OLD BICYCLE

this is another story that i read last night..
written by Norliza baharom.. i got it from reader digest

the old bicycle is about a mother who always sacrifice and always want the best for her children..
the writer grew in very poor living.Her father was a rattan collector. He went to forest and collect rotten as much as he can and sell it to nearby furniture manufacturer...

one day, her father went to the forest with his motorcycle. So, the writer thought there no way to go to school which far from her home. The writer and her sister imaging that they can play at backyard pond. suddenly. her mother appeared and ask them to get dressed. their mother will send them to school no matter what. The writer and her sister wondering how their mother will send them to school. Gently, her mother said that she will send them with the bicycle which really old.

So they have no choice. Slowly they climbed up on the back carrier. it was too small for both of them. as the result half of her bottom hung in midair with no support. The bicycle was very terrible, the tyres were almost flat. everyone they passed were turned to see where the noise coming from.The writer was very ashamed and she covered her face with her hand.

twenty five minutes later, they arrived at the school, quickly they jumped off from the bicycle and they said that it would be the last time they riding that bicycle. they rather walk to school in future.

And then she kissed her mother's hand and she tasted salt. her mother sweating. suddenly she felt so sad, she don't understand why her mother have to do the hard way instead staying at home and rest. Then her mother said, she sorry for the trouble and she don't want he children ending up like her. so she will as hard as she can to give education for her children.

Now, the writer work as a librarian after earning a degree in english literature.