Self Sacrifice

Would you break your arm for a leg up in your life??

That's the question that lingered in my mind as I met one of the most colorful characters during my reservist days.

It was National Day, and we were on standby duty in the holding area with the rest of the unit. As everyone rushed to the supper buffet, I noticed a private sitting quietly on the cold concrete, his slack-fitting uniform a stark contrast to the well-pressed attire of his peers.

What caught my eye, however, was the man's demeanor. While everyone else was glued to their phones or engaged in animated chatter, he sat with a wry smile, simply observing the bustling activity around him. Intrigued, I moved closer, eager to learn more about this seemingly successful individual in our midst.

He had parked in a continental car that morning. My curiosity sparked a conversation. He was the owner of multiple market stalls across Singapore, dealing in roasted pork. What set him apart, however, was the severe scarring on his left arm, the result of not one, not two, but five separate breaks.

The story he shared with me was one of grit, determination, and a willingness to take drastic measures for a shot at a better life. Forced to drop out of school and become the sole provider for his family, he had resorted to a series of calculated accidents to capitalize on insurance payouts and start his business.

It all began with his first genuine accident. He learned, at the time, hospitalization insurance fully covered medical costs. Emboldened by this discovery, he then staged several motorcycle accidents, leading to further breaks in his left arm. The cash from accident policies allowed him to start his first market stall.

As he recounted this initial chapter, I could sense the desperation that had driven him to such extreme measures. Faced with the burden of supporting his family and lacking the means to do so, he had seized upon the opportunity presented. It was a capital fundraiser, a means to an end, in his eyes - multiple forced accidents to secure the funding he needed.

The first stall was just the beginning. With all the insurance windfalls, he was able to get his foot in the door. But the journey was far from smooth sailing. Navigating the complexities of dealing with multiple insurance companies, he even got himself banned and blacklisted. A testament to the lengths he had gone to in his pursuit of a better life.

Yet, despite the obstacles, his determination never wavered. The accident monies may have provided the initial spark, but it was his relentless drive and unwavering focus that allowed him to grow his business. Expanding to multiple stalls across the city. The scarred arm was a constant reminder of the sacrifices he had made, but it had also become a symbol of his resilience and the price he was willing to pay for a shot at a better future.