"Even death is not to be feared by, those who have lived wisely."
-Buddha

*******
(Audelia's pov)
My dreams weren't going good(as usual), and neither was my reality any better.

I was crouching on the ground, between the white lines of the ground, that separated me from my fellow classmates.

The heat of the sun, causing me to sweat. The slight breeze, providing relief. The chaos and cheer of the crowd, loud and clear was buzzing in my ear.

As the whistle rang echoing around the field, over the noise.
I started off into a run, going slow jogging at first.
Enjoying the cool breeze pushing my hair around from my face.
At this moment I felt free. I was in my element, and I just felt free.
As I neared my water stop, I started walking. As I stopped, my muscles aching, my breath intake high, but my mind calm and cool as ice, despite the hot weather.

Olivia handed me a bottle of water. As I gulped it down, she suddenly burst out laughing,

I was surprised as I should be (right)(yeah right),

I asked her breathlessly," why are you laughing, is it because of my sweat, I have explained this multiple times, excessisve sweating is a normal thing of all human beings especially during running, there is-"

Still laughing, she said " No it's not that, but we will talk about the sweat thing later. You know just seeing you run, reminded me of the rate at which my brain comes up answers during an exam. So fast(she said sarcastically of course), but Peggy on the hand, damn, she looks like she is running for her life, and also the way my brain produces jokes during an exam, actually during any time of the day."

I let out a sarcastic laugh," So that is what my speed is being measured with now Huh! , is it? A joke meter. Plus, I am trying to conserve my energy to actually reach the finish line."

She made an annoyed face and said," On come on laugh a little at my jokes girl, it was funny. Right! Auden. Auden ?"

My brother was on his phone, as usual, he said with his hands in the air," Hey!! hey, do not pull me into your arguments. Remember last time, when I said I liked A. J's lasagna more than your burger(my personal favorite), you literally burned the house down, because in the process of you getting angry and us trying to persuade you to forgive us. You forgot the burgers on the stove, yeah."

"I didn't burn the house down", said Olivia with scoff on her face

" Yeah, one of the reasons why we had to call the fire department." He said.

As they continued arguing. I took off as the whistle rang. "I just had that conversation in 1 minute", I thought in disbelief.
As I thought back our conversation, Peggy's name popped into my mind.

She did look like she was running for her life. "Probably because she is, for those rich, vile creatures, she called parents," said my subconscious.

That was true, her parents had very high expectations and her family was very rich. Her father was a senator and her mother was a housewife. Peggy was really good at everything or she had to be. She had beat me and won the all-rounder award last year. She and I didn't get along.
Though without a lack of try on my side. But I guess there was just something about me, that she didn't like. She wasn't exactly humble when she said "no". And then went on to make my life hell.

As I neared the finish line. I broke into a run. By this time, most of the participants had lost their high pace and I was high on my adrenaline rush(epinephrine).

As she advances further, she was met with Peggy. Peggy kept looking at her and running and was trying her hardest to beat me. Suddenly she scoffed and tried to trip me (I knew I shouldn't judge her, but that is cheating .Girl).

I stumbled, but luckily managed to regain my balance, despite my momentum.

I could see the strip of ribbon, just a few meters away, but Peggy was still in the lead.
********

(Author pov)
As they neared the end. The crowd cheering loudly. Everyone, curious about who was to win. Peggy looked very confident. But......

As audelia used her last bit of running strength to get ahead and then her chest came in contact with the ribbon. It was over.

As she recovered from the last bit of tension. Her family came over.

"Sweetheart, that was amazing. You did great. And you won." Her Mom said hugging her

" Yeah darling, we are glad, you are back to your self. But are you okay? You know the doctor to-" said her father.

" Oh! Michael, calm down, will you? Congratulations your daughter, first. And she is fine. Olivia, darling, can you get a bottle of water. Thank you so much"

As audelia gulped down the water
She said," mom, dad. Thank you and yes I am fine. I am doing quite great actually."

As the headmistress called out the winners. Audelia went up and was awarded a gold medal. She smiled and sighed. As the headmistress called the remaining of the winner

Suddenly a shrill scream rang through the field.

*******

And, that's it. How have all of you been? I have been good, thanks for asking,
"At least so one cares".

" Don't look at me like that baby. Mommy only wants what's good for you. You know I love you, sweetheart. But I got to show tough love"

"Thanks, ma. But really doesn't make studying any better."

Anyways. What have you all been up to during the quarantine? Me, I have been, studying, and studying and studying. I have exams today 😣😫😭. I am still writing, don't know why. "Probably because you're going to fail anyway," said my subconscious
"Huh, she has a point".
Anyways. Please leave a comment or constructive feedback. Helps me improve. I am here to learn.
Bye. I am going to go take a nap 😴💤. Just kidding 😉. Back to studying 😵😫