I raced to the finish line, my lungs gasping for air, my heart palpitating furiously. Each step led me closer to victory, one that I had practised for countless hours and sleepless nights. "Almost there... you can do it..." I cheered myself on. The deafening crowd encouraged me to snatch that first place medal and the cash money from the other competitors.

_______

"Tomorrow is the big day!" I reminded myself, stretching my arms as I prepared myself to run another lap around the field. The strains from my arms and legs untangled themselves. The sunrays were beating mercilessly on my back as the blazing sun laughed heartlessly. Beads of perspiration formed on my forehead but I paid no heed to it. Tomorrow was the big day.

The day of the race that I had practised for. Hours turned to days, days turned to weeks and weeks turned to months. I wanted the prize money more than the shiny, gold medal. It may be a ridiculous reason but I do have a purpose for participating. My parents would not purchase a laptop for me so I had to take it upon myself to earn the money.

"You're really work in hard for this. I proud of you," my father's voice appeared from behind me. I just nodded timidly at him, eager to start my training once again. Although there may be a fraction of my brain, still holding a grudge at him for not obeying me. Whatever it was, I didn't matter now.

Today was the day.

The day where I would find out if al my efforts had paid off. The other competitors we're beside me at the starting line. All of them furrowed their eyebrows at the finishing line, clearly focused on their goals. When I noticed this, I started wondering what their goals could be.

That was when it dawned on me. How could I be so selfish? I was not the only one who wanted the money, in fact, some of them may need it...

However, before I could spare the subject another thought, the sound of the bullet slicing through the air silenced us.

And I ran.

I dashed forward, my mind was in a turmoil as the world around me became a blur of colours meshing with colours. The wind picked up my hair that was was in a tight ponytail, and played with it. It was as if my legs had a mind of their own, they just kept moving forward.

I raced to the finish line, my lungs gasping for air and my hair pounding vigorously. Each step led me closer to victory. " Almost there... just a few more. You can do it!" I willed myself to move on. Ear-splitting cheers and yells could be heard from the sides. I had never felt like this before, the sudden burst of adrenaline shot through my veins. The finishing line was close. Very close.

I closed my eyes...

The spectators erupted with louder cheers, some jeering. Despite that, I had no inkling as to why these actions were performed. In a split-second, the revelation dawned on me. I struggled to comprehend the profound knowledge. It was right there, staring at me.

I won!

__________

I may have reached my goal, I even received the prize money but my mindset did change. I donated about half of the money to charity and saved up the rest. Where people actually have a need for it, and not me, who just wanted it for a measley laptop. Maybe I did deserve the rewards, maybe not. I am sure on one thing. This race took a heavy toll on me, indirectly teaching me a lesson and showing me the hardships of the lives of other people.

I was selfish then but I had priorities now, better ones. All because of that experience.

A lesson that I will carry throughout my life.