The spotlight was dazzling, but I didn’t flinch.
I won’t lie and pretend I was nervous — not when I already knew the first position would be handed to me on a silver platter.
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I read the poem aloud in a robotic, monotone voice. Deliberate. Controlled.
When I finished, the audience clapped. A few others recited. The usual pattern.
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“And the first position goes to... Elise Horroway!”
I smiled perfectly as I accepted my medal.
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Later, I met up with Elizabeth.
“Don’t take this the wrong way,” she said, “but I liked your last recitation better.”
I shrugged. “Guess I just met their expectations, that’s all.”
“Maybe.”
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But there was no maybe in it.
I won because I was perfect.
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and then Add to home screen.