I finally did it after 18 years.

I finally did it after 18 years, did something I deeply regret to my older brother.

I finally did it. After 18 years, I confessed something that had been gnawing at my conscience. Back when we had the PS2, I did something that I’m not proud of.

It was NBA Live 2005, my brother’s favorite game at the time. He scolded me about something (rightfully so, I’m sure. He was 7 years older than me btw), and in a moment of childish retaliation, I scratched the game CD on the floor. I watched as it refused to load, and though it felt satisfying for a moment, the guilt hit me hard and stayed with me for years.

Last December, I gave him a PS5, it was more than just a gift. It was my way of trying to make amends, even if I couldn’t bring myself to tell him the truth yet. But today, I finally confessed.

He laughed, shook his head, and said, “All is forgiven. But hey, the PS5 definitely helps.” In that moment, all those years of guilt seemed to dissolve. It feels good to let it out, and even better knowing we can move forward, free of secrets and scratched discs.