Gerrad's Presence of Mind: Saving Himself from an Intruder

In the story "If I Were You" by Douglas James, Gerrad's presence of mind plays a crucial role in saving him from an intruder. The incident takes place when Gerrad, a young boy, is left alone at home while his parents are away. Let's explore how his quick thinking and clever actions help him to overcome the dangerous situation.

The Intruder's Entry
- While Gerrad is engrossed in his activities, an intruder gains access to his house, possibly with the intention of theft.
- The intruder manages to enter the house without Gerrad noticing, making the situation potentially dangerous.

Gerrad's Alertness
- Gerrad suddenly senses a presence, feeling that someone is in the house with him.
- Instead of panicking, he remains calm and tries to assess the situation, understanding the importance of acting wisely.

Notifying the Police
- Gerrad realizes that he must inform the police about the intruder's presence.
- He cleverly pretends to call his father, who is actually away, but dials the emergency police hotline instead.
- By doing so, he ensures that the authorities will be alerted and help will arrive soon.

Gerrad's Deception
- Gerrad decides to deceive the intruder, understanding that he must do something to protect himself.
- He pretends to have a conversation with his father, discussing their plan to confront the intruder together.
- This clever act makes the intruder believe that Gerrad is not alone, creating doubt and fear in the intruder's mind.

Taking a Defensive Stand
- Gerrad then proceeds to take a defensive stand, arming himself with a cricket bat.
- He positions himself strategically near the front door, ready to defend himself if the intruder tries to approach him.

The Intruder's Retreat
- The intruder, now uncertain about the situation and fearing potential confrontation, chooses to retreat from the house.
- Gerrad's presence of mind and clever actions have successfully deterred the intruder and ensured his own safety.

In conclusion, Gerrad's presence of mind and quick thinking play a crucial role in saving him from the intruder. By alerting the police, deceiving the intruder, and taking a defensive stand, he manages to protect himself and successfully drive the intruder away. Gerrad's actions demonstrate the importance of staying calm and acting wisely in dangerous situations.