. Your rifle always the most dirty…
A couple of us chuckled but stopped when Soh choked on his next statement.
Soh : While…. While Eric’s one is the cleanest….
There was a breaking announcement on the news. The prime minister, Welly Chin is scheduled to make an announcement on air in a few minutes.
Peng increased the volume and his shaky hands lit up another fag.
It has been years since I dismantled a rifle and I was surprised, gleeful infact as I knew exactly what to do.
I removed the bolt carrier, checked all the parts and started to clean them. Every single piece.
11pm
The screen on TV showed a gathering of reporters as the whole country waited for the prime minister to appear.
And when he did, you could tell he hasn’t been sleeping well for the past few days.
Who could if such a tragedy happened on your watch ?
He cleared his throat and took a sip of water.
PM : Dear citizens and residents of Singapore. The past few days has been one of the most challenging period this administration has ever seen. The loss we suffered as a nation, is painful as it is heart breaking.
I have visited the sites of the attacks, and I have visited the victims and survivors in the hospital, and yes, I have attended the funerals and wake of a few victims.
There was a slight pause in the speech but the flash of the cameras never stopped. Local and foreign media alike were eager to hear what the prime minister have to say.
I slid my firing pin back into the chamber as all eyes in the room remained glued to the screen.
The prime minister leafed through a couple sheets of paper, glancing through his prepared speech before folding them and putting them in his pocket. I could see an aide of his heading towards him but a simple gesture of his hand was enough to stop him.
PM : We are a young nation, and events such as this truly demonstrated how vulnerable we are in this world. Such a tragedy should not have happened but it already has. Every night …. while we sleep safe and sound in our homes, in our beds, ……….countless dedicated men and women protect our borders.
Nothing pains us more, nothing… hurts these men and women more than the realisation that perhaps something along the way had gone wrong, and that somehow….. some way…. These…..extremist have slipped through the cracks and manged to carry such an attack.
It would be unfair to blame these dedicated men and woman who even at this moment, are working to ensure the country’s safety.
The TV crackled and there were some static interference but all it took was a smack from AH peng to make it right again.
PM : This has been an agonising week for many of us, while we have managed to stop 2 other attacks in time, we must not be blinded by the fact that we are still vulnerable. The threats by LFO will not be taken lightly. The people responsible for such atrocities will be taken to task !
There was a sudden commotion in the press conference and we could see the eyes of the prime minister darting towards the side of the camera. A reporter had attempted to run onto stage but was held down by the security personnel before being dragged out. I could make out glimpse of LFO from the speakers.
2 of the security personnel went up the stage to try and usher the prime minister off but they were shove aside.
PM : These fanatics…. They are already among us….
I assembled my weapon and got up on my feet.
Tommy emptied the shoe box onto the table and started to feed the ammunition into the magazines.
PM : We will not bow down to the threats of terrorism ……… life will go on in this country….we have not come this far only to falter at threats made by cowards hiding behind masks.
Leaning on the rostrum with one arm and a finger pointing at the camera, the prime minister displayed the rare gangster streak in him which political observers say got him elected in the first place.
PM : It doesn’t matter who makes the threats…… we will fight…….anyone that threatens our way of life……..and our right to survive. We shall fight them…..
Soh’s phone rang at that moment, it was a video call. From Eric’s daughter, Claire.
Soh put her on , leaning the phone on the ledge so she could see us.
Claire was crying, holding onto Eric’s photo. Her eyes were bloodshot and her cheeks streak with tears.
Claire choked back her tears and she pleaded with us.
Claire : Uncles… please…. Sobzz.. sozb… come back home….sobzz.. please…. All of you….
Rizwan was the first to break down and he turned away.
Claire : Daddy ….. daddy won’t want you to do this…… please…..
I turned to Soh who squeeze his eyes shut. He admitted that he told Claire that we will be getting the people responsible for this…
Claire : please… uncle…. Uncle Jim… come back…. Daddy won’t want you to do it…. Sobzzz.. please….
I clenched my teeth and looked down, unsure of what to say.
Clarie : Uncle Tommy… please… your grandmother… sobzz.. sobz… please.. all of you… just come home….. Papa won’t want you guys to do this.. please… look at him… look at him in his eyes !!!!
Clarie thrusted the photo of Eric into the phone’s camera as Nelson collapsed onto the chair.
Claire : don’t…. don’t do it…… sobzz.. sobzz.. Papa wouldn’t have agreed !!! sobzz.. sozzz AHHH!!!
I felt the warm streak of tear slide down my cheek once more as Claire shouted into the phone in her desperate attempt to stop us.
Claire : Daddy is not around to tell me stories about your days together anymore !!!!! sobz…. Sobzz.. I …. i…… I want you all to tell me…. please… tell me everything you know about my papa….. please… come back…. all of you… you need to come back….zobzz… sobzz…
Soh shut off the phone with trembling hands.
The TV crackled with static once more and another slap of the set turned our attention back to the screen.