Theft

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00I had been told never to steal, but this time, it was different.02br
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00 My brother, Camden loved to drink orange juice. He was just like any other children, except for his skinny and frail body01b00. 02b00From young he got sick frequently. I could never erase the image of him lying on the bed, looking ghastly, with dry lips. That was when I felt so helpless, as I could do nothing to help him aid his pain. 02br
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00Sunday’s sunlight shone through the window. I turned to look at Camden. I gasped. Why was Camden quivering despite the heat? Instinctively, I placed my palm gently against his forehead. Camden was boiling! I shrank back in fear, too afraid to speak. 02br
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00“Mum! Dad! Camden is running a fever!” I hollered at the top of my voice. My parents dashed into my room instantaneously. My father held Camden in his arms and we rushed down the floors in breakneck speed. We managed to get into the car quickly. I stared at Camden, who had a hard time breathing, with dark clouds growing ominously in my heart. Would we make it in time to the hospital?02br
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00 Finally, we reached the hospital. Nurses carried Camden on the mobile bed and pushed him into the emergency room. Father and Mother paced up and down. Once again, I was witnessing his misery. I could not make sure if he could overcome this, or if he was going to be taken away. Thousands of thoughts raced through my mind. My eyes narrowed. I became acutely conscious about my powerlessness. I ran, ran like no one ever saw me run before. What was the least I could do for Camden? Nothing? Suddenly I halted. Orange juice was the answer. I walked towards the Minimart with a tinge of hope burning in my heart. I searched my pockets for money. My nerves tightened. Both were empty. Disappointed, I walked off. However, it took me only a few footsteps to turn back again.02br
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00 “ He would not realise a missing one…” I muttered under my breath. My eyes roved. Dread inched up my spine. I did not have much time. I moved slowly towards the Minimart. I stared longingly at the bottles of orange juice. Should I steal? I had been told not to steal, but this time, it was different. There was no time to lose. What if Camden could not wait?02br
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00 I tried to convince myself that I was not stealing. I would pay double the price of each bottle of orange juice the next day. I need it urgently! The shop holder might not even finish selling them by the end of the day. Still, I could not make myself to steal. I urged myself on. I was screaming inside. It was only a bottle of orange juice, which people took for granted. It was only a bottle of orange juice, which anyone could afford! “Just take it!” I murmured between my clenched teeth. After much thought, I had decided. It would not kill just to take one bottle. 02br
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00 I inched towards the Minimart. Swiftly, I grabbed one bottle of orange juice and bolted. Suddenly, someone yelled at me, “Hey, you thief! Stop right there!” I turned back, only to find the shop owner glaring at me and a policeman giving chase. I sped without looking back. Everyone was staring at me with bloodshot eyes. Guilt was all that was left in my heart. I squeezed the bottle in my hands.02br
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00 When I reached the hospital ward, I was worn out. Camden was awake. I noticed the familiar inquisitive beady eyes of his. Father and mother were standing beside him. 02br
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00 “ Where have you been?” Camden asked. I handed the bottle of orange juice to him. He was so delighted that he held in tender embrace. As Camden drank the orange juice, I asked my mother for two dollars. With the two dollars note in my hand, I sprint back to the Minimart. I handed the note to the shop owner with a sense of relief sweeping over me I explained the whole incident to him.02br
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00 “ I guess I have no choice but to forgive you,” The shop holder said. I was saturated with happiness and thanked him profusely. This time, I walked back to the hospital ward contentedly … 0-