The Silent Assasin

I woke up at 5.30am for my regular jog. After stretching for about 5 minutes, I took the lift down and walk along the linkway from Blk 286 towards Bt Batok East Ave 6. It was probably about 5.45am as I reached the pavement. I was hesitant and wasn't sure if I should do the routine 5km run towards Bt Timah Rd. It was getting real windy and the sky was somewhat darkening.

I opted for a shorter route (about 3.5km I guess) to avoid getting caught in the rain and jog the other way round towards Bt Batok East Ave 3 towards the direction of the PIE and turn right into Bt Batok Street 23. It was an enjoyable morning jog. The weather was cool and windy. As I approached the workers dormitory opposite Vicom Inspection Centre, many Bangladeshi workers were already lining the road for the bus and trucks to pick them. A few were smoking away while waiting for the bus/truck. I thought, how can they afford to smoke? A packet of cigarettes costs about $10 to $11. Their daily wage probably about $22/day without OT. But never mind, MYOB I thought to myself.

As I reached Bt Batok Industrial Park, I looked up to the Heaven and it seemed somewhat uncompromising. Still I continue my jog and soon reached the main road of Bt Batok Ave 6. I turned left and continue down the pavement towards the direction of the swimming pool. I thought to myself, "Shall I jog further down to make it 5km instead of the targetted 3.5km. The sky seems to be clearing up." "Ok, I will jog further down toward the MRT viaduct, turn right towards Bt Batok Ave 1 and right again towards Bt Batok Central, straight down towards Bt Batok Ave 2 and stop at where I usually stop, outside Bt Batok Nature Reserve." That should do. Bt then I have reached the bus stop where I usually let my wife off for work.

THE SILENT ASSASSIN
As I passed the bus stop (at time it was about 5.55am), about 25 metres away, there was this lamp post on my right that stood quietly watching over me and the road with its light on. No sooner as I passed it I tripped over something. OMG, I lost complete balance as I fell forward, struggling with my now jellied legs to mainain my balance. I soon realised that I trip over the tree root that was hiding right smack under the shadow of the lamp post. Hopeless, I knew I can't balance myself safely and let fate took over. My mind flashed with fleeting thoughts over what would happen to me. How serious would the injury be? All this in a matter of micro seconds. Didn't know our mind can think faster than the action.

THE WEAPON
Then it happened. Plomped! So Humpty Dumpty had a Great Fall. A fall from grace as I landed on my left knee, quite heavily. Fortunately, I was holding the water bottle with my right hand when I landed. The wrapper on the bottle was torned and my palm was also bruised but was cushioned by the bottle. Yes, I was lucky. I couldn't move my leg as I sat on grass verge for something like 5 minutes. I scoured the pavement for that weapon and saw it (the root) protruding about 6cm from the ground.

THE VICTIM
I gazed at the injury as I struggle to my feet. I have a problem standing up because it's hurting on my left knee. I stood still for about 2 minutes before I made my way back home, painfully. There's nobody around to assist me. The street is quite deserted. I hobbled across the road and walked slowly home, about 1.2km away. Yes, it was starting to bleed a little. I could not hasten my pace as it was simply too stressful on my left leg. I passed Kemin Primary School and the gate was just opened by the guard.

I hobbled but I did not wobble. Phew! If I did, it would be disastrous. I bought the newspaper and breakfast (noodle with toufu as usual) on the way home. I tried to walk as normally as I could and looked around, it seems no one noticed my injury. Bt then, blood was slowly trickling down my shin. Whew! Would be embarassing if somebody noticed. I just don't feel comfortable with people started to show their concern and asking funny questions. How come, why, when. I can understand their concern and appreciate it. Now, all I need is a nice shower, rest and have my breakfast.

I reached home and quietly went to the bedroom to collect my clothings for the shower. Wife is still sleeping and am unaware of what happened. I turned on the heater as I don't want to get a shock because of the cold weather and the wound. As I stepped into the bathroom, I was prepared for the worst. Excruciating pain as the water flowed from my head to the wound. Yes it was real bad and painful. It was like being bitten by hundreds of red ants. Fortunately, the warm water somewhat seem to calm the nerves and relief the pain a bit.

As soon as I finished my shower, I sat on the small pink stool my elder daughter brought back from her hall and started reading the newspaper. Ten minutes later, my wife woked and make her way to the kitchen to have a glass of water. Soon after, I told her I want to show her something, and pointed to my injured knee. On second thought I shouldn't have shown her. She almost burst into tears. Aiyo, it's only a bruise and nothing to be so unduly worried, I told her. She fussed about it and mentioned I shouldn't have jog along that pavement. But nevertheless, what has happened has happened.

Clearly, I am not too concerned with the injury, just that it would be quite awkward as I just started work in this new company on 16 Oct'07 and have to take medical leave (No Pay OK, under probation). I bandaged the badly bruised leg and report to work. No, I did not tell anyone in office. Hush! Hush!

The next day, I went to see my regular doctor. Took one look at it and said it's not a problem. Should heal in 2 to 3 weeks and charged me only $15. No, I don't need the MC, no medicine or lotion. Great! Looks like I have to go back to swimming again after a long absence.

We shall see.

It's now into the 11th day of my accident. The wound is healing up nicely. Meanwhile, the photos of The Silent Assasin, The Weapon and The Victim is posted to remind of the pain and caution to be taken in future. Look out for The Silent Assasin.

Cheers.