Setting and Mood- Ace

On board a crowded train

6pm. Rush Hour. Everybody was getting off from work and I was no exception. As everyone jostled around the train station, ready to rush into the train when the doors opened, I managed to get a spot near the entrance. As the train doors opened, the breeze from the air-conditioning cooled me down and everybody squirmed into the train, trying to get in. As more and more stops passed by, everybody became more and more cramped, trying to squeeze in more to accommodate the newly arrived passengers. The cool air in the train also became hotter and hotter as the air-conditioning could not handle the amount of people on board, thus everybody started sweating profusely. The odor of people sweating also got worse and everyone was wet, the sweat making wet patches all over the shirt and mostly, under the armpits. No matter if the seats were for the people with specials needs or not, they were all taken. When a pregnant lady got up to leave, the place immediately turned chaotic. Everybody was rushing to that spot, trying to get the seat and rest their tired legs. Finally, the train reached my stop. As I squeezed through the "human shield" blocking the entrance, I breathed in a huge breath of fresh air. Home sweet home, here I come! (219 words)

First day at school assembly

A new school year had finally started! Students everywhere were walking up the giant steps to the hall for the morning assembly, I was no exception. The school was abuzz with students chatting excitedly about their interesting holidays and competing whose holiday was more "special". As I approached the hall, I saw many primary one students wandering aimlessly in the hall, unsure of where their classes were. Many of their parents were standing at the sides of the hall, trying to take some memorable photos of their children's first day at school. I looked fondly at them and remembered when I was primary one, on the first day of school I was so frightened and excited at the same time, as I wondered what my teacher would be like and if I could fit in with my classmates. Now, I proceeded towards my class, 5F, and sat down, waiting for flag raising. Five minutes before flag raising, late comers hurriedly flooded into the hall, sweating profusely from all the running and sprinted to their classes. After that, it was time for flag raising. As the National Anthem was being played out, I sang it with pride for my country. It was going to be a great year indeed! (208 words)