An Overheard Conversation

     It was a very hot afternoon. I was drenched in sweat and my blouse was sticking onto my back. Beads of perspiration trickled down my forehead. I walked slowly and began to mumble stinging expletives to myself. How could anyone live in a place like this, I cursed. I could not take it anymore. That afternoon was exceptionally hot and I was asked by Mrs. Lim to help with an errand. I was allowed to change and fill my stomach before I started the job.

     I headed towards the toilet with a pair of shorts and a white tee shirt in my hands. As I entered, the walls seemed to create an eerie feeling as I could only hear my heavy breathing. I went into the one nearest to the exit and closed the door. I began to undress and slipped on the new set of clothing. It was a relief as I felt quite comfortable in a dry tee shirt and suddenly, it felt like there was a slight breeze running through my body. I closed my eyes and decided to let my mind drift. I saw clear blue skies, pristine beaches and even cascading waterfalls which were all so seemingly refreshing. My mind was brought back to its senses when the thumping of feet began to near the exit.

     I opened my eyes and started to fold my uniform quickly, feeling a little embarrassed that I could up with silly imaginative ideas in a toilet! Anyway, as the footsteps got nearer, I heard giggles and laughing. The footsteps stopped and I was now ready to unlock the door when I heard familiar voices.

     "Hey, you did great today, the technique you taught me was first class!" someone exclaimed.

     "You did well too. I guess we should have thought of it sooner," was the reply.

     I did not mean to be rude, nor did I eavesdrop on purpose, but somehow my legs just refused to move. I stood still like a statuette, and listened to their conversation. At first, it seemed like they were talking about the English Language examination results which we had just received that morning. Then as I began to sink deeper into what might seem like girl-talk, my eyebrows raised in disbelief and my heart stopped.

     The two girls talked about how their devious plan of cheating in the English paper had paid off and how they got away with it. The plan seemed simple enough but I thought it made the rest of the class seem stupid. The first girl would raise her pen with the cap intact to indicate an answer while the other pretended that she was coughing to agree or disagree. From the way they talked, I knew who they were. They were Su Fen and Amy who were seated at the back of the class. And to think that I actually gave Amy a throat-drop, I thought angrily.

     After what seemed like eternity to me, the two girls walked out feeling proud and happy at the same time. Little did they know that their scheme was going to be exposed... by me. I began to unlock the bolt of the door and stepped onto the wet cement floor. By now, my tee shirt was wet again but this time, I was not bothered. I headed towards the sink and began to turn on the tap. I placed my cupped hands directly under it, collected some water and splashed it on my face. I felt refreshed but my heart was racing. I repeatedly did that and looked at myself in the mirror. My reflection was a worn-out, tired girl with strands of black hair out of its place but there was a look of determination in the reflection too, which surprised even me.

     Carrying the bundle of wet uniform, I headed out. My steps were now faster and before I realized it, I was in the staff room. Mrs. Lim greeted me cheerfully and I managed to flash a faint smile. How was I to break the news to her that I had found out some students had cheated in her paper? My breath was heavy and slow as my mind tried hard to come up with a good explanation.

     Finally I said, "Mrs. Lim, Su Fen and Amy cheated in the English paper you gave a fortnight ago."

     Mrs. Lim turned around and there was a shocked expression on her face. She seemed to be searching for more details and I explained everything to her. After ten minutes, Mrs. Lim said that she would seriously look into the matter as she could not tolerate cheating in her class. The rest of the afternoon went smoothly as I helped the short and chubby lady to rearrange her shelf. There were moments of awkward silence, but I did not mind them at all. I had done the right thing, I reasoned as I continued placing books on neat piles.

     The next day, Su Fen and Amy were called up and everyone was curious as to the reason why. I remained seated and obediently started writing an essay which had just been assigned to us. Deep in my heart, I knew that those who commit bad acts would be punished. Well, maybe I was destined to feel hot the previous afternoon. Maybe I was the 'chosen one' to reveal such cases of cheating. Either way, I felt that I had done 'justice' to the class.

QUEK SUE LYN

(MGSS 5K1/2002)