First Light Festival

Short story abut the First Light Festival that is held every year and the competition that surrounds it.

Flora sat on the patio chair, a big frown on her face. She couldn't have done any worse. She had practiced and practiced for weeks on end but she had choked. The committee wouldn't dare select her now. Her dream was slowing flitting away.

Miss Flossie chose the chair across from her student. "Why so glum, little one?"

Anger surged through Flora's tiny body. "Didn't you see?" She yelled. "Weren't you watching me fail?"

Bracing herself against the armrest, Miss Flossie understood the emotions. She had failed herself when she had tried; three times actually. Shame, embarrassment, hurt, anger. A dark, ominous rainbow had swirled about her for months after each attempt.

"I thought you did quite well."

"No, no I didn't." Flora shook her head as a tear escaped her left eye. "Forest was awesome. The judges are sure to give him a high score. Franklin was really unique too. I've never seen those kinds of moves before."

"Forest tried last year and didn't make it, this is his second attempt and Franklin's father won four years in a row. He probably has the same genes." Miss Flossie's comforting words were anything but comforting.

"I should have never tried that flip. I could never do it exactly right in class, remember?"

Unfortunately, Miss Flossie did remember.

"I went flying through the air, did the flip and fell right to the ground." Flora sobbed, her heart beating wildly.

"But you weren't hurt and you got right back up and continued on. You were brave."

Flora rolled her oil-black eyes. "The show must go on, right?"

Removing herself from her patio chair quietly, Miss Flossie thought it best to leave her pupil to her own contemplations. Looking over her shoulder she said, "They should be announcing the results soon. Don't forget!"


Gazing into the yard, Flora looked up into the treetops, the branches were swaying to and fro in the breeze. It was going to be a beautiful evening. She couldn't wait until dusk. She couldn't wait until ... until ...

A different emotion washed over her. Regret perhaps. She regretted the way she had reacted. It was no one's fault but her own. Many others were better and they deserved to win. She should support the other contestants.

Flora loved the First Light Festival each year. The gathering brought family and friends from miles around. Everyone sang and chattered. Everyone was full of joy and laughter. Why should it matter if she won the contest? She could still be happy and allow her light to shine.

Bouncing from her seat, Flora felt better. She was still disappointed in her performance but decided to put it behind her. She rushed to the Town Square to cheer on the competitors. She could practically hear the echoing of whoops and hollers already.

"We would like to thank each and every one who participated in First Light this year." Filomena, the event chairwoman announced. "Each was excellent in his, or her, own way but our committee has selected one very special act. The performance was not perfect but despite mistakes she returned, shining a bright light on her determination, tenacity and bravery." Filomena waved with a flourish. "Please congratulate our youngest and smallest firefly, Flora."

Each firefly in attendance buzzed with excitement. This year, Flora would be their leader. She would be first to shine upon the world at nightfall. She would twist and turn as the others tagged along behind.

Looking around, Flora was in shock. She couldn't believe she had been chosen since she had done so poorly. Forest and Franklin were the first to fly over and express their warm wishes. They were genuinely happy for her.

As the sun began to set lower and lower in the twilight beyond the Town Square, Miss Flossie beamed as she gazed at her little Flora Mae dodging chubby children and their pink, sticky, cotton-candy fingers.

Author's Note

Please give an overall review on this children's short story. Thank you!

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

This is very clever and cute. A real dandy of a children's tale. You really shine with this one. (No pun intended)

[MelissaAndres]

Awww! Thank you! I wish, in a way, that my sister who is the magnificent artist would sit down with me and draw some pictures so I could turn this one into a book with her characters. She is always so darned busy though so it will probably never happen. I just keep dreaming though.