I hesitantly approached the booth and the 'Sword in the Stone' sign hanging above. I was a nervous, but the folks lined up around the corner to participate lured me in. On the left was a bronze plaque with the inscription: ''You too can be, a great hero of your time, all you need to do is pull the sword from this stone, but be warned, your name will live in history as the one who is destined to receive it.'' On the right, was a pedestal of stone, with a mighty looking sword firmly lodged inside. I was dwarfed by the sword, which lay immovable. Hands at my sides, I timidly approached and looked up at the sword once more. I grabbed the hilt and hoisted with all my might, but it didn't move; it was stuck fast.
The workers at the booth chuckled. Ridicule peppered the air, from behind me. I walked away mortified. My friend mocked me, "Give it a try, buddy. What do you have to lose?"
"Gabe, knock it off!" someone behind us playfully scolded. It was my friend's girlfriend. She was more my height. Her long blond hair swayed as she ran up to us. "Give it a go, Kyler," she encouraged, giving me a pat on the back.
Boldly this time, I approached the stone. Standing in front of the stone, I drew a deep breath and lifted the sword, but it didn't budge. The crowd was growing restless and the winds of derision were growing stronger. My arms were becoming achy. I couldn't give up. I summoned the strength in my legs and hoisted the sword with all I had. It moved a bit and then stopped again. The crowd was getting antsy. Some yelled, "Pull! Pull! You can do it." The louder they grew, the more determination I felt. Then I mustered all my will as I lowered the sword. My arms were quivering but I had to finish this. I lifted the sword to it's full height, with both hands I yanked, but like a magnet the sword began to move, inch by inch, I kept pulling harder until I fell backwards.
I looked up to the stone and there was no longer a sword in its center, but the hilt was grasped by a disembodied hand. I was speechless. The swirling winds of praise and good feelings surrounded me, lifted me up and carried me home.
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