John was eleven years old, and he had just experienced his first ever defeat in little league football. Until this moment, John had been an undefeated champion. Now, as he and his teammates stripping down completely naked, he felt a horrible, impending sense of doom. He was almost proud of his naked body, his fit, athletic figure and his large penis. But all the pride in his physical appearance was quickly being replaced by dread.

John had seen the winning teams celebrating over their defeated opponents before, the celebratory hanging of the beaten boys. He had taken part in it, far too often. But now, here he was, standing with his teammates in a single line, faces hung low and stomachs in knots waiting for the rope at the end of the celebration. For him, despite the hope he had that it would be over quickly, death was beginning to feel more and more imminent, and more and more terrifying.

John's teammate, Paul, was the first in line. John saw him standing there, stoic and brave, perhaps more prepared for this than any of the other boys were. As the rope was lifted up around Paul's neck, John saw the fear in his eyes.

'Paul,' he sighed, feeling a wave of emotion wash over him, 'I'm so sorry.'

Paul didn't respond, but he gave John a look that conveyed more than any words ever could. The look said, I know.

John watched as Paul was slowly lifted into the air, the rope around his neck pulled tight. All of John's teammates, including himself, were filled with horror and grief as they watched Paul struggling and dancing for his life. His limbs flailed wildly, desperation to survive seeped through his every pore. But as the seconds passed on, Paul's movements became slower, and slower, until finally he hung still and lifeless.

John's heart sunk into his stomach. He knew what was coming next.

One by one his teammates were killed, each dying a slow, agonising death, their cries of pain and the pleas for mercy being met with mocking jeers from the members of the winning team.
John was the last to go.

He stepped forward, knowing this would be his last few moments of life, and he paused for a moment to look out over the large crowd that had come to witness the ceremonial execution of the young boys. His body felt numb, and the only thing on his mind was that he had lost the game he loved so much.

Finally, the noose was placed around his neck. John winced at the sudden feeling of the rope squeezing his throat and taking away his air. His body fought for life, but his will to live had mostly faded away. With a last thought of his teammates, he let himself go, embracing death and letting the rope take him away.