memoirs

Today I had one of the most heart thumping experience I will never forget! My rather unusual day because I went to work a little late than my usual time since I woke up late as I slept late the previous night and was tired from supervisors dance practice for our upcoming christmas party. Unusual because of what I witnessed.

So anyway, I took a cab as usual and told the taxi driver of my destination. I told him where I wanted to pass. I was targeting to be at the office within 10 minutes. The taxi cab driver tuned in to a local AM station where the result of a “swertres” (if I’m not mistaken) was being broadcasted. He was a little chatty and expressed his regret over not being able to make it to the betting station last night. He said he was supposed to win since the numbers just broadcasted is the very plate number of the unit he is driving. I am not really interested in such form of gambling but just to acknowledge him, I said “sayang”. He continued with his talks about it, I just smile to myself while listening to him. Then he concentrated on his driving. I noticed he drives a little fast. I was glad as I’m sure I will be in the office in no time. Then we reached “Alco” and I told him we will just take the dumpsite area as I am certain that my usual route to the office is already blocked. He was still driving fast which began to worry me a little. So we turned right re-routing to the dumpsite road. As he turned right, I saw some cars, motorelas and jeepneys going opposite to our direction. I was no longer aware of the speed when he turned right. I was half consciously looking at the road then suddenly a school girl crossed the street and my driver blew his horn alarmingly and then bammm! A girl was hit by the taxi I was in!! It was so sudden when the girl crossed the street. It was a little late for her to realize that there was a taxi approaching. I saw the girl panicked and tried to defend herself with her hands as if she is stopping the car from hitting her! It happened so fast and I was stunned and could only utter “Oh My God!!” as I see the girl saw the car and stretched out her hands to the front of the car to protect herself! The car abruptly halted and a woman just across the street bringing a ‘walis tingting’ screamed in horror! It was a horrible site! I didn’t know what happened, who went to the girl and where the girl was!

I was relieved to see the girl on the other side being consoled by an elderly woman. At first glance at her I think she is in 1st year or 2nd year high school. She was pale and probably shaking…The driver got out from the car as he was summoned by a man. I didn’t know what to do..should I get out and take another ride? But there? not really possible!

The incident caused a little traffic…but not that much though. The taxi driver went to where the girl is. I looked from the window and saw the girl now crying and I noticed she lost her right shoe. Perhaps what happened just sank in. She must’ve some bruises Then the driver stood outside the car again and I asked if the girl is okay! I doubt if he heard me though. He opened the door and asked me if I can be a witness that he was not running fast at the moment. I was unsure of the speed since I became completely unaware of it as I watched the other vehicles going opposite to our direction, so I said “I’m sorry I can’t really comment on that”. They took his license and he went back to the car to take me to my destination. Along the way I asked again if the girl was okay. He said probably bruises and the insurance should take care of it. I asked him what happened, he said the girl was not looking at the cars approaching on her left side. He didn’t expect the girl would cross as there was no indication she was ready to do so. But She called in a motorela and hurriedly crossed the kinda busy street hurriedly without looking both sides. The driver was caught offguard when she crossed! Luckily the car’s break is in great condition!

The driver apologized to me when we reached the office. I said it’s okay, I’m just glad there was no serious damage caused by that accident. The girl was lucky that there were no vehicles approaching from the other side when she was hit by the taxi! Otherwise, that could’ve been more horrible! Thank God! What transpired is still vivid in my mind up until now. It keeps on replaying…then it worries me thinking of my own kids. I hope the girl is okay but I’m pretty sure, the trauma of the experience will be a problem for that poor girl.

I thought of my own two kids and prayed that they will be safe always. To all parents, let us remind our kids to stop, look at both sides and listen before crossing the streets! Don’t rush!

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