So, there's a riot going on. It's a rally and a lot of fighting is going on. The people are protesting against their government and the president is not happy. He orders the police out to quell the riot. Trust the police. They have their riot sheilds out. Fully kitted up, with the helmets and bulletproof vests to show they mean business. And the people are not happy.

CNN arrives the scene. There's a lot of anger. The people came prepared too. Its not the first riot they've been in. There are sticks and stones, and though they don't break bones, they crack helmets. The police aren't having a field day. Oh, its so on. The camera man just got hit. Is that a flare? Wow, that guy's just got burnt. Whoa. Now they're setting cars on fire. Great.

I just want to get home.


Now the tapes are out. Little thin red and white tapes across the street. Great. That's the only route I ply to get home. My car is useless now. Thank the good Lord there's a safe spot behind this shop. At least, I'll pick it up tomorrow. Now the police have a formation out. Nobody is passing this tonight. The rioters are retreating now. They're getting closer to me. People are getting arrested. What is wrong with these people? Don't they have families? Are they crazy? See who's talking. I'm here talking to myself. I guess I'm the crazy one.

Why is this officer looking at me like that? No sir. I'm not a rioter. No! Please don't arrest me. But, I didn't do anything na. Oh God. Today is Julie's birthday. My little girl is one. And I'll miss her birthday. Wait a minute! I remember this guy. Ah, yes. Now I'm in hot lava. He pulled out a parking ticket for me. I sped off. I resisted arrest. Now, karma's back to haunt me. Oh Lord. Please let this guy not remember me. I move to cover my face. Too late. He smiles cunningly as he reminds me of my wrongdoings. I guess I'm sleeping in jail tonight.

I just want to get home.


He throws me so harshly on the ground without an ounce of compassion. Come on, man! I'm a human being for crying out loud. Numbered with the rest of the rioters now all cuffed up awaiting the police van. I spot the commander coming towards us. Barrel-chested mean looking 6 footer, he walks up to us. It seems he noticed me being arrested. Heck, I think it was pretty obvious I didn't come to riot, with my three piece suit. Mr Grand Commander sternly looks at me and asks, "Why are you here?" I explain my predicament to him. I was only driving home, met a riot, some few seconds later, I'm cuffed up. I have a daughter at home, I don't support violence. I explain to him that I'm not a rioter.

I can see pity in his eyes. It seems he understands. "So, how would you get past these rioters and all my men, if I let you go?",he asks. Wow. I never really thought of that. My initial plan was to...no. I actually had no plan. He smiles again and whistles to the officer that arrested me. "Get me Charis!", he barks at him. Reluctantly, my thorn-in-uniform complies and before long he reemerges out of the barricade of officers, holding a bold white police horse by the bridle. The commander handed me Chairs. "Take her. Go home to your family. Your daughter is waiting", he bids me farewell.Phew.

I just want to get home.


Charis is strong. She could run over 50 rioters with just one gallop. The rioters are back now. Where on earth did they get tear gas from? Its confrontational now as the rioters clash with the police shields. Barely hanging on to Charis, I gasp as she bolts towards the fracas, rounding a rioter before gallantly leaping over the entire crowd, getting me over the muddled up scene. I continue my journey freely, as the road ahead of the police tape is free from traffic. The sun is just setting and the mix of blue, pink and orange in the skies makes a beautiful horizon. I mutter a prayer of thanks to God for bailing me out.

I hug my wife at the door and hold Julie in my arms, plant in a wet kiss on her forehead. She looks bewildered,"Who is that?", she sarcastically asks,pointing to the horse tied to my fence. "Oh, her?", I play along. "You wouldn't believe what happened to me today"." You wouldn't believe how I made it here".

I just wanted to get home. Grace got me home.

Charis. Grace.