This short story was written for the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals “Good People, Good Deeds: English Writing Competition 2023-24. This year’s theme was “Good People, Good Deeds”. Students wrote stories about kindness, helping strangers and/or friends.

Alan loves reading, every day, after he has breakfast, he rushes into his bedroom and reads for ages, however, he doesn’t like talking to people and only stays in his bedroom.

“Thanksgiving is here.” Carol shouted out, “Come out, Alan, you need to get changed. We are going to grandma’s home!”

Alan didn’t bother. “I’m not coming, I still have four books to read today,” he replied,

“Alan, we have been through this before. You can’t just stay at home and read books endlessly. It’s important to be kind to people, you need to care for them!” said his mom revoltingly.

“I said I’m not coming! Stop agitating me!” He slammed the door shut and became dead silent.” Carol sighed, she thought, ‘How can I teach Alan to show kindness to people?’

“Where is Alan?” Said his grandma, “He’s not here today, he’s ‘sick’.” said Carol.

“Bummer, I made cookies for him!” said grandma, “Well, I’ll make more next time..”

The next day, Carol rushed into his room, “Alan, stop reading. Grandma is sick, go visit her!” she said, but Alan denied, saying he needed to read books and slammed the door once again. Carol had no choice but to go visit Grandma alone..

“How are you?” Carol asked anxiously.

Grandma’s face was plain white. She had no expression and gasped for air every few minutes.

"Where... is Alan...?” said Grandma weakly,

“He’s not here,” Said Carol, "I'm trying to talk him out of this selfish behaviour but it’s not working

“I just.. want the boy to visit…me...” Grandma’s eyes slowly closed and became unconscious, Carol screamed.

After Alan knew that his grandma was going to the hospital. He felt like he needed to be kind and friendly, he felt like he needed to care for people. He immediately stopped reading and ran to the hospital.

“Woah! You almost bumped into me,” said Carol while she was walking home, “Where are you going, Alan?”

“I’m visiting Grandma just like you told me.” He ran and disappeared into the mist,

“Huh, looks like my son got a change of heart.” his mom thought astonished.

“Hello, I’m looking for Nina Whitlock, room number H2Z.” said Alan.

“Right down the hallway and turn left.” said the nurse, he went to the room and saw a queasy, nauseated and ill grandma.

“Alan?”

“I’ve heard you want to see me, so umm… how are you, are you good, bad or terrible..?” asked Alan like she is a complete stranger.

“Well I was terrible before, not so bad now that you’re here.” Alan talked to Grandma for a very long time, he thought it was very fun! Just a few weeks later, Grandma got out of the hospital and hasn’t been sick ever since.

Alan learnt an important lesson, just a few words can make miracles happen. Just a few words can bring encouragement, happiness, it can even bring great health to others!

At last, Alan knew how to show kindness to people!

Show Kindness to People (TWGH 2023-24)