To the Finish

Ken reached me and put the sash over my shoulder.

"Go, Sora! It is yours now!" he shouted.

I started to run with all my strength.

My legs felt heavy, but my heart felt light.

The other anchors were far ahead of me.

I was in last place, just like always.

But this time, I did not feel ashamed.

The crowd was cheering, and my name filled the air.

"Sora! Sora! You can do it!" they shouted.

I have never run so fast in my whole life.

The wind pushed against my face and chest.

I have never felt so free and so alive.

My teammates were running along the fence beside me.

"Almost there! Keep going!" they screamed together.

The white finish line appeared in front of me.

I pressed the sash tightly against my chest.

With one last push, I crossed the finish line.

I came in last, but I finished the whole race.

My friends ran to me and hugged me hard.

We were laughing and crying at the same time.

"You have carried the sash to the end," Daiki said proudly.

I have never been part of something so beautiful.

I did not win, but I have found something better.

Today, I finally finished a race with a big smile.