Friendship

Whenever I had my soul mate by my side, I never had to worry about anything, until our beautiful relationship dissipated as fast as a tablespoon of sugar grains dissolved in boiling water. This is a story of a friendship that almost ended due to the powers of folly, but was saved by a miracle.

The time had come when students of Henry Park Primary School were to work together and build a plane that could fly the furthest as part of a science test. My science teacher, Mrs Yan, placed the class into groups of 5. My best friend, Ginny, and I leapt as high as elated cicadas in the mist of spring when we realised that we were placed in the same group. It felt like a dream come true. Afterwards, she gave us the necessary equipment and the permission to start our project. “The winning group will be receiving a prize that everyone hankers after, so good luck!” she exclaimed. The class gave a thunderous applause and whooped for joy; everyone was eager to be the winner.

The group discussion among the five of us started smoothly, as we all had similar ideas for the plane design. However, when we delved into the intricacies of the design, a massive argument erupted. Trying to resolve the argument, Ginny brought out her most treasured aeroplane model gifted to her on her 7th birthday. The impressive, vivid colour combination and the ornate details caught my attention instantly. With great interest, I snatched the plane from Ginny to take a closer look, but little did I expect that the wheels would slide out of the model. Thinking of how Ginny would react, I dropped the plane model to the ground. Bam! The crushing impact shattered the model into a million pieces. Stealthily, I scooted off as fast as my legs could carry me. I spun a cocoon of protection around my vulnerable self from the other friends, as I hid at one corner of the room. Avoiding my furtive glance, Ginny seethed with silent rage. Simmering deep within my guts, I knew it was a detestable action.

For the next few days, after losing my sole pillar of support and protection, I realised how the crowded places outside school felt so empty, how I became an easy prey to bullies. At times, I looked into yonder, remembering the moments when Ginny’s reassuring voice of endearment echoing back to me. All the memories built together were all going to evaporate into thin air – where my selfishness was to be blamed. 

Upon some quiet introspection, I knew that I still owed Ginny a heartfelt apology. I took out a newly bought plane, plucked up my courage and apologised wholeheartedly, “Ginny, I’m sorry for what I did. Although it may not be easy to forgive me after what I have done, I know that this friendship that we have forged is truly the best thing anyone can ask for.”  

Ginny nodded her head amiably and flashed a megawatt smile in forgiveness. Knowing that the hole in our friendship had been finally mended, we worked with our teammates assiduously, furnishing them with many more interesting ideas that came to my mind during my period of reflection. With sheer dedication and determination, Ginny and I strove to make the project a sterling success. In the end, our ultimate plane design won all of us a gigantic gold-plated trophy etched with all our names.

Every friend has his or her own strengths. When we put aside differences and choose collaboration over conflict, our group won the plane contest. Without effective teamwork and supportive friendship, we could not have conceptualised such an innovative plane design that brought us the glorious achievement.  

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