Write about a misunderstanding you had with someone you were close to.

1. Write about a misunderstanding you had with someone you were close to. by Sim Yi Wen

2. Paragraph 1 • One Saturday afternoon, I was walking along the streets of Orchard Road when I passed by Starbucks Café. Through the glass panels, I saw many people savouring their coffee. The sight of it brought me back to those times when my best friend and I would chat over a cup of coffee. We could sit there for hours and very often, our drinks would turn cold. More importantly, our hearts were warm.

3. Paragraph 2 • Despite the close relationship the two of us shared, conflicts and disputes were inevitable. There had been times when we quarrelled but we would reconcile after a few days. This time, it was different.

4. Paragraphs 3-5 • That morning, I walked to school as usual. The sun had not risen yet and I was enjoying the cool morning breeze that energised me. • Suddenly, I heard a voice call out, "Yi Wen!" • I spun around and came face to face with my best friend, Stefanie.

5. Paragraph 6-1 • My best friend and I were inseparable. We shared everything with each other, even our darkest secrets. She did not come from a well-to-do family while mine was better off. I really admired her because she was brave and strong. Despite all the troubles she faced, the hardship she had to overcome and the stress she had to manage while trying to make ends meet, she never once gave up on herself.

6. Paragraph 6-2 • She was always so confident that everything could be overcome. As a friend, I helped her along. I was always there for her when things got difficult. We developed such a strong bond that nothing could tear us apart or so I thought.

7. Paragraphs 7-9 • That day, she seemed upset. I could tell that she was troubled by something. The usual smile that would brighten up anyone's day was absent. I became worried. • "Are you alright?" I asked. "You don't seem to be yourself today." • "You are right! I'm not myself today. Even so, it's none of your business!" With that, she stormed away.

8. Paragraphs 10-11 • Her sudden outburst shocked me. I was taken aback by her reply. • Why did she snap at me? Had I done something wrong? Thousands of questions flooded my mind. I did not have the slightest clue as to what had happened.

9. Paragraphs 12-14 • A light tap on my shoulder woke me up from my thoughts. • "What's wrong?" asked my classmate, Sharon. "Quarrelled with Stefanie?" • "How did you know?" I asked.

10. Paragraphs 15-16 • "Well, she said you have been spreading rumours about her and backstabbing her," Sharon replied. "She told me she was upset by what you did because she had treated you as her best friend." • "I do treat her as my best friend too!" I exclaimed in defence. "This must be a misunderstanding."

11. Paragraph 17 • I could not believe my ears. Who had spread these malicious rumours? My mind was a blank. I had done no such thing. I would never do that to my best friend. I thought Stefanie knew me best. How could she have believed what people said?

12. Paragraph 18 • After mulling over it for an entire night, I decided to confront Stefanie. However, I never managed to resolve the misunderstanding because she kept avoiding me, saying she did not wish to talk to me anymore. She gave me no chance to explain myself.

13. Paragraph 19 • Day after day, week after week, Stefanie gave me the cold shoulder until one day, I started hearing rumours about me as well. It seemed that she had gone around telling people things about me. I was further distressed by this. How could she have done such a thing? I was depressed. I spent many sleepless nights crying. I cherished her friendship like it was the greatest treasure on earth.

14. Paragraph 20 • Soon, we graduated. Up till the day of the convocation ceremony, we still had not managed to cross the barrier to talk to each other. I had wanted to speak to her but every time I tried to approach her, she would shun me in search of other friends. Eventually, I decided to let go. Since she did not wish to patch up, I should not force her.

15. Paragraph 21 • Several years down the road, we had both moved on with our individual lives. We went on separate paths and subsequently lost touch with each other. There had been times I wanted to call her but I was so preoccupied with my studies that I never managed to do so.

16. Paragraphs 22-24 • Now, standing outside the café brought back so many fond memories of her. I had the sudden urge to meet up with her and mend our friendship. • Just then, my mobile phone rang. • "One message received."

17. Paragraphs 25-28 • It was Stefanie! She had sent me a message! • "Hi! I want to say I'm sorry. No matter what the misunderstanding may be, I hope we are still best friends. I really miss those times I had with you. Let bygones be bygones, shall we?" • I smiled. I was exhilarated to see her message. • "Coffee?" I replied.