I clearly remember the first time I played a computer game. I was seven years old. My friend had gotten a computer for his birthday. He invited me to play a game, which was very simple by today’s standards, but we loved it! We played for hours. We would meet after school every day to play it. My addiction to computer games started then. Not long after that, my friend moved to the city. I missed him, but I got my own computer and began playing by myself.

Over the years, computer games developed rapidly. Technology improved, and there were always new and better games to play. You could then play games over the Internet with people from all over the world, using either computers or smartphones. The online games were fascinating and it was always exciting to play.

At first, I played games over the Internet after I had done my homework and eaten dinner. Then I started playing as soon as I got home each day. My parents stopped me, so I started playing it in the middle of the night. I went to school and often fell asleep in class. My teacher would scold me but I would often do the same thing the next day! Shortly after that, I began to skip meals and play through the night. My parents found out and took away my computer and smartphone. I knew I had gone too far. My love of computer games had become an addiction. It was affecting my schoolwork and my health, and I felt quite depressed.

My anger almost exploded when I was met the knowing looks that everyone gave me. Annoyance and embarrassment filled my heart. Why could Anne let out my secret? How could she do that to me? She lost all my trust and friendship.

Five years ago, Anne was new to our class. She was polite and shy, wearing a warm smile that attracted me towards her. She was the most friendly person I had ever met. We started as classmates but after a few months we were like best friends. We did homework together and hung out on weekends. We shared a lot of secrets and gave each other a lot of good advice. That was a sweet time.

However, I couldn’t expect such a big betrayal(背叛) from her. I didn’t know what made me tell Anne about my personal life. My dad lost his job, so I had to drop out of my favorite Ballet. A new pair of Ballet shoes was one of the things that we could not afford! Giving up the class made me sad, but I hoped it was just the secret between me and my best friend.

The next day when I walked by the next classroom, I felt several girls staring at me and talking in a low voice. My face turned red at their whisper like “Ballet” and “shoes”. Embarrassed and hurt, I ran away in tears.

I felt much regret to myself and avoiding Anne in and out of school. Soon afterwards, I was glad that our family moved to another town where Dad got a new job and no one would laugh at me. Anne called me many times but I didn’t answer. My heart was broken because the person whom I trusted most cheated me.

I started a new life, leaving all the bad memories behind since growing up naturally involved many stories, both bitter and sweet ones. Five years later, with the life going on, I made new friends and seldom thought about the past.

More Than a Medical Kit

“Anybody have a bandage?” a voice rang down the dorm hallway.

It was our first week at college and we were all experiencing nervousness. I had forgotten to bring snacks for late nights but would never ask any of my roommates to share theirs. I was shy, always worried about fitting in a new situation and meeting people.

Several months before, I sat at my high school graduation party admiring my gifts and battling waves of post-high school sentimentality (多愁善感). Books were scattered around my feet. Laundry items, desk supplies — all well-intentioned and well-received. They would demonstrate their givers’ thoughtfulness over and over during my college career.

But one gift struck me as strange. I frowned when I opened it. Medicine? A small packet of pills and creams, ointments and so on lay within the wrappings. Who would give that as a gift? I turned and Jenny, my best friend, grinned (露齿而笑).

“You’ll need that once you’re at school,” She pointed out. “You won’t have to chase down the campus nurse for every cough. Besides, that might bring you luck and chance.” Hugging me tightly, she added.

Good point. She knew how anxious and frightened I felt about stepping onto a new journey, without her for company.

Not long after, in August, I packed my life into a borrowed truck and slipped the bag of medicine in with all my necessities. I hardly thought about it once I reached campus, caught in the whirlwind of unpacking, book-buying, scheduling, and meeting new people.

When “anybody have a bandage?” rang out in the dormitory hall that day, I remembered my little medicinal package.

I swallowed self-consciously. “Actually,” I gave a little wave, “I have one.”

“Great,” the girl jumped off her bed and walked toward me.

As I dug out the kit, we began to chat.

The little gift I had questioned now led me toward new friendships.