Ready, Set, Race!

“On your mark, get set, go!” The cry of the official set the race in motion. Six small cars built by six boys raced down the track to see which car would come in first place. David watched anxiously, hoping his creation would be first. He had worked for hours making sure the weight of the car would meet the specifications set forth in the rules. He had tires that rotated quickly, and as he raced his car in practice drills, the time was always better than last year’s winner.

Trying not to be disappointed when his car took second place, he shook the hand of the winner, Thomas Mallory, and congratulated him on his car. His own father assuring him he had done a great job, offered up the hope that next year he would win the coveted first-place spot. David knew his father was right. There were many boys his age who had not made it to the final round. He knew he should be proud of what he had accomplished, but he had honestly expected to win first place, so he couldn’t help but be disappointed.

After talking to his father, David went to the back room to retrieve all of his belongings from a storage locker. They had at least a two-hour drive back home, and they needed to leave soon if they were to get home before it grew too late. As David opened his locker, he could hear voices talking on the other side of the room. He immediately recognized one as the voice of Thomas Mallory.

“I can’t take this prize from David. He was a good sport about losing, but he deserves first place. The modifications I made to the car weren’t legal. I am going to go and tell the judges right now. I just hope it’s not too late and that David and his family are still here.” David couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He had won after all! His car had been the faster of the two if all of the rules had been followed. He felt bad for Thomas because he obviously felt guilty about what he had done, but he was glad he was going to tell the truth. David couldn’t wait to see the look on his father’s face when he told him what had happened.

He was still looking forward to trying again next year, but this year had just become a whole lot sweeter.