Ethan stood confidently at the penalty spot. His eyes and mind focused only on the goal. The stadium went quiet, waiting in anticipation. Taking a deep breath, Ethan struck the ball with all his might. He saw the ball sailing wide, hitting the post with a loud thud instead of soaring into the net as he had imagined.

The crowd gasped in unity before Ethan could even accept that they had lost the championship title.

Ethan was a star player on his school`s soccer team and had always dreamt of winning the state championship. He had played his best game, but it hadn`t been enough.

Devastated was a small word to explain how he was feeling.

Days turned into weeks and Ethanwasn`t able to shake off the feeling of disappointment. The penalty shot kept replaying on repeat in his mind, and he was constantly thinking of what he could have done differently.

As a result, his performance on the soccer field suffered. His usual confidence was gone and whatever joy he got from playing was engulfed with the fear of the past repeating itself. The team`s coach, Jordan, an experienced and wise man, noticed the change in Ethan. He gave Ethan a few weeks to collect himself but when a few games passed and Ethan`s confidence didn`t return, coach Jordan approached him.

`Ethan, what`s the problem? Are you still upset about the game?` coach Jordan asked kindly, puttinghis hand on Ethan`s shoulder.

Ethan rubbed the bridge of hisnose and replied, `No sir. I am fine.

`Listen, boy, keep this in mind, do not let yesterday take too much of today.

Ethan stood there staring at nothing, the words swirling in his mind. That night he lay awake staring at his ceiling, which was shining with glow-in-thedark stars that he and his siblings had put there when they were little.

He realised that fear was holding him back, and he wasn`t able to give his hundred percent in the games that were still in his hand.

From that day onwards, Ethan started to work harder, but didn`t let his fear of failure overpower his love for the sport and soon his love for soccer rekindled.The past shouldn`t define the future one can have.