This short story was inspired by a short scifi film I saw. I can’t remember the name of the film but it had a very similar theme. If the idea behind this story seems a bit familiar and you know the name of the film please post a comment so I can give credit where it is due. I will post part two of this story if enough people ask me to in the comments. Also I’m posting this as a rough draft. I will probably come back to this post and make corrections.

EDIT 1: Found it

Derrin removed his headset and stripped out of his haptic suit. It clung to his body, sweat had collected inside making the snug uniform uncomfortable and giving it an unpleasant odor. None of his previous virtual training missions had ever been this challenging.
“Damn! That was intense!” said Michael, one of Derrin’s teammates who had participated in the simulation. Derrin didn’t reply as he was still breathing hard.
“Fuck yeah!” said Tom. “I didn’t think we were going to make it. You really came through, Derrin.”
Derrin smile proudly. His superiors may not be pleased his actions cost the lives of civilians, but his team would not have won this game had he not done as he did. This simulation had been a long one. Derrin and his team were both excited and exhausted.
“Want to grab a beer before heading home?” said Tom to the other members of his team.
“Nah. Amy will have dinner ready for me by now. I gotta head home.” replied Derrin.
“Suit yourself, man. Mike, you in?”
“Sure, where were you thinking?”

Derrin left the VR room and made his way out through the observation room. There were more observers than usual for this simulation. Derrin wasn’t surprised, this sim had been so much more challenging than any his team had had before, people would want to see it. Derrin was surprised, however, to see General Philman approach him directly and hold out a hand to shake his.
“You made the right call.” the general complimented without releasing Derrin’s hand.
“Thank you, sir.”
“Don’t let anyone make you second guess yourself.”
“Of course, sir. Thank you, sir.”
General Philman dismissed Derrin and returned to his seat.

Derrin and his girlfriend, Amy, ate Indian takeout. She said she was too tired from work to cook anything. Derrin told her he understood and that he was exhausted from work, as well. Amy poked fun at Derrin telling him, “Tired from playing video games all day?” Derrin and Amy both laughed at this joke they had shared before.
A knock at the door quieted the two of them. Derrin got up and opened the door to find a somber looking Mike and Tom standing on the other side.
“What’s up, guys?”
“Derrin…man…it wasn’t a simulation. It was real.” choked Tom.