The Death Race

There was along queue at the registration counter, I found myself torn between excitement and fear over the challengers I will face.

As I registered myself in, I hurried over to the refreshment counter to get a quick drink. I hope the need to go for a piss would help me to get an mental advantage over my opponents. A small trick I learnt for the movies. But looking at the amount of people taking a sip beside me, I couldn't help but wonder if they already know this trick and is planning to use it later on as well.

A friendly voice boomed over the speaker to tell us that the race was about to start and thus we make our first step into our fateful journey. The guard over at the entrance to the starting line looked quiet and efficient yet he seemed cold. My mind wondered into his personal life, his wife, child(s), his hobbies.

That kept me occupied until I found myself hurried along the hordes of competitors now standing ready behind to starting line. All of them looked prepared, as if they were going into a war. Well, this is a battle I guess. The question was how far are you willing to push to get what you want.

I took a last look around, the atmosphere seemed dead with intense. I couldn't see the cloud shining, I couldn't feel the air breezing. Everyone seemed like they had put on a mask of distress. They had an agenda in mind, a mission to complete, a competition to win.

Everyone was on their best. The obvious Nike or Reebok trainers or shirts can be easily seen. Some were talking to other competitors, probably savouring the last moment they're friends before the tide creeps in. Others was busy with themselves, doing some little walks to warm them up, SMSing their girlfriends with cute stupid things or simply scouting around to size up the competition.

Another voice, I'm not sure if it was the same lady who spoked just now prepares us to the starting line, it was going to begin. The final moment of truth has arrive, this was the place where a Man is made, adults are seperated from childrens, the strong triumphing over the weak. And somehow, I felt I was one of the weak.

As the officials arrive to make sure all of us are in behind the starting line, I felt weak. I feel my knees are going to die on me at that moment and I feel my stomach have butterflies. A headache was rising, I was quite sure of it. I feel cold and vunerable. I turned to god despite never to allied myself to any religion at all, but I'm sure he'll understand. It will be a long day when I accept that I have no part over a success I gained with my own two hands, or leg in this matter.

And so it begins. The contestants readied themselves behind the line. Some justlings and pushings already began. The mental war starts. My agile and not huge body was in an advantage as I slipped very close into the starting grid.

And as the officials retreated, a silence dawned upon us before the frenzy begun. We pushed forward to gain the advantage but also because of the momentum carried by those behind us eage to get onboard.

"Sila beri penumpang dalam keluar dulu," I heard some shout. But I quickly reminded myself that this is Malaysia and proceed to push into the carriage while giving an annoyed look to the person behind me, as if to alliviate all the faults to him. I'm not the one pushing mself 2 inches into your face, Miss. It was the guy behind. Somehow I don't feel my arkward smile and stupid body positioning worked to my favor. If there ever was a time I will get a chance to tell my grandsons that their 'kong kong' was arrested for sexual harrasment, this was it.

As the carriage closes its door and begins to hobble along to the small bump and grinds beneath, I stared back at the nice looking lady 2 inches in front of me looking back as she just saw a reject from Malaysian Idol, both that of fear and a silly retort to her thinking that this guy in front of him was capable of commiting a sexual crime. Judging by my body contour and positioning, I can't help but agree with her.

So as we exchange nervous glances, silly thoughts and mental curses to ourselves, I took a look around and by god I can tell you, I'm not sure how victory tasted like sharing it amongst the winners of the life and death race.