I gathered strength and braved myself to sit beside her - by R

Chosen Topic:

The Shoes

1st Prize - A09

By R, a NITEC student-inmate from Institution B5

The seemingly ordinary objects at the corner of the utility room are tattered. The worn-out shoes may look mundane, merely serving the practical function of protecting my feet, but it reveal to be vessels of memories, reflecting the imprint of countless moments and experiences. 

I walked closer to reach the old pairs, which had witnessed the miles travelled and obstacles overcome. I sneezed when my hands kept in contact with them. Then a swell of nostalgia brought back memories of camaraderie and personal achievement. The bonding with team players and the thrill of victory reflecting stories I carried and journey that lies ahead. 

While we were having a physical education lesson at the school field, our teacher gathered all the students and made an announcement that I was selected to represent our school in Inter-School Sepak Takraw Competition with other team players after the school holiday. I jumped at the announcement and my heart was filled with excitement and exuberance. But then my face turned sour when I thought of the predicament. The joy dissipated. I left no choice but to let my mother know about the shoes needed for competition. The one that I donned to school every day were loose. Ya! I would try to convince her even though risking myself getting a palm print on my face. 

Mother was a single mum with four school going children. It was exhausting for her to nurture us since the demise of her husband last year due to Steven Johnson’s disease. The night was auspicious, but the expressions she displayed was scary. I could not tell whether it was the drama she was watching or her hectic schedule that made her look like a hungry predator. I gathered strength and braved myself to sit beside her with a heart that had just sprinted 400 meters relay. She dilated her eyes and yelled, “Why are you here, son?” The pitch of her voice made me almost wet my shorts. I wanted to abort my intention to let her know of my need, but the spirit to win the competition with a pair of brand new shoes could not be ignored. I took a deep breath and spoke as soft as I could, “Mum, I need a pair of shoes to don for competition.” “What?” She raised her voice. I was now convinced that I would join my siblings at our bedroom with burning sensation on my cheek.

She stood up. I closed both eyes tightly ready to receive the first blow. I waited. But it did not happen. Shortly, I heard a soothing voice, “Son, you will have the brand new shoes on the event, but you will have to help me to do more sales during school holiday.” Relief. The deal was tough, but I was left with no other alternative than to compromise with her. The routine was tight. I had to peddle curry puff and banana fritters thrice everyday. To add salt to the wound, I had to attend sepak takraw practice with hand-me-down shoes thrice a week. During our practice, many eyes were looking at my legs. That was embarrassing, however I just acted as nothing was happen. I tripped and stumbled few times. Those oversized shoes really affected my performance. Once the practice was over, coach offered to get a new pair for me but I declined to take his offer. I wanted the achievement to come from my efforts. Closer to tournament, Mum kept her promise, and that was the very first time I wore shoes that were snugly fit on my feet. I kissed both my mother’s cheeks. 

The arena was boisterous. I heard spectators and peers calling out our names, and saw my coach’s and teachers’ beaming faces. The game was on our side. Both opponents fought aggressively. Our jerseys and shoes were now imbued with sweat. Shortly, I heard a shout, “One, two, three,” the ball hit the opponent’s ground like a flash. Before I could get up from my feet after striking the winning ball, our coach, teachers and peers ran into the court to give hugs and congrats. We won the tournament against Queensway Secondary School by margin of 21-19 and 21-20!

We received the trophy shortly after and again, many eyes were looking at my feet. Coach gave me a smile and so did my peers, who did not realized the pair on my feet were a pair of brand new shoes. The trophy was a symbol of victory, but the shoes were more than just that. The sense of belonging with my family, the camaraderie shared with team players and coach, and the memories wearing them. It evoked a range of emotions and special moments, reflecting the unique experiences and stages of my early years.