Hati-hati di Jalan Raya

I got the call at 7.01 pm, and had the shocked of my life.

3 of my cousin were on the way for balik kampong, when the Kancil they were driving met with an accident… a head-on collision with a 1 tonne lorry. The driver passed away instantly and the two others were in ICU.

My family were the first to arrive in Hospital Raub that night, as their parents were making their way miles away from Padang Pak Amat, Kelantan and we are the only family living closest. We were told that Izzati was brought to Hospital Temerloh due to her criticality, and the oldest, Sulong is being warded with 1 eyes temporary blinded due to the impact from the broken glasses.

Sulong was still half conscious, but he repeatedly asked about Izzati. He was quite relief knowing that his little sister was all right, but little did he knew about the fate of his younger brother. We didn’t want to break the news there and then.

What was supposed to be a short trip to the hospital, turned into an overnight outing. We spent the next few hours in Raub for sahur, and slept at the back of the car waiting for daylight as we would need to perform Dowe’s last ritual right.

It was not until 11 am that day that solat jenazah with Ayah Chik was performed. It was also when Sulong walked out of the ward, that we told him about Dowe. Never did he expect that his little brother would be the first to go. He watched from afar as Dowe’s body were carried on the van.

I know that somehow he blamed himself. If only he didn’t insisted to go home that evening, or if he had just driven back himself. But things just simply happen, and God had better plan for all of us.

I do not want to elaborate in detail what happen cause I don’t feel like reliving those heartbreaking moments.

But Selamat Hari Raya everyone. Drive safe. Don’t rush.