“Sarah, it is almost our class’s turn for the race, hurry up!” Favour shouted from across the field.

I stood up as a senior from my house was trying to help me put my throbbing neck back into place. I had slept on the cold, hard floor the night before with my body elevated from my head due to my broad shoulders.

The night was unbelievably hot, and with my tossing and turning on the bed, I had no choice but to look for a cooler alternative. But with a few minutes to my race, I was starting to regret that cold comfort.

The field where we were having our heat was one we used every session—a rented parking space filled with sand and stones—so we had to be careful not to get injured.

My heart kept racing as this heat was to determine the selected few that would be picked to represent each of our houses in the main competition, which was to take place in a few weeks. I was in Green House, and it had always been my dream to win a medal for my house.

“All participants, get into position,” the race caller announced.

I hurriedly got into my lane, and with my unusually positioned neck, I was getting stares from teachers who were contemplating pulling me out of the race, and other students who found my predicament comical. But I would not falter. I would try my possible best to get my spot at the main competition.

Getting into position, I squatted with shaking legs, and as my hands touched the hot sand, the realization of my current situation sent me into a frenzy with questions popping into my head unceremoniously.

Is this fear? Am I petrified at this crucial moment? Why now of all times?

“On your mark! Get set!...”

As beads of sweat ran down my face, I pulled myself back to reality.

“You can do this, just focus,” I whispered under my breath.

“Go!”

Adrenaline pumping in my veins, I felt my legs digging into the hot sand, projecting me into the air like I was flying, and before I knew it, I was at the finish line.

For a moment, everywhere was silent. I looked around in anticipation for someone who would tell me my position.

Favour jumped on me.

“First! You came in first!”