In the virtual world where chaos reigned supreme, I was the master of my own destiny. The streets were ablaze, buildings crumbled, and amidst the anarchy, a shadowy figure emerged, brandishing a blade that glinted with the fires of destruction. My heart raced as the sound of a creaking door pierced the air, and I dove under my blanket, the only shield against the encroaching darkness.

It was a rainy Friday afternoon when I first heard whispers of this online realm—a role-playing game where fantasy clashed with strategy, and every player was the hero of their own tale. As I trudged home from school, the chatter of two kids ahead of me caught my attention. They spoke of leveling up, of becoming pros, and of a world where imagination was the only limit. Their words ignited a spark of curiosity within me.

Once home, I shed the day’s burdens and settled into the comfort of my couch, snacks in hand. But the game lingered in my mind, a siren call I couldn’t resist. I succumbed, diving headfirst into the digital depths. Hours slipped away unnoticed as I journeyed through this captivating landscape, leveling up, forging alliances, and conquering challenges. By nightfall, I had ascended to level 700, the gateway to the next city beckoning.

But the real world called for rest, and as my family settled into slumber, I lay awake, the glow of my screen a beacon in the darkness. I was a knight on a ceaseless quest, my fingers dancing across the keys as I climbed to level 1000. The night deepened, and with it, my resolve.

The heat of my room drove me to the cooler climes of the living room, where I continued my silent vigil. Hunger struck, and I turned to the kitchen, where a frozen pizza became my midnight feast. As the microwave counted down, I held my breath, hoping the beep wouldn’t betray my nocturnal escapade.

But fate had other plans. The sound of a door stirred me from my hiding place within the cabinet, pizza in hand. My mother’s gaze met mine, a mix of surprise and disapproval etched upon her face. Caught in the act, my virtual adventure came to an abrupt end, my phone confiscated as punishment for my transgression.

In the light of day, I awoke to a world of regret. The game, once my obsession, now lay untouched. A thought whispered to me—moderation could be the key. Yet, even with breaks, the allure was tainted. I ventured outside, where the real world awaited with open arms. Laughter filled the air as my friend and I played in the park, the digital realm a distant memory.

As dusk approached, I made my way home, my phone now a portal to TikTok rather than the game. A video caught my eye, a stark warning about the dangers of sleep deprivation. The message was clear: rest was not a luxury, but a necessity.

That night, I embraced sleep like an old friend, the lessons of my virtual escapade etched into my memory. In dreams, I found solace, and in the morning, a new resolve. The game would always be there, but life, with its infinite possibilities, beckoned with a promise of adventures far greater than any screen could offer. Sweet dreams, indeed.

© Eben. All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.