HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY It was just a normal mildly, cool January morning for east coast.

It started out just like any other Sunday morning. Rahim got up a bit late at 6.30 a.m. and ready for school. Rahim left the house at 7.25 a.m. after having his simple breakfast, toasted bread and a half-boiled egg. Usually Rahim walked down the three-quarters of a mile road to the bus stop but that morning he took a shortcut, cutting across a field near an orchard. Carefully, trees, he he walked a through the wet bag grass, in the without shrubs

getting dirty his white school shoes. As he approached some discovered travelling-typed between. Having curiosity aroused, he pulled the bag out and it was heavily loaded with something. Without hesitation, he unzipped it to find that it was full of RM100 notes. To his shock, Rahim dropped his jaws widely. In his

fifteen years of life, he never once saw that lots of bank notes. He could feel the whole body were shivering and his palms were cold sweat. He looked every inch of the area, searching for any figure but to no avail, nobody was around. There was a moment where Rahim lost his conscience. What if I keep this money to myself? Rahim monologuised, but then, he quickly remembered once his late mother had ever taught him to win something through efforts and actions. Then, he realise, his devilish thought was completely absurd. Awaken to the fact, Rahim made a sound judgment to send the bag to the nearest police station. Upon reaching the police station, it was already 8.25 a.m. There was an officer at the front desk. The officer stared at Rahim with suspicion. His gaze made Rahim caused felt a awkward, but to Rahim realised his sudden present curiosity the officer. Without

wasting time, Rahim told everything about the bag. To his

astonishment, the officer praised Rahim for his good decision and honesty.

As Rahim was so deep into his CSI mode, he almost forgot his way to school. He glanced at his watch, it was fifteen past nine. After bidding farewell to the officer, he dashed right away. He knew he would face the music of his action but at the same time, he was proud of what he did to himself. A moment he stepped into the class, everybody was eyeing on him including his subject teacher, Cikgu Aziz. Cikgu Aziz demanded a better explanation but then, Rahim was still scolded even after he explained everything. Embarrassed with his classmates, Rahim went to his desk without a word. He felt really dejected of all he had done that morning. The bell rang. All students headed to the canteen but Rahim. He still dissatisfied with Cikgu Azizs injustice, ruining his red-letter day and appetite. While mumbling to himself, the school intercom sounded, paging for Rahim. He was told to go to the Principals room after recess. I knew it! There must be Cikgu Aziz! Rahim murmured in anger. Rahim stood in front of the Principals room with low spirit. As he knocked the door and entered the room, he saw a familiar policeman talking to the principal. With a grinning smile on the principals face, he reckoned the officer had told everything to him. Rahim told that his action causing Cikgu Azizs flare of rage. The principal promised Rahim to clear the misunderstanding between Rahim and Cikgu Aziz. As to honour Rahims worthy act, the policeman handed a reward of money to him. The next day, the principal shared Rahims story to all students and teachers during the morning assembly. Rahim, once

again received other reward from his school and was announced as a boy of honour. Alas, Rahim good deeds paid off.

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