“Please don’t hurt me! Yes, you can have it, but just leave me alone!” A frantic plea was heard from a corner of the school canteen. Hurrying over, I gasped in shock at what I saw. Billy, the school bully, had snatched what seemed like a lunch box from my scrawny friend, Alice! Right beside him were his cronies. Billy was ordering them to steal her belongings and call her names.
Scared stiff by the scene before me, I could not believe my eyes. Pitiful Alice was cowering and trembling in fear before Billy and his cronies, who were almost two heads taller and towering over her like giants.
What made my blood go cold was when Alice turned to stare at me desperately, her face streaked with tears. I could also make out a few bruises on her arms!
“Did Billy make his friends physically hurt Alice? Why?” A million thoughts buzzed through my mind as I stood immobilised with indecision. I needed to help her, but I really dared not do so. My appearance was the same as hers: petite and thin. In contrast, Billy and his friends were massive and muscular. My heart sank with hopelessness. However, when I thought of Alice’s pleading look, I finally suppressed my fear and marched up to Billy as bravely as I could.
“Stop whatever you are doing and release my friend!” I seethed through my teeth. Rage boiled up from deep inside me.
“Who do you think you are talking to?” Billy growled. His friends snickered at my command. At that moment, I exploded like a volcano. My eyes were blazing with fury as I was offended by how they had reacted.
Just then, I spotted the discipline mistress from the corner of my eye. I smiled. I knew what I had to do. In the midst of me trying to call the discipline mistress however, Billy threw a punch at me. Stealthily, I dodged it and waved frantically for her attention. Alice was staring at me through teary eyes. Luckily, the discipline mistress noticed me and hurried over. When the discipline mistress came, I explained everything. She immediately gave the bullies a severe tongue-lashing, before turning towards us with an approving grin. She praised me for being brave and standing up for Alice even though my build was small. She then scrutinised Alice for injuries. Fortunately, she was fine aside from some scratches and bruises.
As the discipline mistress dragged the bullies to the Principal's office, I helped Alice up and reassured her that she was safe. “Oh Sarah, I’m so grateful for you!” she blurted out, hugging me with gratitude. I smiled and nodded. I knew by doing this courageous act, I had made a change in both Alice’s life and mine.
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