Samuel sat in the corner of the hall feeling motivated for the 5th annual science expo happening in his country, Mesopo. The president of Mesopo, a supporter of young inventors, organizes this yearly event, inviting successful inventors, scientists, and investors from all over the world to witness the innovative talents of his youths.
It was Samuel's third time attending the expo, but his previous experience had been underwhelming; they ended in a disaster despite his thorough preparation.
He took a deep breath, thinking about the possible outcome of this year's expo just in case he could break his kryptonite and do things as planned.
"This could be a life-changing opportunity for me," Samuel stammered, rubbing his palm nervously as he took a quick glance at the other young inventors in the hall.
Lost in thoughts already, Samuel was called back to reality when a deafening roar erupted from the field where the expo was happening.
There was a loud murmuring in the hall as well, and he swiftly readjusted on his seat, turning to the giant screen hanging on the wall where people in the hall could see everything happening on the field in real-time.
His eyes were still fixed on the screen when a dark man, standing 6 feet tall, strolled into the hall. He had a Mesopo traditional attire on, and everyone could tell that he was one of the expo officials.
The murmur in the hall subdued as all eyes in the hall were fixed on him immediately, he cleared his throat to speak. "Can I have your attention, everyone?" He paused, signaling with his hands, calling everyone together.
"We will go on a break now and contestant 42 should be ready to take the stage once the break is over," he added.
"42? That's me," Samuel's voice trembled, and the room's attention shifted to him.
"Sorry guys," He turned away from the stares, and Samuel's heart started racing like it would implode. He felt deeply embarrassed and his fears kicked in immediately.
"Is everything alright, contestant 42?" The man asked and Samuel just nodded with his head buried under his arm.
The murmur in the hall continued as the man and other contestants stepped out for lunch but not Samuel. He had frozen in his seat while reminiscing his previous experiences at the expo.
"Oh no!" Samuel whispered, his voice trembling.
"I thought I succeeded in breaking my kryptonite," Tears welled up in his eyes as he couldn't find a pinch of confidence he had earlier.
As the break was coming to an end, Samuel felt a tap on his shoulder and a soft voice whispering into his ear.
Mom! Samuel called softly and immediately raised his head, wiping his tears.
"What's wrong honey? You didn't join us for lunch and I have searched everywhere looking for you."
"I am sorry, mom. I am scared," Samuel stammered as tears welled up in his eyes again.
"I thought we rehearsed well enough," She reminded him, wrapping her arms around Samuel to comfort him. "You just need to believe you can do this, and everything will be fine, or we just go home if you aren't ready."
"No, I want this. I wasn't scared until I knew it would be my turn after the break," Samuel raised his shaking hands for his mom to see.
"You will be fine, I promise. I can walk you down the stage if that will help," She replied, holding Samuel's hands while looking into his eyes.
He saw hope and courage in those eyes but they weren't enough to help him break his kryptonite.
A sharp baritone voice cuts the air interrupting the mother and son moment in the hall a few minutes later.
"Contestant 42, it's time. Go through the other door," The instruction made Samuel terrified and he felt a chill run down his spine.
Mom! He whispered sounding almost inaudible. His legs trembled and he could barely lift his body from the chair.
"You will be fine, honey. Don't stare at the crowd and just do as we rehearsed," She held his hands tightly, assuring him everything would be fine.
Samuel's mom watched her son climb the stage, and she stood behind the stage curtain to cheer him instead of returning to her seat.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I am Samuel, a 13-year-old from east Mesopo," He introduced himself, and his mom's heart swelled with pride immediately after the audience started cheering.
"Ride on, Samuel. Mama loves you," She screamed from behind the stage, jamming her hands with excitement.
"I am here to share with everyone my amazing invention," Samuel stammered, turning back to look at his mum who made a hand gesture encouraging him to continue.
Samuel nodded and upon facing the crowd again, he couldn't continue talking. He was shivering and suddenly started sweating profusely.
Samuel stood still, trying to find words but nothing came, which made him feel terrible.
"I am sorry," He turned his back on the audience after some seconds and shamefully left the stage.
His mom opened her arms as he walked towards her behind the stage and Samuel ran to hug her. She wrapped her hand around him whispering," You did great, and we can always try again next time."
"I want that young boy back on the stage," Mr President calmly said into the mic after requesting for one. Everyone became quiet and wondered why the president did that.
"That's you, the president called for you. Wipe your tears quickly," Samuel's mum tried cheering him up.
"Why, Mom? Is he is pissed? I must have offended him," Samuel stuttered.
"We can't tell why but I believe it's for a good reason," She replied, readjusting Samuel's bow tie.
Samuel dragged himself back to the stage, still feeling ashamed, and the president held his hand immediately Samuel got to him.
"I was like this young boy many decades ago. I had zero confidence in myself and every year when he comes here, he reminds me of who I was back then."
He cleared his throat, signaling that Samuel's project was brought back to the stage and his mum joined them with the project.
Samuel! The president said and bent before him.
"Don't worry about everyone here, just focus on me and tell me everything about the project. Can you do that for me?" He asked and Samuel nodded, wiping his tears.
He was given the mic while the president returned to his sat. Samuel started stammering and gradually gained some confidence, he went on to amaze the audience.
"Thank you, everyone. I hope you love my project?" Samuel stuttered, ending the presentation. He bowed and there was a loud cheer from the audience as they rose to celebrate him.
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We don't get to find out how Samuel did in the competition, but we don't need to! He overcame his kryptonite (stage fright) and that makes him a winner! A nicely told story, @george-dee. We could feel his anguish as he tried to overcome his fears, and you did a great job of showing the mom's love and pride for her son. Your piece was good but it would have been elevated if you had edited it. We enjoy reading your stories, George, but submissions to The Ink Well need to be edited if you wish to secure higher curation. We also remind you that we require all writers to support at least two other stories in the community through meaningful engagement in the comments. Without this, curation value will also be impacted.
Thanks for the correction, I will definitely do the needful. Cheers to a beautiful Wednesday.