Collection of Words An Eclectic - Burnaby School District

An Eclectic Collection of WordsA Day of Many FirstsSammi Wu, Burnaby NorthGrade 8 Prose" ... and it's huge!"I paused, grinning wildly at each of my friends' envious faces. Stretching my hands out horizontally,making a human T, I attempted to demonstrate, quite overdramatically, its rough shape. Eyes bulged.Sheer innocence, you might call it, but at that very moment, I was as happy as can be. Until, that is,someone flipped the switch.It was the last school day till Christmas vacation as I rushed up the ridiculously steep hill leading to myhouse. My parents had reluctantly agreed to something life-changing just the night before; startingtoday, I would have my own room. I held my breath as I stepped over the neglected lawn, withering andweed-infested, onto my porch steps. "CREEAAAK" the aged, rusted screen door greeted me as Idashed by it.Here I was, age 7, in the living room of 2894 Turner Street. I let the breeze rush by me from the wide,gaping door, painting my cheeks bright crimson. I sprinted down the hall. I pounced into my cubicle, mynew pride and joy. The carpet, vanilla cream colored, matches my walls. My abused, secondhand deskstood to one side, my petite bed to the other. I walked over to my overflowing toy box and fished myhand in; my first time playing my own room. I smiled slightly when I pulled out my favorite Barbie. Withher shiny plastic legs and long wavy hair the color of sunny wheat, she has many names; Daisy, Flora,Sally, Mi-mi. I guided her across the room, my fingers fusing with her artificial joints. I was just reachingthe height of my game, when she rescued the helpless prince, when Mom appeared, weight shifted ontothe doorframe. While gesturing that I clean up, her hand accidentally knocked the light switch."MOM, TURN IT BACK ON!" I pipe out, horrified. I can no long see anything. My heart beats soundmore like beats on a punching bag, rough and uneven. I am breathing like I have just run a marathon.The light flips back on. I'm still frozen- in fear.I whimpered and shivered like a cat just out of the bath. Mom knew we were both thinking the samethought. "If sleeping alone in the dark scares you, come sleep with us tonight," she suggested gently.Just like that, the battle inside me begins.The rest of the night was a mess, with my pride, confidence, morals and guts at war. I was silent duringdinner for the first time in months. I brushed my teeth three times, until the toothpaste tasted just like thewater. I would do anything that would stall my bedtime, but it still came, a disaster right on queue.I climbed into bed and received an aftershock of the emotional earthquake. Both ways were desirable,but choosing either would have its consequences. I then realized that I couldn’t choose, so I deceived.I jammed my eyes shut and concentrated on making my breathing even. It worked until I heard the clickof the light switch; my pump skipped a beat. I dared not to glimpse into the darkened world beyond myeyelids, directing my willpower into distracting myself; what will the weather be tomorrow? What will Iwear? I do not know when these meaningless activities became more vivid, impossible screenings, butwhen I opened my eyes again, it was the dawn of a new day.You may think I have failed myself, lied and cheated my fear, but I know I have succeeded. I will closemy eyes and keep going.WORDS Writing Project 2008/09 26