An Accident

Whenever Nathan sees his friend’s father walking in a limp, he would be overwhelmed with guilt. It was a splendid evening. Nathan was doing his homework quietly. Out of blue, he looked down and saw a long-raised scar on his arm. Rubbing it gently, he recalled an accident that he would never forget which happened a few years ago. It would be deeply etched in his mind forever…

The scorching sun beat down mercilessly. Nathan was red in the face with exertion and his body ached with exhaustion. School had just ended with his last period being Physical Training (PT). His body felt like lead as he shuffled to the bus stop with his hefty school bag. As he trudged on, he started to dribble his favourite basketball along the roadside. Unfortunately, he lost control of the ball and it rolled onto he busy road. Without a second thought, Nathan went after it. Oh No! Nathan collided with his friend’s dad, Mr. Ravi’s car. Mr. Ravi stepped on the brakes and swerved right in order to avoid the accident but he was a second too late. He too crashed into a tall tree nearby.

Even though Nathan escaped with minor injuries, Mr. Ravi was not as lucky though. Nathan was paralyzed with fear and blood seemed to freeze in his veins. He stared blankly at Mr. Ravi without knowing what to do. He stood helpless, trembling with fear. Fortunately, a kind passer-by happened to walk past and immediately called the ambulance. Within minutes, Mr. Ravi was bundled up into the waiting ambulance and ferried to the nearest hospital.

The next day, Nathan visited Mr. Ravi at the hospital nervously, worried if Mr. Ravi would scold him. Nathan was horrified to see Mr. Ravi’s fractured leg. He tried to hold back his tears, but to no avail. “I am extremely sorry…” Nathan’s voice stuttered, filled with concern. However, Mr. Ravi grinned at him and replied, “It’s ok, my dear boy but always be more careful in future. We won’t get our life back if we lose it.” Nathan was puzzled as he had been forgiven. However, the feeling of guilt always was stuck in his heart. Feeling blue, he returned home and continued to study.

Ten years later, Nathan became a chief doctor in Apollo hospital. One day while he was having his rounds, he noticed Mr. Ravi who was admitted in the hospital for high fever. To atone for his mistake, Nathan cured him from the high fever and also performed a surgery on his leg to make him walk again without limping. After Mr. Ravi recovered fully, he went to the payment section to pay for the bill. The bill showed a humongous amount, however, at the bottom, written in bold printed letters were, paid in fully with a smile even though I ruined your leg. - Nathan

Mr. Ravi was touched to tears. He had no words to express his gratitude. Nathan heaved a sigh of relief that Mr. Ravi could walk on his feet again.