March 12, 2025. The day I get my class report card—the day that decides whether I'll move on to Class 10 or be stuck in Class 9 again, repeating another year.
I walk through the corridors, making my way toward my classroom, where the class teacher will hand out the report cards. As I reach the Class 9G room, I stop in front of the door. For a moment, I peek through the door's small glass window. Inside, I see many of my classmates standing in line, their faces filled with both fear and excitement.
Taking a deep breath, I step into the room. Suddenly, all eyes are on me. Some of my friends call out, telling me to join them at the front of the line, offering me space. But I know them too well—they just want to see my result first and tease me afterward. Ignoring their invitation, I quietly move to the back of the line.
Time passes. One by one, students take their report cards, their faces lighting up with joy. Most of them are girls, and I can't help but think that God has given them some kind of extreme luck. Nearly every girl I see is jumping in excitement, celebrating their success. Some take their cards with a smile and leave, knowing they've passed.
"Roll number 34, Kelvin!"
I snap out of my thoughts as my name is called.
"Yes, sir," I reply, keeping my expression neutral.
I walk up to the desk, and the class teacher pulls out my report card from the bundle, handing it to me. I take it without looking, flipping it back and forth in my hands. With the card in my grasp, I walk out of the classroom.
Once outside, I finally glance at it.
…
As expected. I failed again.
Without reacting, I slip the report card into my bag and start walking home. On the way, I see most of my friends celebrating their results. They all passed. Even the one guy who always failed alongside me.
That's what they call luck.
I already predicted my results when I was writing my final exams. I didn't work hard. I didn't study. And now, I'm paying the price. But what annoys me the most is seeing my friends, who also barely studied, pass without effort.
Why? Why does luck never favor me?
I should feel ashamed. I should feel sad. But strangely, I don't. Maybe I've failed so many times that I've grown numb to it.
Or maybe… I was never meant to walk this path in the first place.