Echoes of Silence ~ Episode 15
20-09-25 (20:17)
**Episode 15: A Moment of Truth
(November 21, 2024)**
The journalism competition awards
ceremony began. One by one, the
winners were announced, each
receiving a certificate and a round
of applause. Maya's name wasn't
called. Her heart sank. She had
failed. She had let everyone down.
As the final award was announced,
"First Place: Maya Johnson," the
sound barely penetrated her
consciousness. She was still
wrapped in her pain. Someone
nudged her forward, telling her to
go up on stage. She walked
numbly, her legs feeling like lead.
She accepted the award, a forced
smile plastered on her face. She
delivered a short speech, thanking
her teachers, her parents, and her
fellow students. But inside, she felt
empty. The victory felt hollow,
meaningless. She did not feel like
she deserved it. As she walked off
the stage, she spotted Ethan
standing at the back of the room.
He smiled at her, a genuine,
supportive smile. She had not seen
him smile in weeks. In that
moment, she realised that his
opinion was the only one that
mattered. Don't forget to leave a Comment 
