Little Red Riding Hood

When I was 9, I was chosen for a role in “Little Red Riding Hood” – a school play for year end graduation ceremony. I was indeed the Little Red Riding Hood, because at 9 I was one of the smallest girl in class and comel …………As the title tells you, I was asked to wear something in red for that day, unfortunately I do not have any red dress or red skirt or red blouse. Red panty? Don’t think I have that either. Being an innocent little girl – I simply ask my father to buy me a new dress.

Little Red Riding Hood


Did I mention earlier I was not born in silver spoon? Having a new dress always translate to excellent achievement in exams or for Hari Raya, being the reward for fasting the full month. (How lucky my children are – they can’t even appreciated if I bought a dress as a birthday present - it has to be something extra ordinary present – ok talk abt this next time).

I remember seeing my parents having a “Hush-hush-hush” discussion & later told me “Shidah, let’s go buy you a new dress tonight”. I was so excited & overjoyed. Off I went with Abah. We went to 2 or maybe 3 shops but couldn’t find the dress. Yes – they have red dresses all right but it does not fit my imagination of the perfect little red riding hood.

At the last shop, Abah was getting impatient and order me to choose one ASAP – this is where I spotted a lovely red dress – with red net to make the skirt ‘bloom’. Abah likes it and haggle for the price. Unfortunately the tag is way over the budgeted amount. Even after the taukeh gave us the so called discount – it is still way too expensive (for us at that time). I was really upset and selfish thought tells me “Abah could just buy me the dress and cut the ration for the family or do something to that effect” and of course he can’t do that………

The taukeh suggested one blue dress for the price that Abah quoted. It is equally nice but less of decorative ribbons & all. I instantly agreed. Abah reminded me that we r looking for a red dress not blue. He suggested another red dress, which to my taste was horrified. I insisted for the blue arguing that the teacher will give me a red shawl or something to cover most of the dress. Abah goes with my decision & bought me the blue dress.

During the full dress rehearsal:
Teacher: Shidah, your dress is not red?
Me: Maybe I can borrow a red shawl, lilit dekat bahu?
Teacher: I'll bring my daughter's dress & you shall wear it tomorrow.

The day came and gone. After many years, after I started earning my own money, these scene came haunting me every now and then. Abah must feel hurt when he saw me on the stage wearing "baju pinjam". He tried his best and his best is not enough for his little red riding hood.

The little red riding hood - being & behaving like a kid. She is indeed a kid. But now she understands more than that, the meaning of Abah's love. If I could change it I would.