That day

By Simra Sekhon

That day was one the most horrific days I have ever had so horrific that I can’t even mention the date. I have finally found the courage to write it down after 30 years. One day I was just doing homework at home and I heard a scream from upstairs. I was petrified.

 ‘’Help! Help!’’ mum screamed.

Someone had broken into the house. I went upstairs to see I saw a 6ft man with spiky hair. He was holding a knife against her neck. I screamed.

There was no one else home so ran to our neighbours - Mr and Mrs Baxter. They were in their 30’s. He started running after me but he was really slow. I just managed to reach the house next door. I told them what had happened but it was too late. He was standing in front of us. I was so terrified that my whole body started shaking.  Mr Baxter bravely picked up the phone and dialled 999 but the man just grabbed the phone and banged it to the floor into tiny pieces. All of us got really terrified but I just realised that I had my mobile phone in my pocket all along. So I asked the scary man if I could go to the toilet.

“Are you desperate?”

 “Yes” I said timidly.

“Fine, but hurry up!’’

 Then I went to the bathroom and dialled 999. I got through to the police and said, “Please come to 67 Rain Street as quickly as possible. Someone is holding me and my neighbours hostage.”

When I came back the man took all our valuable possessions. I gave in my phone because the job was already done.  I whispered in Mr Baxter’s ear “I’ve phoned the police”. 10 minutes later the police arrived and the man got arrested. It turned out that he was wanted for burglary…

© Simran Sekhon