cricket league

First prize 10 and under

Laura Morris, age 10 Spokane, WA

Making the Right Decision

“Psst, I need to talk to you.” My best friend, looking super excited, is pulling me toward the nearest classroom. It’s empty, and she shuts the door. “This is really big. I made a time machine, and it can take our brains back in time if you know how to use it. Come on, we’ve got to test it out!”

I’ve just realized what everything she said means, and before I can protest, my friend flips a bunch of levers, and a machine in her hand starts glowing. The room tilts, dissolving under my feet.

I try to process what I’m seeing. It’s me, talking to a kid from last year. I remember what this is about. The boy wanted me to let him cheat off of my test in science, but I said no. Many nights, I’ve wondered what might have happened if I’d let him copy my test. We were good friends up until that year, but now, I barely remember him. We’ve hardly spoken with each other this year either. I’ve wished so many times that I’d chosen differently and