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Children, Eric Alagan, family, Friends, micro fiction, Nostalgia, Parenting, Singapore, Stories, writing
1960s’ Singapore: The continuing saga of a boy called Mechanic Leigh…
We rented two rooms in a sprawling wooden house, which was home to three other families, including the landlord’s, and bachelor Jack, my friend 
One evening, gangsters armed with machetes burst into the house. They demanded to see Jack.
The landlord and the other two men cowered behind shut doors with their respective families.
But not Mother. Jack was our friend and he was not in. With arms akimbo, Mother ordered the gangsters out.
The gangsters ignored her and went about the house, banging on doors and upturning barrels of rainwater, pots and pans. Then, they made a big mistake – they broke our stuff.
Mother grabbed a broomstick and beat one of the men. The bamboo handle snapped. The man snatched it and threatened Mother. She pushed her chin out and berated him. Mother was dimitative and the other gangsters teased the fellow.
(Ghost writer: You meant, dim witted?)
She was dimitative… you know, small built – five feet tall.
(Ghost writer: Got it, diminutive)
I focussed on the shortest man, gritted my teeth and saw myself hopping onto his back, pulling his hair and biting his ear off.
(Ghost writer: And what did you plan to do with the other men?)
Hey! I was only ten years old and wore spectacles. I couldn’t see that far!
Anyway, Mother screamed so loud and managed to snatch her broomstick. She scolded the man and demanded payment for the broken broomstick.
(Ghost writer: But it was your mother who broke the broomstick when she beat the man with it)
So, are you blaming Mother? They must pay! We are not rich people!
Anyway, the gangsters shook their heads and laughed. The leader pointed his finger at Mother and said they will return.
They never returned. They were afraid of Mother, I think.
(Ghost writer: Didn’t you say later that night there was a gang clash down the street and the police swept the village clean?)
Yah! But I still think they were afraid of Mother and besides, she had me.
(Ghost writer: Oh, they were also afraid of you?)
Yah! These were seasoned gangsters. They knew what I can do. Anyway, after that incident, everyone along the street left me alone…except the dogs 
(Ghost writer: All Mechanic Leigh episodes are based on true events – even the dogs that relished harassing him)
I’ll get you for this…promise!
********** Copyright @ Eric Alagan, 2012 **********
I love these stories…
Thank you and happy that it cheers people
Eric… love the little voice your friend has the conversations with in his head… a bit critical, but obviously a friendly imp, who does like Mechanic Leigh a lot…. can’t wait to see more….
Yes, Mother was diminutive, but also, I think, dimitative, which could obviously mean uniquely dangerous, or dangerously unique, right? Robert Heinlein said many years ago, and it applies to both sexes… “Never frighten a small man; he’ll kill you.” The gangsters probably read some RAH, and so knew this piece of wisdom, choosing wisely to stay clear of Mom…. great story, you’ve got me hooked….
Hello Ned,
Yes, Mechanic Leigh and Ghost Writer make a pair don’t they.
Is that what dimitative means? Hmmm….I learnt a new word today. Perhaps Mechanic Leigh is smarter than most of us thought.
You’re probably right. The gangsters must have read RAH…then, again, there was Mechanic Leigh riding shotgun for Mother!
The Mechanic Leigh episodes are getting many hits. Missed it one week and a lovely lady emailed me in private and wanted to know when the next episode was due. I think the Ghost Writer has painted himself into a corner. And if Mechanic Leigh hears of this…
See you around Bro
(Mechanic Leigh: I heard it…)
(Ghost Writer: Groans…)
Very well written…a pleasure to read. ~Susan
Thank you, Susan – Mechanic Leigh does have a nice following
And Happy Birthday!
There is indeed such a unique twist to the “point of view” of these stories. What a clever contraption to have the “Ghost writer” chime in — brings more depth and dimension, and contributes to the fast-paced progression of the narrative, leaving the reader continually entertained.
Thank you Dee.
I’m trying out 2 new voices here (from my usual adult novels) – one, a precocious kid and another, an adult writer. We’ll see how it progresses.
Glad that you’re enjoying the series.
Cheers, Eric
Nice story, love to read..
Thanks.
Thank you Meiro. All good wishes, Eric
Pak, great story, terima kasih sudah berbagi.
Terima kasih, Pak. Senang bahwa Anda menikmati cerita.
(Thank you, Pak. Happy that you enjoyed the story)
I like this one very much…Especially your Ghost Writer Moments..
Thank you Bird. If it adds a little joy in your day (knowing what you’re going through now) – I am well pleased. Luv and peace, Eric
(P/s: I posted a comment in your A Battle-Weary Wife)
I couldn’t find the comment on my post…
Could be in your spam folder – WP can be evil sometimes…
I will check! I’ve never, ever checked that folder!
I think feisty little women are full of character! Yay for Mom!
…and you find them everywhere…
During my days with Special Constabulary – I would rather man-handle a man than go near any of these wildcats…chicken that we were, we left them to our female colleagues
Something about fierce women that either frighten men or men find them comical and would rather walk away. Of course the Chinese gangster will usually retaliate by scolding her “xiao ! “, Hokkien dialect for “Mad”.
The ghost writer added more humor to the story though he must have driven Mechanie Leigh up the wall. This one is funny and entertaining.
You are right Jasey. These were Chinese gangsters and they did use “xiao” and a few other choice words – though these other words were not directed at her.
Yes, Mechanic Leigh and the Ghost writer still have not settled the question as to, who the boss is….
Eric, I really love the Ghost Writer! What a great literary device and YOU handle it all beautifully! I do not think it would be easy to pull this off. YOU do it with style!
It must be fun… It sure is fun to read anyway!
Thank you!
Peace, Jen
That is great Jen dear.
But we have to tread carefully as Mechanic Leigh does get a tad testy when people praise the Ghost Writer…
And you are right, it is great fun reliving (albeit mentally) the life of a 10-year old.
Cheers, Eric
Good fun read Eric…it always is you write it with your heart.
loved it, ghost writer part was fabulous
Have a great week
Thank you Soma and glad you enjoyed it. Have a good one too
you really know how to tell an enjoyable story. loved it. good that the gangsters did not turned nasty.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you.
The yesteryear gangsters (The Chinese Tongs in Singapore) were well organised, had strict codes and highly disciplined. They don’t normally harm innocents. I grew up in a gang infested area and have had close encounters with these guys. I’ve also done plenty of research for writing my novel Beck And Call.
The modern day gangs are made up of ruffians and scum…no doubts about that. These guys are clowns if not for their unbridled viciousness.
here gangsters are controlled by sky high ego; confronting them can become really ugly.
Congrats…I’ve nominated you to 7×7 Award…for the details kindly check the following link: http://divinerhythm.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/doubled-seven/
Congratulations Mira. In the short time that I’ve acquainted myself with your blog, your posts come across as both elegant and thought provoking.
Thank you for sharing this joy with me.
I found your notification in my spam and ‘rescued’ it. It should be okay from now on, I reckon. I experience the same issues you describe but the none the wiser for it. Perhaps some IT experts in Blogsville can comment.
All good wishes for thelong weekend ahead, Eric
You’re welcome…&thanks for the kindness; I enjoy your thoughts as well..
Have a peaceful friday
Very entertaining, loving the ghost writer and the diminutive Mum, keep on entertaining us…
Thank you for your visit and comment. Yes, Mother was a feisty lady…the toughest man in that household
Another interesting Mechanic Leigh. Enjoying them.
Thank you Bumbas.
Mehanic Leigh is growing up and hopefully remains adorable as he begins to slowly exert himself.
Cheers, Eric
Having lived in Asia for 30 + years I can visualize the scene as your story unfolds. In that era gangs were a big problem in Singapore, but definately no more.
That is right Ian. As you probably know, in our formative years, Singapore faced a host of problems. Criminal gangs topped the list together with communist agitation, union strikes, unemployment, housing, water, communal tensions, a non-existent defence force – you name it and we had them. LKY provided the leadership and we (my parent’s and my generation) realised his dreams.
LKY vowed to wipe out the gangs and introduced some draconian laws – effective – by late 1970s he had broken the backs of the last gangs. What we have now are shopping mall punks!
A fired-up woman with a broom stick is definately a formidable foe. Reminds me of my grandmother.
Enjoying the side conversations.
I rather take down a gangster wielding a machete than a woman wielding a broom
Thank you Steve for your visit and comment.
Oh, Eric, how you make us laugh and whoop for joy and acclamation, all at the same time! This reminds me of the time a drunken, red-neck neighbor drove up to our rural home, jumped out and started cursing my brother and our dog. Mother took a shotgun to the front porch and shot at the tires of this guy’s truck. He peeled the remainder of the rubber off the tires getting off our property! I KNEW we had a lot in common!
I told myself that whenever I read Granbee’s comments, better not have a drink > the last time, I spilled everything on my keyboard. Glad I took my own advice > burst out laughing today > Mother with a shotgun
I wonder whether these two women are kindred…
Eric your work is brilliant and full of humour! Haha, you had me cracking up with that ‘dimitative’ word lol. It’s an absolute treat to read your writings
Thank you @ayasonice
Mechanic Leigh is growing up, exerting himself and trying out new words that he hasn’t quite got the hang of…
Glad you see it as a treat.
All good wishes for the long weekend
Thank you Eric and same to you!
I loved this! When in first you were saying that the mother came out and didn’t hide, I thought that she is physically at least big and chubby, then when you described her I was like wow!
Keep up the good work [:
Thank you Maria for your visit and comment.
I posted a comment in your “Who am I” page.
All good wishes, Eric
Really? Weird… I can’t see the comment.
Yes, WP can be weird like that…Anyway, I posted another message and here it is (in case you didn’t receive)
You are very right Maria – all it takes is a smile and it’ll snowball around the world if people will only pass it on…
Happy blogging, Eric
wow, well said Eric!
Haha, I love the ghost writer. Now to go find the other stories like this…
Hello Bob,
If you haven’t already, you can find all the Mechanic Leigh episodes under Category > Life of Mechanic Leigh, on the left column.
Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed writing and sharing.
- Cheers, Eric
Yep, I found them. Thanks
nice story…
(Ghost writer: i know its nice.. but its nicer than u think)
hehe
Oh dear, now the Ghost writer has his own “ghost”
I luv this stunt you pulled
Great job writing the story! I love the ghost writer!!!!!
Wow, you have a lot of comments!! I had to scroll down for forever to get to the post a comment.
Well, as you probably guessed, the Mechanic Leigh series have many subscribers.
Let me give you a wink – go easy about complimenting the Ghost Writer too much – Mechanic Leigh is the star and does get a tad testy
Excellent story. Short people are sometimes the toughest. We have a daughter-in-law, very short but very tough. I would not like her to be angry with me. Good for your mother. Still, I am glad the men did not come back.
Thank you Carroll – yes, small people can be terrors.