Story：Be timely
【明報專訊】HERE's a story, a tragedy. And Mr Lam learned to be on time after this tragedy.
Mr Lam was always late. Irene was Mr Lam's wife. She once watched a film with Mr Lam. ''It doesn't matter!'' Irene said this to Mr Lam when he arrived around 4:30 p.m. at an MTR station, 30 minutes later than promised.
''Apologies Irene! I've been busy working on the new project! I'll meet you on time in the future!'' You better not take Mr Lam's promises too seriously!
That's a typical scenario. When a bad habit is a typical one, it's easy for people to ignore it. It's easy to do things late, isn't it? Irene was hospitalised after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. She never phoned Mr Lam because she didn't want her husband to worry too much about her.
But her health got worse day by day. One night she felt she was gonna leave the world. The hospital called Mr Lam. Burning the midnight oil, Mr Lam was glued to his laptop. The mobile phone kept ringing. He couldn't take any more noises and picked up the phone. ''Hello Mr Lam. Would you be happy to come visit your wife? I think she won't be able to make it tonight.''
''Hmmmmm...'' Mr Lam wasn't willing to do so, especially when his new project would decide his promotion. Moreover, he didn't think the situation was that bad. The following day he got the call from the doctor saying that his wife was fine.
The same thing happened again and again. Believing that his wife was in good shape, Mr Lam didn't go visit Irene a single time. ''It doesn't matter.'' Irene said to Mr Lam.
One night the doctor called again. ''Mr Lam, I must warn you. This time it's real. You must come. Otherwise you'll regret that.''
Mr Lam thought it would be another false alarm so he refused to come to hospital.
He heard a weak voice. ''It... It doesn't matter now...'' Irene's voice was fading. Mr Lam seemed to realise the seriousness of his wife's health. He rushed into a taxi and demanded the shortest route.
When he arrived at the ward, what he could only see was a pale face. A face without any smile.
''It doesn't matter anymore...''
Mr Lam said to himself.
◆Food for thought
Being timely matters not only to youself but also to people who care about you. It is perhaps a lifelong lesson. Discuss it among your classmates on how to be timely.
■Gear up
Refer to the story and circle the correct answer.
(1) Irene works very hard and doesn't want to be interrupted by her husband. (True / False / Not given)
(2) Mr Lam and Irene have a son. (True / False / Not given)
(3) Irene is disappointed by her husband's indifference to her health. (True / False / Not given)
(Answers on next text)
■Glossary
typical (adj) 典型的
promotion (n) 升職
false alarm (n) 虛驚
lifelong (adj) 一生人的
[Smarties' Power English 第281期]
