The clock ticked at the back of the courtroom. The room was so utterly silent that you could hear a pin drop. “You have served your sentence and have repented on your wrongdoings. You are now freed and released from the grip of the arms of the law.” The judge said hoarsely to me. Waiting anxiously outside the courtroom for me were my parents, whom I had let down so many times before.
I was finally given back my freedom.
Freedom is a word which has many definitions. To me, freedom is like a bird being released form its cage, soaring high up into the sky, gaining its very own freedom. I was that little bird.
My name is Alfred Goh and I am going to narrate a story based on an event that happened to me three years ago. That moment which was full of regrets and shame would etch in my memory for a long time to come and thanks to this experience, history would not repeat itself again.
I was never a filial son to my parents. In fact, I was far from that. Getting into fights with gangs was my forte and never did I fail to get away with the trouble, leaving my parents to calm the rough waters. Even though I was such an incorrigible son, I had never taken drugs, stolen, or killed as I never felt that it was worth the risk. As for fighting, I felt otherwise. I did it not only because it was my passion, but also for me to appear more manly and brave in front of the girls. However, Lady Luck was not beside me on that fateful day.
It all begun on a Wednesday when my parents were working on a nightshift. As usual, I was hanging out with my group of friends. We would always come up with freaky but thrilling ideas to satisfy our hunger for a fight.
“Hey people! Let’s try doing something a little different today! Let’s go pick up a gang fight with Benny’s gang, The Wildcats.” squealed Charles with excitement. “Whoever remains uninjured and free of bruises will be the leader of this gang.” He continued.
I thought back. It would be splendid to have some fights with the Wildcats, which was known to be the most vicious gang of all. It would, moreover, be marvelous if victory was mine that night and I could fight my way through the position awaiting me without any restrictions or objections from my parents.
This was where I abused my freedom and had to pay for it with three years of my life.
All of a sudden, I heard my late paternal grandfather’s voice. My father had told me a lot about his father, who aspired to be an international street fighter. He died during one of his fights. He was brutally stabbed. However,Iidolised my grandfather a lot despite the objections from my parents.
“Do not start. A coward lives to see another day.” My grandfather’s words began to drum into my head, drilling in right through. I ignored that piece of advice as I knew all I wanted was the position of the leader, a mighty and brave one. Before my friends and I started on our plan, each and every one of us made a pact. We swore not to use weapons, only fists.
Upon our arrival at the Wildcat’s favourite meeting place, we were not expecting the shock that awaited us. The Wildcats had a backup plan which consisted the use of weapons. In order not to be seen as cowards, we still went ahead to fight, with nothing but our fists. The next horrendous sight I saw was one of my buddies, Greg, being stabbed right in his heart. Images of my grandfather began to flood my mind, forming what had happened to my grandfather. My blood began to boil furiously. I was both filled with grief and hatred. Seeking revenge for Greg came to mind. Sprinted towards the Wildcats and fought vigorously and tirelessly. I was not bothered about the consequences. Fists and weapons were flying about. Blood was shed. Unfortunately, a life was lost too. I lost my senses during the fight and was punching vigorously and fiercely at Benny, the Wildcats’ leader. I know victory was mine all along as the Wildcats were severely bruised and they were too weak to continue to fight. I was expecting cheering and applause from my fellow gang members but I did not expected to be pushed to the ground. I landed with a loud thud. I put up a struggle to break free from the grip that was holding me down.
“You are under arrest for committing a public offence here.” A cold, deep voice spoke. A large crowd began to surround me. As I walked through the throng of people, I had an overwhelming sense of guilt and regret. I regretted abusing the freedom I had and I had robbed myself of the three years of my freedom. It was not worth it at all. This was the price I had to pay which was like a death sentence to me as my parents had lost the trust in me and that also, I had let them down. I had not only brought shame but disappointment to myself and my family.
Now that I am free, I have learnt my lesson and I would never let history repeat itself again.
Word count: 914
I love how Iris opens her essay. With the ticking of the clock. It creates an atmosphere of suspense that pushes the reader forth.
She uses the present-past (recount)-present plot movement and she introduces herself to the reader which serves as a personal touch. (My name is Alfred Goh and I am going to narrate… etc) Iris has sprinkles of good expressions here and there which reminds the examiner that she is able to express herself in other ways besides using bombastic vocabulary.
On the whole, I felt that the essay conveyed the idea of freedom rather well!
Good job, Iris!
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