Chapter 7
John always hated cheaters, but this time, he was the one cheating. The TOEIC practice test was important for him to get a computer. If he got a low score, he wouldn’t get the computer. He had gone out with his friend last weekend and didn’t finish practicing for the test. Sitting in his room, looking at the test papers, John felt very nervous. He had studied, but feared of failing. In a quiet moment, he decided to borrow answers from a hidden cheat sheet. “Just this once,” he thought, “I really need a high score.”
As John started copying answers from a hidden cheat sheet during the test, he felt guilty, imagining his mother's disappointment if she found out. “Am I really doing the right thing?” he wondered. He convinced himself, “It’s because I’ve been especially busy and was sick for two days. I need to cheat, and I won’t do it next time.” He felt anxious but also relieved.
John got high marks, but his teacher noticed something strange and checked his answers. Eventually, he was caught. He explained to his mother that cheating was his fault; he had caused a big problem and made him regret his actions. John's mother listened, and her disappointment was clearly visible. “You hate cheaters, but when it’s you, you make excuses. You'll pay for your dishonesty,” she said.
John realized that cheating had consequences. As a consequence, his Wi-Fi was cut off, reminding him of the consequences of dishonesty.
