“Liam! Get off that couch and go revise your Science!” a shrill voice rang from the kitchen, mingling with the pungent aroma of freshly cut onions. Mdm Wong, a petite woman with a fierce determination etched on her face, was busy preparing dinner, her eyes occasionally darting towards the living room where her son lounged.
Liam, a lanky twelve-year-old with a mop of unruly hair, lay sprawled on the sofa, his eyes glued to the television. The animated series 'Kpop Demon Hunters' was far more captivating than any science textbook could ever be. He imagined his mother, her face flushed with frustration, steam practically billowing from her ears like an enraged cartoon character. Yet, he remained unmoved, choosing the allure of the screen over the impending doom of his exams.
Liam's reputation as a 'Netflix addict' was well-earned. His grades were abysmal, but his knowledge of movies and TV shows was unparalleled. Mdm Wong had tried everything to curb his addiction, even resorting to unplugging the television. But Liam, ever resourceful, simply switched to his father's laptop, continuing his binge-watching unabated.
As the Science examination loomed closer, Liam's friends began to disappear from their online chats, dedicating their time to revision. His best friend, Lara, a studious girl with a penchant for organisation, had tried to warn him. "Liam, you need to study for once! You don’t want to fail your examination, do you? You don’t want to get scolded by Mrs Tan again, do you?" she had implored, her voice tinged with concern.
But Liam dismissed her advice as needless worry. He continued his marathon viewing sessions, oblivious to the ticking clock. The day of the exam arrived, and the classroom buzzed with nervous energy. His classmates, armed with notes and flashcards, quizzed each other on potential questions. Liam, however, leaned back in his chair, feigning confidence while his mind replayed scenes from his favourite shows.
At eight o'clock sharp, the sound of Mrs Tan's heels echoed through the hallway. She entered the room, her presence commanding attention, and began distributing the exam papers. As the test commenced, the room filled with the rustle of pages and the scribbling of pens. Unlike his peers, who wore expressions of determination, Liam's face turned ashen. The questions were a blur, his mind a blank slate. He stared at the paper, bewildered by terms like 'food chain' and the role of the sun within it.
Submitting his paper with a heavy heart, Liam knew the outcome was inevitable. A week later, the results confirmed his fears: 19 out of 100. His parents' disappointment was palpable, and as punishment, he was banned from watching the much-anticipated Season Two of 'A Shadow’s Regret'.
As his friends recounted the latest episodes with laughter, Liam felt a pang of regret. Clutching his marked paper, he resolved to change. He limited his screen time, dedicating weekdays to study. Gradually, his efforts bore fruit. His grades improved, and he found joy in learning. The transformation was evident to all, and the old Liam, the 'Netflix addict', was no more.
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