Personal narrative
I hurried on the narrow path along the banks of the river, but Danny was disappearing into the nearby bend. The growing darkness controlled my movements as I could not hurry up to meet my best friend, whom I had shared the same neighborhood since the beginning of childhood. We had grown fond of each other over the years, and our friendship was nurtured by the adventures and explorations we experienced together. We had gone swimming at a nearby river after our football match with All Stars FC, and lost sight of the team by the time we were back at the venue. We were familiar with this place as it was not our first swimming experience.
After begging Danny to slow down, and when he did, we decided to rest for a while. I knew that he was eager to reach home because his parents had warned him on the dangers of swimming in the river. Most probably, his younger brother, Peter, had already informed them because he never caught sight of us after the match. We finally decided to advance and went down the muddy slope towards the bridge. The darkness was engulfing, and the squeaking, howling and crying creatures filled the night. I was happy when I finally parted with Danny as I got into the house. However, I had the subtlest idea of what was coming.
I hurried to finish my meal as soon as supper was served, but my father insisted he had something to share with me. I realized he had had enough of my mischief in disguise of football. The defeat of the All Stars team meant we advanced into the semi-final of the Junior Football Competition, where the winner would get an all paid trip to New Zealand for recreation and training.
My father insisted that I had to do away with football because it was interfering with my studies at school. My mother supported him as she passed by the dining table, after serving him coffee that the sport stole my homework time. I did not assist my siblings in the daily chores since I came home late and was exhausted. I should stop attending all the scheduled football matches in the tournament and focus on my studies because the exams were fast approaching.
Our junior team won the semi final against the Eleven Brothers, and advanced to the finals to meet the Mighty Stars. After an exhausting encounter with the title holders the following weekend, our team won on penalties, and my dream of boarding an airplane re-awoken. I descended to the pitch and pulled Danny aside. He was excited about the trip, and I decided to tell him my plot of travelling with the rest of the team to New Zealand. Our coach left immediately to confirm our departure, and we would meet him at the airport.
After the celebrations, I sneaked into the team bus and sat beside Danny. He was struck to see me but encouraged me it was my right to be part of the trip because of my invaluable contribution in the tournament. We arrived at the airport, but the management was shocked to hear that no reservations were made for the flight. Our team coach was nowhere in sight, and it was apparent that we had been swindled of our money. After a prolonged wait, the bus driver decided to drop each of us home. The driver explained to my parents what had happened, and I felt embarrassed because the incident tore my passion and admiration for football.
