Icould see from her expression that she was deeply upset. “Mrs Lim, is everything alright?” I asked, glancing at the wall clock.

It was almost midnight. Mrs Lim, one of my neighbours who lived further down the street with her elderly, bedridden husband, appeared greatly distressed. My instincts told me she needed help.

“It’s my husband. I think he’s having a heart attack. Can you help me?” she blurted out in between sobs. Without hesitation, I quickly changed my clothes and followed Mrs Lim to her house.

The whole place had a slightly musty smell. It was my first time visiting the Lims’ residence, and I took a brief glance around the living room. The walls were adorned with watercolour landscapes, engravings and cross-stitch pieces. As we hurried down the corridor to the kitchen, I saw Mr Lim slumped in an armchair, gasping for breath.

With Mrs Lim’s help, I managed to carry him out to the porch, where their car was parked. Once we got him inside, I drove as fast as I could to the hospital.

Upon arriving at the emergency ward, the doctor informed us that Mr Lim had suffered a mild stroke. He was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit. Mrs Lim and I stayed by his side, keeping an all-night vigil. It was then that Mrs Lim asked me to contact her son and let him know about his father’s condition.

I was surprised. All this while, I had assumed that the Lims had no children, as they had never mentioned a son. I tried to reach him at the given address, only to find out that he had moved to another town with his wife and children. I could see the pain in Mrs Lim’s eyes as I relayed the news.

Driving home later that day, I felt a heavy weight on my heart. I realised I had not contacted my own parents for almost a month. The thought gnawed at me. They had cared for me most of their lives, and here I was, neglecting them. Tears welled up as I drove, ashamed of my own thoughtlessness.

After ten days, Mr Lim was discharged from the hospital. He made a speedy recovery, and though his speech remained slurred, he seemed to be doing well just a month after the incident.

This experience has helped me realign my priorities. It also reminded me of a simple truth: when we extend a helping hand to those in need, the world becomes a better place to live.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 19th, 2024