The writer’s personal encounter on receiving her first bouquet of flowers ever!
The day had arrived, November 7th, the day of my A-Level General Paper examination. With a sense of confidence, I walked into the examination hall for Paper 1, having focused all my efforts on government and politics-related questions—a theme that had recurred over the past decade. However, my optimism was swiftly shattered when I flipped open the question paper. None of the questions aligned with the theme I had meticulously prepared for. I felt disbelief washing over me as I scanned the questions again, realizing my efforts had been in vain.
As I grappled with the unexpected turn of events, I struggled to select a suitable question. Time seemed to slip away, and with each passing minute, my mental state grew increasingly fragile. Eventually, after a painstaking ten minutes, I settled on the question, “To what extent can individuals shape their own lives when the world is so unpredictable?” as it appeared to be the closest match to my knowledge. But as I began writing, I soon discovered my lack of concrete examples, leading to mounting frustration and self-doubt.
In a desperate attempt to salvage my essay, I abandoned my initial question and hastily switched to one about consumerism. Though I wrote as fast as my pen would allow, the minutes slipped away, and I found myself unable to complete the essay in its entirety. The absence of a well-rounded conclusion, where I could have provided a thoughtful evaluation, left me feeling disheartened. The weight of my mistakes bore down on me, and tears threatened to spill from my eyes as I left the examination hall.
Outside the examination hall, I sought solace on a bench, my gaze drawn to the sky above. The gloomy clouds mirrored my sombre mood, and a gray pallor seemed to have engulfed the world. In that moment, I felt a profound sense of isolation and despair.
Just when I thought my day had reached its lowest point, a voice broke through the melancholy air. “This is for you, cheer up!” Startled, I raised my gaze from the ground to find a schoolmate standing before me. Her face radiated reassurance as she extended her arms, holding a bouquet of flowers. With a simple gesture, she placed the bouquet in my hands before disappearing into the crowd.
I sat there, stunned, struggling to process the unexpected act of kindness that had unfolded before me. It was my first experience receiving a bouquet of flowers, and I marvelled at their vibrant blooms and delicate fragrance. The flowers mesmerized me, their presence evoking a warm sensation that washed over my entire being.
In that moment, the weight of my mistakes and the darkness that had clouded my spirit began to dissipate. The bouquet served as a poignant reminder that life encompasses more than a single exam. It reminded me of the effort I had invested throughout the year and the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable turns that life presents. With newfound determination, I resolved to pick myself up for the remaining examination season.
Looking back, I am immensely grateful for the girl who offered me flowers. Although our paths may never cross again, her selfless act served as a beacon of hope in my darkest hour. I searched in vain for her face in the subsequent days, eager to express my gratitude. Alas, I was unable to find her, and her name remained a mystery to me. Nevertheless, this encounter left an indelible mark on my heart, inspiring me to perpetuate the cycle of kindness.
The unexpected flower bouquet became a symbol of redemption and resilience, reminding me of the power of human connection and the immense impact a small act of kindness can have. It transformed my perspective, encouraging me to embrace the beauty that can arise from life’s unexpected twists and turns. From that day forward, I vowed to pay forward the kindness I had received, knowing that even the simplest gestures can brighten someone’s day and offer them hope in their darkest moments.
Written by Jessie Yu
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