Eg. The sun was already blazing by 7:15am, and the sound of reluctant students walking across the parade square echoed through the air.

Everyone assumed that somebody would do it, but turns out, as expected, nobody took the initiative. That "somebody" was supposed to be me.

It all started on a typical hot and humid Monday morning at my dreary school: Riverside Secondary School. The sun was already up by 7:15am, painting the school grounds with hues of gold and pink. The sound of students walking across the parade square reverberated through the halls. I was in Secondary Two then- idolising football, TikTok trends, and the thick, creamy milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility.

The sun was already up by 7:15am, and the sound of students walking briskly across the parade square echoed through the air.

He (gestured), “Up to you lor.”

It all started on a typical hot and humid Monday morning at Riverside Secondary School. The sun was already up by 7.15am, and the sound of students walking briskly across the parade square cut through the crisp morning air. I was in Secondary Two then-more fascinated in football, TikTok trends and Milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility.

The sun was already scorching by 7:15am, and the overwhelming sound of students charging across the parade square echoed through the air.

It all started on a usual scorching hot and humid Monday morning at Riverside Secondary school.The sun was already hooked by 7:15am, and the sound of students walking across the parade square echoed through the air. I was in Secondary Two then-more appealed in football, TikTok trends, and milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility.

It all started on a typical hot and sunny Monday morning at Riverside Secondary School. The sun was already up by 7:15am, and the sound of students hurrying across the parade square echoed through the air. I was in Secondary Two then—more interested in football, TikTok trends, and milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility.

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan called out as we strolled into class, "you watered the plants already or not?"

That week, I was assigned the class duty of watering the plants outside our classroom. Simple and basic, right? Just grab the watering can, pour some water, and done. But to me, it felt like a chore that could easily wait. I have been procrastinating it since forever.

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan called out as we walked into class, "you watered the plants already or not?"

I waved him off dismissively. "Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away."

He shrugged, holding his hands up in retreat. "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day.

And the day after that. Each time, I convinced myself someone else would eventually do it. Perhaps Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he adored plants like they were his child. I was positive someone would handle it.

But no one did.

Everyone assumed that somebody would do it, but in the end,

nobody did it. That "somebody" was supposed to be me.

It all started on a typical scorching and humid Monday morning at Riverside Secondary School. The sun was already up by 7:15am, and the sound of students marching across the parade square echoed through the air. I was in Secondary Two then-more interested in football, TikTok trends, and milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility.

Each time, I convinced myself that someone else would do it.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "Up to you lor."

It all started on a typically scorching hot and humid Monday morning at Riverside Secondary School. The sun was already up by 7:15am, and the sound of students walking across the parade square echoed through the air. I was in Secondary Two then—more interested in football, TikTok trends, and the soft and velvety milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility.

“Class, what happened to these plants? He asked, (knocking) the watering can with his pen.

The sun was already up by 7.15am, and the sound of students walking swiftly across the parade square echoed through the air.

He shrugged. "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day.

And the day after that. Each time, I reassured myself that someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he liked plants. I was certain someone would handle it.

But no one did.

It all started on a typical scorching and humid Monday morning at Riverside Secondary School. The sun had already rose by 7:15am, and the sound of students walking across the parade square echoed through the air. I was in Secondary Two then—more allured in football, TikTok trends, and milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility.

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan called out as we walked into class, "you watered the plants already or not?"

I dismissively waved him off. "Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away."

He shrugged. "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day.

And the day after that. Each time, I simply told myself someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he liked plants. I was sure someone would handle it.

But no one did.

It all started on typical hot and humid Monday at my dreary school, Riverside Secondary School. The sun hung brightly in the sky with hues of light ray shining on the school grounds. Sounds of students chattering rang in my ears. Stomps echoed through the hallways. I was like any other Secondary student, fantasising about basketball and plans after school. Responsibility was not in my vocabulary, being a carefree child I was.

Everyone assumed that somebody would do it, but in the end, nobody did it. That "somebody" was supposed to be me.

It all started on an average sweaty,hot and humid Monday morning at Riverside Secondary School. The sun was already up by 7:15am, and the sound of tired students walking across the parade square echoed through the air. I was in Secondary Two then-more interested in football, TikTok trends, and milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility.

I stood up shamefully. "I... I forgot."

It all started on a typical hot and humid Monday morning at Riverside Secondary School. The sun was already up by 7:15am, its warm golden glow shining over the faces of students and the occasional soft gentle breeze caressed the cheeks of the bustling and noisy students. The sound of students walking across the parade square echoed through the air, paired with the chitter-chatter of the pupils. I was in Secondary Two then-more interested in football, TikTok trends, and milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility. Anything too hard for me was defiantly pushed out of my mindscape, hindering me from the completion of my work.

It all started on a typical hot and humid Monday morning at Riverside Secondary School. The (radiant) sun was already up by 7:15am, and the sound of students (skulking) across the parade square echoed through the air. I was in Secondary Two then-more interested in football, TikTok trends, and milo dinosaur than anything remotely related to responsibility.

It all started on a (scorching) Monday morning at Riverside Secondary School.

2.

"Zhi Hao," Mr. Gan said slowly, "weren't you on plant duty this week?"

I stood up shakily. "I... I forgot."

“Class, what happened to these plants?’ He enquired, tapping the watering can incessantly with his pen.

"Class, what happened to these plants?" he asked, tapping the watering can with his pen. "They look like they're auditioning for a desert movie."

Everyone automatically turned to look at me. I tried to look busy with my file, but the silence said it all.

"Zhi Hao," Mr. Gan said slowly, "weren't you on plant duty this week?"

I stood up reluctantly. "I... I forgot."

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan called out as we walked into class, "you watered the plants already or not?"

I dismissed him. “Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away."

He shrugged. "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day.

And the day after that. Each time, I told myself someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he adored plants. I was sure someone would handle it.

But no one did.

I waved him off, undisturbed, "Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away.

"You know, sometimes people think their role is insignificant

2.The sun was up and flaming by 7:15am, and the sound of unenthusiastic students walking across the parade square echoed through the air.

I did not say anything. I just nodded, my face burning with shame.

When the bell rang, I dragged my feet reluctantly to his desk.

By Thursday, the plants outside our class looked appalling and unsightly. The leaves had curled inward, transitioning from a once lush and Green colour to a pale and distasteful yellow. It was dry, and i could imagine it crippling and tearing apart by just a touch of a finger. A few looked like they were bowing in shame. Our Science teacher, Mr. Gan, noticed and pointed out, "Class, what happened to these plants?" Tapping the watering can with his pen, he shook his head in disappointment. "They look like they're auditioning for a desert movie."

Everyone turned to face me. I tried to look busy with my file, but the silence grew louder and louder, the air thickening.

"Zhi Hao," Mr. Gan said, a low rumble in his voice. "weren't you on plant duty this week?"

Reluctantly, I drew in a breath and stood up. "I... I forgot." I muttered under my breath, squinting my eyes as if the sheer force of my eyelids could turn back time to change everything.

When the bell rang, I (shuffled) my feet to his desk.

A few looked like they were bowing in remorse.

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan called out to me as we walked into class, "you watered the plants already or not?"

I waved him off. "Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away."

He shrugged. "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day.

And the day after that. Each time, I told myself someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he liked plants . I was certain that someone would handle it.

But no one did.

"somebody" will do it, nothing was accomplished and sometimes, that

"somebody" has to be you.

Especially if your name is written in bold letters on the class duty roster.

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan called out in a baffled way as we walked into class, "you watered the plants already or not?"

I waved him off in frustration."Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away."

He shrugged. "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day.

And the day after that. Each time, I mercy for my idle by I telling myself someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he liked plants. I was sure someone would handle it, they won’t be languorous.

But no one did.

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan called out as we swaggered into class, "you watered the plants already or not?"

I waved him off with a nonchalantly, eyes rolling."Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away."

He shrugged, with no way to persuade me, he replied, "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day.

And the day after that. Each time, I told myself someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he liked plants. I was sure someone would handle it.

But no one did.

"somebody" will do it, nothing gets done. And sometimes, that

"somebody" has to be you.

Especially if your name is written in bold letters on the class duty roster.

That weekend, I went back to school with a big bottle of water and a quiet sense of guiltiness . I watered every plant outside our class, even the ones not on my list. I cut the dead leaves and cleaned the watering can too.

“Eh, Zhi Hao,” my classmate Ryan called out as we walked into class, “you watered the plants already or not?”

I Offhandedly waved him off. “Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away.”

He shrugged. “Up to you lor.”

Later turned into lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day. And the day after that. Each time, I thought to myself that someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel—she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he fancied plants. I was sure someone would handle it.

However, no one did.

When the bell rang, I dragged my feet to his desk. He looked at me with tired eyes.

"You know, sometimes people think their role is small. But simple roles keep things running. It's not about the plants, Zhi Hao. It's about learning to be reliable."

I kept silent. I just nodded, my face burning.

Looking back, I learned that when everyone assumes

"somebody" will do it, nothing gets done. And sometimes, that

"somebody" has to be you.

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day. And the day after that. Each time, I reasoned myself someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he liked plants. I was sure someone would take care it.

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan called out as we walked into class, "you watered the plants already or not?"

I waved him off,telling him that i can wait as it is not too important. "Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away."

He shrugged. "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day.

And the day after that. Each time, I told myself someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he liked plants. I was sure someone would handle it.

But no one did.

Especially if your name is (emphasised) in bold letters on the class duty roster.

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan berated out as we strolled into class like in the garden, "you watered the plants already or not?"

I patted him off. "Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run for their lives , they do not have legs to run!”

He shrugged and flicked his fingers. "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day. Time passes faster and faster just like the speed of lighting strikes.

And the day after that.Not a single soul did the class duty and nothing has been achieved since then. Each time, I told myself someone else would complete it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he is a plant enthusiast . I was certainly sure someone would handle it.

He just nodded seriously and said,”Let’s talk after class.”

When the bell rang i reluctantly dragged my feet to his desk.

‘’You know sometimes people think their role is small and insignificant.

The bell rang, its loud ringing traveling down my spine. I shivered, knowing who was awaiting me. I dragged my feet to Mr Gan’s desk. Somehow, on the journey there, my feet felt a thousand pounds heavier, and it felt as though it could drag me down anytime. When i reached Mr Gan’s desk, he looked at me with tired, blood-shot eyes that lay low under his brows.

"You know, sometimes people think their role is small and manageable. But small roles keep things running. It's not about the plants, Zhi Hao. It's about learning to be reliable."

I did not say anything. I just nodded, my face burning.

"Class, what happened to these plants?" he asked, tapping the watering can with his pen. Everyone sensed his lividness in his tone. "They look like they're auditioning for a desert movie."

Everyone turned to look at me. I tried to look busy with my file, but the silence said it all.

"Zhi Hao," Mr. Gan said slowly, "weren't you on plant duty this week?"

I stood up and answered in a hesitant and panicking manner, "I... I forgot."

2.each time i convinced myself that someone would do it

"Eh, Zhi Hao," my classmate Ryan called out as we walked into class, "you watered the plants already or not?"

I expaserately waved him off. "Relax lah, later then do. Plants not going to run away."

He agitatedly said. "Up to you lor."

Later became lunchtime. Then after school. Then the next day.

And the day after that. Each time, I told myself someone else would do it. Maybe Rachel-she was always the overachiever. Or Isaac—he liked plants. I was sure someone would handle it.

The following Monday, the plants still looked a little sad-but better. And I did not wait to be reminded again.

Especially if your name is recorded down in bold letters on the class duty roster.

"Class, what happened to these plants?" he asked, tapping the watering can with his pen. "They look like they're auditioning for a desert movie."

Everyone turned their attention to me.I tried to look like i was occupied with my file, but the silence said it all.

"Zhi Hao," Mr. Gan said slowly, "weren't you on plant duty this week?"

I stood up with guilt."I... I forgot."

By Thursday, the plants outside our class looked terrible gruesome . The leaves had folded, turning yellow and dry. A few looked like they were bowing in indignity. Our Science teacher, Mr. Gan, noticed.

When the bell chimed, I dragged my feet to his desk. waiting to just accept my fate.He looked at me with tired eyes.

"You know, sometimes people think their role is small. But small roles keep things running. It's not about the plants, Zhi Hao. It's about learning to be reliable."

I did not say anything. Ijust nodded, my face burning.

The following Monday, the plants still looked a little sad—but better. And I did not wait to be reminded again.

"Class, what happened to these plants?" he asked, tapping the watering can with his pen. The sounds resonated ominously around the classroom. "They look like they're auditioning for a desert movie."

Everyone turned to look at me. I tried to look busy with my file, but the silence said it all.

"Zhi Hao," Mr. Gan said slowly, "weren't you on plant duty this week?"

I stood up, and the stares felt like daggers piercing me. It left me feeling exposed and vulnerable, heart pounding in my chest. "I... I forgot.", I said, with a quiver to my voice.

When the bell rang, I dragged my feet to his desk. He stared at me with tired eyes.

"You know, sometimes people think their role is small. But small roles keep things running. It's not about the plants, Zhi Hao. It's about learning to be reliable."

I did not say anything. I just nodded and tried my best to let out a apologetic smile with my face burning.

I meticulously trimmed the dead leaves and cleaned the watering can too.

The next Monday, the plants still looked the same—a little sad—but much better than before, the improvement showing. And I did not wait to be reminded again.

More so if your name is written in bold letters on the class duty roaster.

He did not lecture me. That was the worst part. He just nodded and announced, "Let's talk after class."

He did not scold me. That was the worst part. He just nodded and said, "Let's talk after class."

When the bell rang, I tugged my feet to his desk. He looked at me with tired-looking eyes.

"You know, sometimes people think their role is small. But small roles keep things running. It's not about the plants, Zhi Hao. It's about learning to be reliable."

I did not say anything. I just nodded, my face burning.

I did not say anything. I just nodded, my face flushed.

"somebody" will do it, nothing gets done. And sometimes, that

"somebody" has to be you.

Especially if, not to mention, if your name is written in bold letters on the class duty Roster.

The following Monday, the plants still looked a little disheartened but better. And I did not wait to be reminded again.

2.Everyone turned to stare at me. I tried to look busy with my file, but the silence said it all.

"somebody" will settle it, nothing gets resolved. And occasionally, that "somebody" has to be you.

Especially if your name is written in bold letters on the class duty roster.

When the bell rang, I dragged my feet to his desk and bowed my head. He looked at me with weary eyes.

The following Monday, the plants still seemed a little sad-but better. And I did not wait to be reminded again.

Especially if your name is written in big, bold letters on the class duty roster.