“Please show up early tomorrow,” Natsumi reminded me earnestly, her face revealing her deep worry. She was my partner for the inter-school mixed doubles badminton match that would happen tomorrow. Winning the match would enhance our chances of getting selected for Direct School Admission by Yishun Town Secondary School, the most prestigious secondary school in town! Little did I know that I would do something that would cause me great regret.

I skipped home, determined to put aside my gaming for once. However, Minecraft’s special event enticed me. Before long, I was mesmerised by the captivating graphics. Delirious with joy, I kept playing till the wee hours of the morning, determined to advance the leaderboard. I finally succumbed to slumberland.

The morning sun cast its golden rays into my room. Startled, I awoke in a rush. I might not make it to the match on time! My heart leapt to my throat. Beads of perspiration rolled down my cheeks — or were they my tears? Everything passed by in a blur as I sprinted out of my house.

“Please let me make it,” I prayed desperately.

However, things did not go my way. When I arrived at the school hall, it was eerily silent, which made my pounding heart reverberate across my consciousness louder. I spotted Natsumi at the corner. Her face was ashen white and she seemed to be trembling ever so slightly.

“I’m so sorry…” I began, only to have her turning away from me.

“The DSA coaches watched all the matches before and after ours,” she said softly, which somehow made me feel worse than if she had bellowed, “How could you jeopardise my dream of entering Yishun Town Secondary School?”

Waves of regret washed over me. My heart sank like an anchor and I lowered my head, ashamed of meeting her mournful gaze. It would be okay if I had to give up my dream — but I destroyed my best friend’s dream too. I could not believe my selfishness. The waves of regret overwhelmed me, making me sick. If only I could turn back time.

Natsumi never spoke to me after that. I tried to say sorry many times, but she ignored me. I had no choice but to accept her silent treatment and move on.

In the end, I learnt an important lesson. My playfulness caused me to lose a friend close to my heart. I regretted my foolish act but it was no use crying over spilt milk. I resolved to stop gaming in the future.