‘So often, admirable people rise from the depths of the most miserable situations. (Quinones pg 113). This was true for one Adam Jones. He was a local caddie and a loud drunk. No one gave two thoughts about him, but that day fate called him to risk his life for the sake of another actually, make that fifty others, all of them children.(Quinones pg.131)
I took a sneak pick at the time, thirty more minutes until I get off school. The weather was good enough for a long walk but clear signs of rain was lacking in the distance. I hurriedly saved the work I had been working on and shut down my computer. I needed a bathroom break and to change into more comfortable shoes.
I took a long breath as I Stepped out into the cool evening air hoping I had enough time to enjoy my long walk. I was hit by a strong smell of stale alcohol. Behind me was Adam who was obviously going to a local joint to spend his day’s earnings. I took out my phone and pretended to be on call just to avoid his usual irritating way of borrowing a few coins for a meal. He nodded as he passed and I gladly nodded back. The weather was getting rather chilly, so I pulled my head scarf tighter and buttoned up my woolen coat.
I could hear loud hooting coming from behind me. I stepped further away from the road and watched as a cargo truck speedily passed me. There were many onlookers but I didn’t give too much thought into it. But it was quite unusual for a truck to hoot all the way as it sped off. I slowly continued with my walk following the truck with my eyes only to see it hit a school bus on its right side before rolling and coming to a stop.
I heard a woman scream and people started running towards the accident. Surprisingly no one went close to the scene. When I got there I could see kindergarten kids trapped inside the bus and a lot of smoke oozing from its engine. They were crying desperately but there was an electrical wire that had been cut and was now hanging loosely on the bus. One man tried to remove it only to be electrocuted.
I froze at the very spot knowing very well the bus would go up in flames any minute. I wanted to help, but what could I do. Just then Adam Jones stepped out of the circle created by onlookers and removed his dirty blazer. He hurriedly tied it round his right arm and removed the wire, only for it to start causing sparks. A small flame that was quickly extending towards the diesel tank started. Desperation fell on everyone but no one made a move yet. Adam left his cloth round the wire opened a door and started pulling the kids out. He still couldn’t make it alone. Another man emerged and used his blazer to put out the fire.
One by one the local drunk pulled out the children and brought them to safety. The children put trusting arms around him as he carried them one after the other. We all watched in awe and shame as the innocent kids swept their arms around him crying out of relief and happiness.
Truly “Anyone who does anything to help a child in his life is a hero to me.” (Rogers. 145)
Works cited
Rogers, fred. Wisdom from the world according to mister rogers. 2003, Pg 145.
Quinones, John. Heroes Among us: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Choices.2009, Pg 113,131.
