From the collection called
A MILLION LITTLE SHINY THINGS


It was June last year, the time of the annual intramurals, when all schools, public or private, come together to celebrate with various sports and local recreational activities. Students were teamed up, competing with enthusiasm and energy.

There were three consecutive days scheduled for the events. The first two days took place in a covered court, while the final day—the highlight of the season—was held on a beach to facilitate the larger sports that both students and faculty eagerly anticipated.

Six teams were formed, composed of a mix of seniors and college students, each guided by a faculty member as a coach.

Maybe this is the first time I’m telling everyone that I’m a teacher. Yes, I was teaching last year, but I had to take a break for treatment. I still miss teaching.

Anyway, as the tally flashed on the monitoring board, my team was consistently in the top...