“The Trials”

Author’s Note: This is a Take Ten to Write story and has not been proofread for errors. If I feel inspired or if there’s interest in the story, I’ll post a revised, edited, and extended version at a later date. Happy reading!

Prompt: “I’m not ready!”

The dancing lights and blaring music sends shivers down my spine. The cheers of the crowd make my heart pound.

Dad appears beside me, a huge grin on his face. “Hey, kid. How are you feeling?”

Trying desperately to hide my trembling, I shrug. “Okay, I guess.”

Dad chuckles and pats my back. “I was nervous before my Trials too. But I know you’ll do great. You’ve been working extremely hard, and I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks,” I whisper, forcing a smile. “I know it’ll be fine.”

“Exactly,” he says with a nod. “Just have a good time.” He glances to the side. I follow his gaze to see Max crouching in a corner, visibly shaking.

“I’ll talk to him,” I promise Dad. “I think it’s just finally sinking in that this is real.”

“Okay,” Dad says. “Remind him that this is more of a formality than anything else. He’s put in the same amount of work as you; the Spirits know that as well as I do.”

“Yeah, but I’m not sure he knows it.”

“Then go tell him.”

Dad pats my back once more before sending me off in Max’s direction. I walk over to him and slide down to sit next to him.

“So,” I begin slowly, “it’s the day of the Trials.”

Max continues staring off into space. I’m probably imagining it, but it seems as though his face is becoming paler by the second.

Final Comments: This is an alternate scene from my current WIP. Based on my current plotline, this scene would never happen, but it was the first thing I thought of when I saw the prompt.

Overall Rating: 🙂