We prepared a lot of packages today. They were presents for the elderly. We were going to visit a place where people aged 65 or above lived.
In the morning, at 9 o’clock sharp, we all lined up on the playground. The teacher announced strictly,
‘Today we are going to visit the elderly home. But that doesn’t mean we are not following the school rules. One step out of the rules and I guarantee you will never step on this piece of ground again!’
I rolled my tongue impatiently. We had not a trace of slightest interest in that speech.
Finally we managed to get on the travelling coach. I had some difficulty heaving the packages to the basket installed in front of the teacher’s seat. At last I gave up. Then I put my backpack behind me and rammed my package between my knees. It was extremely uncomfortable.
After like a few centuries, we finally arrived at the elderly centre. The elderly did not give us a cheery welcome. Some smiled and clapped, but some wore a grumpy sort of face.
At first, we had our performance. We had a great time, so did the elderly. They whooped and shouted,’ Encore! Encore!’
But then I saw an elderly woman. She looked really annoyed. I asked why she looked so sad. She told me that she hated taking medicine. Then I thought of an idea,
‘Here, drink up.’ I insisted on passing her a cup of milk tea. She gulped a lot and asked me if I had added some special ingredients in it as she said it tasted disgusting.
“It is… your medicine!
After that, she became quite cheerful and I handed her my package. It was a kinetic-powered torch,’ Shake this pole and the torch will light up. I have heard that this centre is quite dark at night. She thanked me for that useful tool. I blushed as I had just bought it 3 hours ago. I lost track of time when I was sitting beside the lady, listening to her stories. I was impressed,
‘You’re the best story teller I’ve ever met.’
‘No, no. Not at all.’ She replied,’ Children like you are the best listeners. I sometimes think that adults are worse than children. Children pay more attention to and care more about others. Adults do mot. They only think of themselves.’ Personally I agreed. She said she was tired then so I helped her to her bed for a nap.
After an hour, it’s the time for our household chore competition. The elderly were speedy in doing them.. I found them quite energetic.
When it was time for us to leave, I suddenly found that we had many things to learn from the elderly. They work faster than us, tell stories better than us, and even comfort others better than us. Back on the coach, I screamed,
’ Bye-bye, best story teller!’
Then a voice called, ‘Goodbye, best listeners!’