Writer's Recipe vol. 3 (2018)

READY...STEADY...GO!

By: Muhammad Zaid bin Abdullah Make

It was March. That month, many schools in the Kuala Selangor District would hold their school sports festival including my school, SMK Jalan Timur. Many teachers and students of this school were busy preparing themselves for this annual event because this festival was around the corner. During recess time one day, the first sign of my problem began to show.

"Arif! I want you to represent our team for the 4 by 100 metres event," said Aaron, the leader of blue team which was my team.

"What? No way! You know, I am not athletic at all. We're going to lose for sure if you choose me," I vehemently objected.

"You're going to and that's that. No objections!" Aaron snapped at me.

I didn't bother to argue further because I already knew Aaron's attitude – he will do exactly what he was saying. So, I reluctantly accepted my fate. No words could describe my wrath at that time. After the end of recess, I stormed into my class angrily.

When I reached my class, I could see my best friend, Halim with a thick book in one hand and a calculator in another. Maybe he was studying Mathematics, or probably Physics. I took my seat which was behind his table.

"Are you busy?" I asked

"Not really. I'm just finishing my homework. What is it, Arif?" he replied just like he knew something was playing on my mind.

I explained to Halim about my dilemma. I admitted that I seriously didn't have any interest to join the sports event, but because of Aaron's hard-headed demeanour, I could not refuse it.

"It is not a big deal, Arif,"Halim said with a serious face. "Why don't you just take Aaron's offer as a challenge?" he told me while putting his hand on my shoulder. I could not say anything in reply. My heart was bit devastated that even my best friend did not have my back.

"Besides," Halim then said, "I am taking part in that event too. Why don't we practice together," he said to me with a bright smile. His word had finally given me a sliver of hope. I finally relented.

As our school was a residential school, it was not a problem for us to practice together every evening. During the team practice, Rafiq, Michael, Halim and I were practicing together, so I managed to give my all for that event. After deliberating our strategy, we agreed that I would be the last runner for the race. That meant I was put in the most important positon. I had never felt more nervous in my life.

A week later, SMK Jalan Timur's sports festival began. The three day festival felt as though it took place just in the blink of an eye. Finally, it was time for our events. After a short briefing given by our physical education teacher, the participants took their positions and were getting ready to start their run. "Ready... Set..." said the person in charge at the starting line loudly. A split second later, the loud sound of air horn echoed in the air. Immediately, the runners sprinted with every ounce of strength they could muster, each one trying to outdo the other.

Within mere seconds, the second runners who were 100 metres away were preparing to receive the baton. For my team, Rafiq managed to get the second place, and Michael managed to keep that position. As our third runner which was Halim got the baton from Michael, he ran with the speed of a cheetah and managed to lead the race. This meant that it was up to me to keep the first position and win this race

After I got the baton from Halim, I ran quickly with determination to win the race. However, luck was against me. When I was running, suddenly I felt a strong painful sensation from my right leg and it caused me to fall in the middle of track a mere 20 metres away from the finish line. Undeterred, I tried to get up but my leg was not complying.

From where I was on the ground, I could see the other runners had managed to pass me and finish the race. I had failed my team! No words could describe my frustration and guilt for letting my team down. I lie towards the sky and covered my face in shame. "Hey, take my hand," a familiar voice said to me. It was Halim. He gave me his hand to help me walk to the medic tent.

"I am really sorry, guys. We would have won if it wasn't beacause of me," I said with tears in my eyes.

"Don't say that Arif. We know you had tried your best" said Rafiq, trying to calm me down.

"Rafiq's right. Besides, we can always try again next year," Michael added.

Hearing their kind words of encouragement, I felt a little better. I was truly blessed to have them as my friends. I was too touched to say anything so I simply nodded in agreement while trying hard to hold back my tears.

It is true that I had unfortunately lost the race, but I learnt many invaluable life lessons. Even if we think we are not good at something, we should always try our best to overcome the challenge. Even if we fail, we can be proud knowing that we have tried to put our best foot forward. Besides, having good friends who will support each other is the most valuable treasure that we can have in our life.