Monday, October 20, 2008

WHEN GEORGE CRIED - Short Stories Part 2

It was a day like the day before and the day after. The Eight grade class was always started with bedlam and chaos as George The Giant (as the kids always called him because he was big) bullied the other small children with his mischievous behaviors. Sometimes, he pinched Julia, the girl with freckles on her cheeks, twisted Bob’s arms until he cried loudly and punched Sydney with his fist. Recently, one of his most favorite time was teasing made fun of Jamal, a transfer student from Egypt by naming him son of terrorist, pig hater, etc, names that he used to hear. Mrs. Elliot, the teacher responsible for the class, had warned him so many times and gave some punishment but George ignored all. Some students got influenced by supporting and cheering his acts at first. But gradually they got bored and felt sorry for the poor kid. After all Jamal was kind and generous who liked to share with others. He was smart too and often helped his friends with match. He’s just like other students only he came from different culture and religion.

George got mad when he knew that Jamal had some friends and said the other kids to stay away from the little terrorist. His mockery and scornful words got worse. At one time, he pushed Jamal in the lavatory so that he got wet all over and hurt his knees; at other time, he splashed stinky liquid at Jamal that forced him to leave school early. Jamal never fought back with his provocative actions. Instead, he kept smiling every time he met Jamal and tried so hard to befriend him. When George bullied Julia or Bob or any other kids in the class, Jamal was the first to challenge him by saying it was not all right to tease others. George would get furious and punched him until he bled. The kids would scream and called Ms. Elliot. She was fat up with this but her effort was fruitless. She was forced to call in his parents to inform George’s ill-behaviors but this brought no change at all.

One day, George was absent for the whole week. The kids were happy as they were free to play without any fear. Mrs. Harris informed them that George got typhus and required to stay in bed for two weeks. Jamal decided that he and his friends should go to his home to visit him but his proposal was turned down as no one wanted to see the wicked him. So, on Saturday afternoon Jamal’s father gave him a lift to George’s house. Hesitated, he knocked at the door and greeted by a nice lady who apparently was George’s mother. She was happy to hear his intention and brought him to George’s bedroom. George lied so weak in his bed and tears were flowing down on his cheeks when he saw Jamal. It had never occurred to him that Jamal whom he wrongly bullied and harassed was the one to visit him when he was sick. He was ashamed with all his past wrongdoings and so relieved when Jamal accepted his apologies and friendship.

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