The Challenge I Didn’t Have

By Shuke Wang

My stomach is gurgling. After recess, I would have a math test, which I didn’t study for. I was wishing that the bell would never ring, but my best friend Vanessa studied so hard that she was actually eager. She dragged me to the door to get in early, but I pulled away. Vanessa’s black silky hair fell in to her eyes as she tried to grab e again, retracing her steps. I suddenly saw a pool of colour on the brick walls and raced towards it without thinking. The next thing I knew, I felt pain on my head.

I looked up and saw a colourful blur. It became much clearer, a few seconds later. I suddenly saw a weird little creature with soft black hair, standing by the side of an orange track, blowing a whistle. Beside the creature was a blue rectangle. It was numbered and divided in to five slots. Suddenly, the slots burst open and! Horses galloped out with unequipped riders on their backs. I looked in horror as a horse flew out of its main track and jumped over another horse. The riders though, were so comfy. I forced myself to cheer but nothing came out. A girl had bits of blond hair flying out of her cap. She then disappeared as a rainbow shone through her. The others faded too, but even after that, they were leaving me filled with grace.

I was annoyingly disturbed by a cute green critter standing at my side. I looked at the cute useless rabbit but to my surprise, it spoke greedily.

“Get over there!” The rabbit shouted. I followed him to the five blue slots and he shut me in one of them. “You shift is next!” He hollered at me. I saw a flash of greed in his eyes. I felt entirely nervous. What was happening? I heard noises outside, and angry twitching under me. I was sitting on a horse! I looked out the window and saw a person cross the finish line. She had brown auburn hair. She cheered once, and disappeared as a colourful rain bow shone through her.

From through the window of my slot, I looked at the successful riders feeding their horses hay and mounting up on different ones. The pain in my head was unbearable, but my attention was glued on the “thing” that I was sitting on. It grunted and snorted impatiently. That was when I felt scared. I was on a horse! I had went horse back riding before, but unequipped and inexperienced? It was terrifying! Before I noticed the whistle blow, the slot banged open, and my horse burst out. It had a wild dark mane, and crazy but dark glossy brown fur. I felt a jolt of warmth rise over my whole head, and even so unequipped, I felt comforted. The hose sprinted back and tripped, and I was about to use the long white whip which I noticed was in my hand, but I saw the look of fright in its eyes, and I paused, throwing the whip to a side. The hose regained its’ strength and ran swiftly ahead, feeling trust on me to give it a chance. With the pain still in my head, I managed a weak smile as I finished in second place. The hose I was sitting on, gleamed at me with its’ faithful eyes, showing me a look I would never forget. I also saw the greed in the creatures eyes disappear. The next second, I blinked, and everything faded away.

“Hey Shuke! Are you okay?” Vanessa asked me. I rubbed my eyes cordially, and generously said: “I’m okay. Has the bell ringed yet?”

“Not yet.” Vanessa answered. “Don’t worry. You’ll do great!” She stuck out her hand and pulled me to my feet.

“Great!” I stated slyly. “I can wait.” Vanessa was dumfounded. I shrugged. The pain was still on my head, but this daydream gave me courage to try new things and do your best, even when tasks are hard. This dream gave me the confidence, and I will of course use it. This was one big challenge I didn’t have!