“Please don’t make me,” I look fearfully at the raised wooden ruler. The day of reckoning has finally arrived…I’ve been awarded the privilege of lighting the assembly hall’s prayer candle.
“Hurry up and light the candle,” Sister Gabriel’s voice holds a veiled threat.
I know if I ignite the match the flames will creep down the stick and burn my fingertips.
“I can’t do it,” tears brim and the open matchbox trembles, spilling its content onto the floor.
“I’ll pray to the Lord to forgive a wilful child,” the nun’s eyes gleam. “Hold out your hand.”
The ruler strikes.
“Hurry up and light the candle,” Sister Gabriel’s voice holds a veiled threat.
I know if I ignite the match the flames will creep down the stick and burn my fingertips.
“I can’t do it,” tears brim and the open matchbox trembles, spilling its content onto the floor.
“I’ll pray to the Lord to forgive a wilful child,” the nun’s eyes gleam. “Hold out your hand.”
The ruler strikes.
