A Helpful Girl Written by Ying Zhi (3A5 2003)

One day, Mary was on her way home when she saw an old man standing on the kerb of a busy road. He was carrying a white cane and Mary realised that he must be blind. She approached him and asked politely, "Would you like me to help you cross the road?" The old man said gratefully, "Yes, please." "Let's use the overhead bridge. It's too busy to cross here," explained Mary as she led the man towards the overhead bridge. When they reached the other side of the road, Mary asked the man, "Would you like me to bring you to your door-step?" "Okay!" said the man and he told her his address. As they walked, they chatted and exchanged information. The man told her, "My name is Tom. It's very kind of you to offer your help. Not everyone is so helpful. I'm glad you came along." Mary replied, "I'm Mary. I saw you trying to cross the road. I did not see anyone helping you so I decided to do it." As they were coming to the flat where Tom lived, he reached into his pocket for his keys. "Oh, no!" he exclaimed loudly. "I've forgotten my keys! How am I going to get in?" "It's okay. Isn't there anyone at home?" Tom cried, "No, there's no one at home. I live alone." When they reached Tom's flat, they were surprised to find the front door ajar. Mary exclaimed, "Your door is open! Could someone have broken in?" Tom laughed and said, "I think I forgot to lock the door! What a forgetful man I am!" Fortunately, no intruder had entered the house. Mary made sure of that before she said good-bye to Tom. After that, she went home quickly as she did not want her mother to start worrying about her.