That code named tactic! On the basketball court, I wasn’t the best though I had a central role to play in the team. There were many spectators to please, especially the girls. We did our best and after the game, we based our performance on the crowd of students who came to hug a player. If a few came running your way, it meant you didn’t do your best. So, we started deploying both professional and unprofessional tactics in order to win. Some worked and others didn’t. However, I discovered a specific tactic that yielded the best results. I kept it secret from my teammates, since we all competed equally for the crowd’s attention. Code name ‘Bad Breath’ was the tactic. On the big day of the game, I intentionally didn’t brush my teeth. Whenever an opponent blocked my path, I opened my mouth and exhaled my bad breath. As he lost focus, I would quickly pass by and score. This secret tactic was a success story as my admirers increased. By the time I played three games, I was a hero. However, something happened that shuttered my heroic moments. On that fateful day, I hanged around and took in all the praises and attention. As the crowd faded, I watched a pretty girl approach me. I wanted my teammates to watch closely and capture a hero’s most revered moment. Instead of closing in for a hug or a handshake, the girl kept a distance. “Hey girl, why are you over there, not wanting to give me that hug as usual?” I asked. “Sorry, the last time I came within reach, I lost all my appetite. You guy, you stink! Is it because you don’t shower?” she retorted as she walked away. I wished she had kept silent as I quickly looked around to check if my friends were listening. My teammates and all who heard burst out laughing. That was the last time I used tactic, code name “Bad Breath’. Ends
