Chapter 5

The piano contest was no joke, it was one of the famous contests in the country.

Bless was registered as a contest by his grandfather since his mother was very busy with work.

“I know you are going to make us proud,”said his grandfather with a smirk.

“Yes Grandfather, I will make you all proud,” Bless replied with assurance.

Few days past and the contest was due, Bless was in the line when he saw his grandfather leave the crowd on call.  It was almost his turn and his grandfather was still not in

“Let’s all welcome the next contestant, Bless….”

As Bless stepped onto the grand stage of the national piano contest, a whirlwind of emotions engulfed him. The dimmed lights created a dramatic ambiance, and the hushed whispers of the audience added to the anticipation.

His heart raced, and his palms grew sweaty as he approached the gleaming Steinway piano at the center.

The stage was vast, with its polished wooden floors extending far beyond the reach of his eyes. The sheer expanse of the auditorium was overwhelming, as he tried to comprehend the countless faces peering back at him.

The crowd was a mosaic of expressions - some eager and expectant, others simply curious. The sea of faces blurred into a sea of colors, a multitude of eyes that seemed to pierce his very soul.

As he took his seat at the piano bench, he felt the weight of the moment press down on him. The ivory and ebony keys lay before him like a challenge, yet also an opportunity.

The stage lights bathed him in a warm, almost comforting glow, but his heart continued its frenzied rhythm.

However, as his fingers brushed the keys, the initial nervousness gave way to a sense of purpose. The audience, once a formidable entity, now transformed into a supportive presence.

 Bless began to play, each note resonating with a power and grace that transcended his early years.

The music he created was his connection to the crowd, a language that needed no words. With each keystroke, the auditorium seemed to shrink, and Bless felt a profound connection with the people before him.

In that moment, he realized that the stage wasn't just a place of fear, but also a canvas for his passion. It was where he could share his love for music with the world, and as the final notes echoed through the hall, the applause that followed washed over him like a warm embrace. Bless had conquered the stage, and in doing so, had discovered a reservoir of strength within himself that he never knew existed.

Bless stood up and walked to bow showing his respect and gratitude to the audience.

The other contestants performances were outstanding which made Bless grasp in fear, whatever that happens he was glad that at least he was given the opportunity to showcase his talent to the world.

Everyone was done and they could see the judges whispering to each other ready to deliver the results. All the contestants were called on stage.

Five contestants including Bless were asked to go back stage.

That was the end of the road for them, they began crying but Bless was okay and accepted that was part of the game. He descends off the stage in search of his grandfather when he heard prizes awarded to the winners,

He stood back there to watch how others were awarded when he was called on stage with three others who were sent back,

“We are sorry for the complications,” one of the judges apologized.

The Speaker cleared her throat as she goes through the paper in her hands with a smile.

She finally announced the winner after moments

“And the long awaited winner for this years piano contests goes to…… Bless……”

When Bless, the five-year-old boy, was announced as the winner of the national contest, a wave of emotions swept over him in a way that only a child's heart could truly experience. His eyes, wide with innocence, blinked rapidly as he struggled to process the overwhelming moment.

At first, there was confusion. He looked around, as if seeking confirmation that they were indeed calling his name. His tiny hands clutched the sides of his miniature piano with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. The applause and cheers from the audience were like thunder in his ears, both thrilling and bewildering.

Then, as the reality of his victory sank in, Bless's face erupted into a radiant, gap-toothed grin that could light up the entire room. His dimples deepened, and his eyes sparkled with pure joy. His body seemed to tremble with excitement, and he couldn't contain his excitement any longer.

With an exuberant burst of energy, Bless jumped up from his seat, and his tiny feet pattered on the stage as he ran towards the presenter, who knelt down to his level, extending a shiny trophy towards him. Bless's small hands reached out, trembling with excitement, to accept the trophy. It felt like a treasure from a fairy tale, and he clutched it to his chest with a mix of pride and wonder.

The audience's applause swelled even louder, and Bless couldn't resist the urge to share his happiness. He turned to face the crowd, still clutching the trophy, and gave an impromptu twirl, his colorful outfit twirling with him. The spectators erupted into laughter and applause at this spontaneous display of childlike glee.

His Grandfather with his energy run to the stage when he heard people murmuring outside the auditorium his grandson won. Bless jumped high when he saw his grandfather….. 

He could do nothing but hug Bless so tight with a kiss.

In that heartwarming moment, Bless embodied the purest form of happiness, a reminder that sometimes, the simplest joys and victories can bring the greatest delight.

“Would you like to say something to the audience?”questioned the speaker who was filled with tears.

Bless nodded and took the microphone.

The room was silent, everyone and the camera men were patiently waiting to hear what this little boy had to say.

“I’m very happy to be announced as the winner of this contest, my mom couldn’t make it because of work…… I love you so much” Bless paused with a smile

When his grandfather thought he was done with his speech, Bless cleared his throat and continued

“I would like to use this opportunity to find my missing Dad…..”