I've always wanted to win the Arts competition, it was the biggest competition our school had, it was a one in a lifetime chance for me.
But I wasn't the only one who wanted it. My friend, Rowan was also competing.
Rowan was my best friend, we were practically inseparable, we were also rivals, and constant competitors.
The winner of the competition would be sponsored into any college of their choice, and Rowan winning the competition could make a huge difference for his scholarship application.
It was time for the final match of the completion and both our names made it to the bulletin board.
Each participant had 72 hours to create a meaningful piece from scratch.
We started working on it immediately. I spent hours in my room, trying to think thoroughly while also trying to stop the battle going on in my head.
"Mara?" My mum walked into my room. I stared blank at my half painting before looking at her. "Is something the matter?"
"Mum. It's about Rowan."
"What about Rowan, dear?"
"It's just that he's under pressure because of his college applications. And if he loses this competition, he's not getting to college. I want to win too, mum. But I also...want him to win. I want us to go to college together."
"Sweetheart. This competition means a lot to you and Rowan."
"But it's going to look like all my efforts I put in doing this all goes to waste. I feel so selfish for even thinking about winning when Rowan is there."
"Listen dear. It's not just about winning. Most people would only thinking about themselves in a situation as this, it doesn't make you a bad person, doing the right thing means putting someone else's needs first."
"This matters to him more than it does to me, he's going to be sad if he misses this opportunity. If being happy makes Rowan's sad, then I don't think I want to be happy, mum."
"Dear, life is not always about getting what you want, it's about making the choice that you feel is right in your heart."
"But I don't know the right choice to take, mum."
"Then just do what you feel is right dear, do not let guilt make that decision for you, dear. You can win, my dear, that's okay. But if helping him feels like it is right thing to do, that's okay too. And I know, my darling. That whatever happens, you'll figure it out. And what matters is doing the right thing."
I just could not finish my painting no matter how hard I tried. I wanted to see Rowan happy.
It was the day for the judges to inspect our work and announce the winner. I knew what was coming. None of our paintings were as good as Rowan's.
Rowan was the announced winner of course and I think the knows I did it for him with the way he looked at me.
"Congratulations. I'm so happy for you, but don't think I'm going to go easy on you the next time." Rowan deserved it.
"You could have won. I know you wouldn't paint something like that for a competition as big as this."
"I guess winning is also about making the right choice."
I didn't loose my best friend even though I had lost the competition.
And that mattered more than any trophy or recognition could.
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