Write a story ending with the words: I wish I had listened to my father, this questions was asked in waec gce English language 2024 second series exam under question 1.
Write a story ending with the words: I wish I had listened to my father
THE PRICE OF IGNORANCE
The air was humid that Saturday afternoon, and the village buzzed with its usual rhythm of bustling markets and the distant sounds of children playing in the fields. For me, it was the perfect opportunity to prove my independence. My father, a wise man with graying hair and a calm demeanor, had warned me earlier in the day to avoid the forest path. He spoke of recent sightings of wild animals and unpredictable weather patterns. But I, fueled by youthful arrogance, dismissed his caution as unnecessary. I was confident in my ability to handle any challenge.
Armed with my fishing rod and a small bag of bait, I set out toward the river that lay beyond the forest. The river was my secret haven, a place where I found peace and solitude. The shortcut through the forest would save me an hour of walking, and I saw no reason to heed my father’s words. The path was narrow and shadowed by towering trees, but it was one I had taken many times before. What could possibly go wrong?
As I ventured deeper into the woods, the familiar chirping of birds was replaced by an eerie silence. The air grew colder, and the once-clear path became tangled with roots and overgrown vegetation. Still, I pressed on, convinced that my decision was the right one. Halfway through, dark clouds gathered above, and a sudden downpour began. The rain was relentless, soaking me to the skin and making the ground beneath my feet slippery and treacherous.
To make matters worse, I heard a low growl in the distance. My heart raced as I realized I was not alone. I quickened my pace, but the forest seemed to stretch endlessly, each step taking me further from safety. Panic set in as the growls grew louder, and I stumbled over a root, falling hard onto the muddy ground. My fishing rod snapped in two, and my bag of bait was lost in the chaos.
It was then that I understood the gravity of my mistake. My father’s warning wasn’t just about the forest itself but about my lack of preparation and overconfidence. As I lay there, bruised and shivering, I thought of his face, his voice filled with concern as he urged me to take the longer, safer route. It wasn’t until dawn, after a long night of fear and regret, that a group of villagers found me and led me back home.
When I saw my father waiting at the door, his face etched with worry, I felt a pang of guilt so deep it was almost unbearable. I could barely meet his gaze as I muttered an apology. That night, as I sat by the fire, nursing my wounds, the weight of my stubbornness sank in.
I wish I had listened to my father.
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