THE TEST OF FRIENDSHIP
677 Words
A few weeks after Odeny’s small victory in math class, the school buzzed with news of an upcoming talent show. Posters plastered on the walls announced it would be a chance for students to showcase their skills, with prizes for the best performances.
“Are you going to participate?” Baraka asked Odeny as they walked to their next class.
“I don’t know,” Odeny said, hesitating. “I’m not sure I have a talent.”
“Everyone has a talent,” Baraka replied. “You just need to find yours.”
Odeny shrugged. The idea of standing on stage in front of the entire school was daunting, but a small part of him wondered what it would feel like to be applauded—not for academics or proving someone wrong, but for simply being himself.
---
Later that day, Baraka approached Odeny with an idea.
“You know how you’re good with words?” Baraka said.
“What do you mean?” Odeny asked, raising an eyebrow.
“Your stories! The ones you tell about life in the village. You make it sound like a whole adventure.”
Odeny laughed nervously. “Telling stories to you and standing on a stage are two different things.”
Baraka grinned. “Come on. I’ll help you. We can practice together.”
Reluctantly, Odeny agreed.
---
The following days were filled with rehearsals. Odeny would recite his stories, while Baraka offered feedback and encouragement. They practiced in the yard after school, sometimes drawing curious glances from other students.
One afternoon, as Odeny practiced a story about climbing mango trees with his cousins, a group of older boys walked by. Among them was Samir.
“Look at this,” Samir sneered, stopping to watch. “Village boy thinks he’s a performer now.”
Odeny paused, his confidence wavering.
“Leave him alone, Samir,” Baraka said, stepping forward.
Samir smirked. “I’m just saying. You’ll embarrass yourself in front of everyone. Stick to what you know—oh wait, you don’t know much.”
The older boys laughed as they walked away, leaving Odeny staring at the ground.
---
That evening, Odeny told his mother about what had happened.
“Mama, maybe I shouldn’t do the talent show. What if they laugh at me?”
Amina set down the vegetables she was chopping and turned to him. “Odeny, do you know why I named you what I did?”
He shook his head.
“Because I believed you would bring blessings wherever you go. And blessings don’t hide—they shine. You have a gift, my son. Don’t let anyone dim it.”
Her words settled deep in Odeny’s heart, giving him the courage to keep going.
---
The day of the talent show arrived. The auditorium buzzed with energy as students and parents filled the seats. Odeny waited backstage, his palms sweaty and his heart racing.
When his name was called, he stepped onto the stage, the bright lights momentarily blinding him. The murmur of the crowd quieted as he began.
“My name is Odeny,” he started, his voice shaking slightly. “And this is a story about my home.”
As he spoke, the nerves melted away. He painted vivid pictures of the lush green hills, the smell of rain-soaked earth, and the laughter of children playing by the river. His words flowed effortlessly, capturing the audience’s attention.
When he finished, there was a moment of silence before the room erupted in applause.
---
After the show, Baraka rushed up to him. “You were amazing!”
Odeny grinned, his face flushed with pride. “Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
Even some of the students who had mocked him earlier came up to congratulate him. Samir, however, stayed in the background, his expression unreadable.
That night, as Odeny and Amina walked home, he felt a newfound sense of self-worth. For the first time, he truly believed in his mother’s words—that he was a blessing, not a burden.
- Writer
