“Look at that butterfly! It’s so beautiful!” Lily exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she watched the orange-winged insect flutter gracefully past her. It was a breezy Saturday morning, the perfect time for a family outing. The park was alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter, as people of all ages engaged in tai chi, jogging, and other recreational activities. For Lily, who was accustomed to the hustle and bustle of city life, this was a refreshing change. It was her first visit to a park, accompanied by her parents, and she was eager to explore. Little did they know, this trip would become an unforgettable memory.
“Mommy, is that a snake on the road?” Lily asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of fear. She pointed towards a long, rope-like creature slithering across the path. Her father, intrigued, approached the mysterious object. Suddenly, the creature let out a menacing hiss, warning him to keep his distance. It was indeed a snake! Panic rippled through the crowd as people realised the potential danger of the venomous reptile. Lily’s father quickly retreated to the safety of the dirt path.
Just then, a red car came speeding down the road. The driver, startled by the sight of the snake, let out a terrified scream and swerved sharply. In a split second, the car veered off course and crashed into a sturdy tree with a deafening thud. The impact was so intense that it sent shockwaves through the park, leaving everyone momentarily frozen in fear.
The driver stumbled out of the car, blood trickling down his forehead. “Help… please,” he murmured weakly before collapsing onto the ground. The park erupted into chaos as bystanders rushed to assist. Lily stood rooted to the spot, her heart pounding in her chest, while her parents frantically dialled for an ambulance. Others called the police and NParks, hoping for swift assistance.
Within minutes, the wailing sirens of emergency vehicles filled the air. Paramedics arrived and immediately attended to the injured driver, while police officers began questioning witnesses. Soon after, NParks personnel appeared, one of them wielding a peculiar stick and a large bag. After several tense attempts, they managed to secure the snake by its neck, eliciting cheers of relief from the onlookers. As they carefully placed the snake into the bag, the NParks team commended the crowd for their cooperation and bravery.
Lily’s mother gently patted her daughter’s back, bringing her back to reality. “It’s time to go home, sweetheart,” she said softly. Lily nodded, eager to leave the scene behind. Hand in hand with her parents, she walked away, her mind swirling with the day’s events. Though the incident had been terrifying, it had also taught her the importance of staying calm and working together in times of crisis.
