Phoenix was a boy who loved to run. He took part in so many races and won all of them except for one. The only race he never won was the one that featured David, one of the fastest runners on the squad.
He remembers it like it was yesterday. His hands were sweaty, his heart racing as he sprinted down the road. He was close behind but just before he catch up he felt his foot land on loose gravel. It fell from under him and suddenly he couldn’t feel the ground beneath him anymore. In an instant, he felt himself fall backwards, hitting the ground painfully hard. As he hit the ground there was nothing left but air and the fear of being left alone. The crowd around him cheered with each second that passed, celebrating David's win. while Phoenix stared into the distance with wide eyes.
He sat on the bench at the park and pondered on what to do, and how he could win. Knowing that any slip-up would mean victory for his opponent.
Just then, he was approached by an old man in a long black coat with a black scarf wrapped around his neck and head. He looked very out of place compared to the people around him, which only made the boy more curious about who this person was until he started to approach the boy.
“Excuse me, young man, do you know where I can find someone named James Buchanan Barnes?” the old man asked.
The boy was taken aback, not expecting such a question from anyone at all. “Uh yeah, he lives down the street at number 4, there’s a light blue house with white trim and black shutters, just go left when you get off of my street,” he replied as he pointed down the road.
The old man nodded as he gave another bow and turned to leave. But then he stopped and turned back around.
"Dear boy, you seem too troubled with your thoughts," the old man said. "What's on your mind?"
"I was just thinking about my upcoming race. But It's nothing I can't handle", he said dismissing the situation.
"Are you scared of losing?", the old man continued.
"no, I'm just scared because, if I lose again I might be left behind. That's what scares me". He finally said.
"so, you feel you are not fast enough?"
"no!!, I'm very fast," he said with hesitation
"Then why do you fear?"
" I ...I. " Phoenix stuttered
" don't worry, I have something that might help",
The old man dipped his hands into his bag and brought out an apple.
"Take this", he said
"I'm sorry sir, but I'm not hungry" phoenix replied.
" it's not for eating. It's a wishing apple. You make a wish, then you take a bit."
"I'm not sure, I should take that... isn't that cheating?"
"How can it be cheating when you are just eating?", the old man asked.
Phoenix stared puzzled at the old man for a few seconds
"well, because there is magic involved..".Phoenix continued.
"Do you really want to win?" The old man asked, this time sounding very serious. "Then, take this. Make a wish before you run. And victory will be yours". He said with a smile, placing the apple in Phoenix's hand.he left.
On the day of the race, Phoenix arrived early, he saw that there was a large crowd, and tension-filled his body. His hands were shaking, his legs became weak, and his confidence was challenged by the fear within him.
He quickly remembered the apple, he took it out, made a wish, and took a bit of the apple.
And just like a lightning strike, he could feel his confidence winning the battle.
He joined the rest of the runners at the starting line, where they took their position and began the race.
David bolted instantly like a cheetah in hot pursuit of its prey, so much so that only his back could be seen by his opponents.
But Phoenix wasn't going to let this slide, "I have magic on my side", he said to himself.
He then summoned all his strength, breaking through the wind. And like a missile aimed at his target, he made his way to David.
Finally catching up with David, the two boys began to battle it out, power for power, speed for speed, stamina for stamina. The crowd went wild with chants, DAVID!, PHOENIX!, DAVID!!, PHOENIX!!..
And then just before the finish line, he made his last wish. "I wish to win". And almost immediately, David tripped, falling to the ground like a bag of cement. Leaving the victory for Phoenix.
While Phoenix and the crowd were celebrating his victory. He saw the old man who had given him the apple. And he went to him...
"Thank you, sir, for the magic apple." He said.
"what magic apple?", the old man asked confused.
"this one", he said, placing his hands into his bag, retrieving the apple in the process.
"oh !, That apple", the old man exclaimed."my dear boy, that's just a regular apple. There's nothing magical about it. I saw you needed a confidence boost, so I gave you one, in form of an apple".
"you mean you lied to me then?" Phoenix asked.
"but you won. didn't you?", The old man replied.
They both looked at each other and smiled...
Phoenix returned happily to his celebration, while the old man cheerfully yelled out
"Never doubt yourself again!!", with a smile on his face.
The end