What’s your earliest memory involving another person? Recreate the scene — from the other person’s perspective.
It’s the 80’s and I’m riding my shining bicycle with pride. As I enter the school grounds kids come rushing to my side. ‘Mr. Postman, Mr. Postman!’ they shout with excitement to see me again.
I smile brightly at them and blare my horn in response. Too late I realise. I don’t know which comes first as go stumbling to the ground. Was it the scream from the five year old girl I just ran over? Was it the impact itself? Could it be the horrified screams of the other kids? I just don’t know but what is certain is that I have to check if she’s ok.
She lies there dazed and confused. Just watching the scene unfold around her. When she realises the ruckus is about her she starts crying. Shock has settled in by now. I ask her if she’s ok. She nods and smiles through her tiny sobs.
Teachers come rushing to her aid and mine too. Though they’re not too impressed with me for causing the accident they have mercy on me and tend to my injuries.
Turns out shock was the only scar that marred that little girl that day and a memory she will probably have for life.
Surviving Jonkersville 