The heat wave came and stayed for weeks, causing record-breaking temperatures. It was a hard few weeks for the national participants, having to train under such extreme conditions.
However, the weeks still passed by, and soon, the last night before the nationals opening ceremony arrived.
The training village had turned quiet as everyone had retreated into their cottages to do the final preparations before the weekend of the nationals.
"And… checkmate!"
Jonathan shouted, triumphantly slamming his hand down on the chessboard. He checkmated his opponent after a long and hard-fought battle.
"Shit…"
Dominic gritted his teeth and flicked his pawns in resignation.
"I am dying…"
Julian lay under the spinning fan, feeling the cool breeze on his skin as he closed his eyes and succumbed to the overwhelming heat of the room.