Run, Sweet Heart, Run

" Come Judy, we'll dance again. Nick Tua Pau Chia invited her.

Judy smiled at him. Stood up and walked into the floor. The hot music went on. There were at least fifty couples on the floor of that Recreation Club. Most of the men held their partners so tightly in their arms it could hardly be considered as moderate. Nick like Ali and the rest each paid S$300.00 for his dance ticket, which included nothing, more than a free partner. Joe Ching was the organizer. Joe was baldheaded, with bulging cheeks and exceptionally big belly. He loved the big belly as he told his friends that it signified prosperity according to the Chinese belief.

Joe stepped on to the platform near the Bend to offer his warm welcome. " Ladies and gentlemen," he went on with that speech which he had practiced in front of his dressing table mirror for the past many days. " I hope you regard this dance floor as your own. Enjoy yourselves until you are fully satisfied."

Around that Club House, couples were strolling along the cool and beautiful beach, which was enriched by the yellowish moonlight. Gradually the couples disappeared to where no one was able to know. But after one or two hours they would surely be back at the clubhouse again. All those free partners were actually prostitutes, which had been recruited from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. They came under the social visit passes arranged by Joe Ching.

Judy was a GCE O" Level student who was still waiting for her results. Being fresh from school she was nave and unaware of all those unseen traps. She accepted Joe's invitation with thanks. A big, dark, tall and ugly ex-infantry man was introduced to her that night. After half an hour dancing on the floor, Joe brought up a cup of drink for her and a bear for Nick.

" Good luck, Nick. Joe whispered into Nick's ear and patted him on the shoulder showing his set of golden teeth.

" Let's go for a walk on the shore," Nick persuaded.

" That would be lovely." Judy commented thinking she was being social.
They came down stairs, strolled through the bush and were down on the sandy shore.

" We're getting near doomsday, " Judy whispered.

" What made you say so?"

" Look at the couples there!"

" Why? Isn't that what we want instead of the dull routine of going to office and back every day?"

Nick deliberately encouraged Judy to watch the contorting couples in the field, under the venerable aru trees. The breezes made them shivered. So he suggested that

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about Short stories: Murder in the city?
We want to hear your view. Write now!