The Great Race

Festival day arrived, and the beach was packed with people. Colourful flags fluttered, the smell of grilled fish and warm bread filled the air, and children dashed between everyone's legs.

Seven little boats lined up on the water, and among them was the Seagull in her shiny new blue. Layan held the tiller, and Hamad held the rope of the sail, his hands trembling a little.

"Are you scared?" Hamad whispered.

"A bit," said Layan. "But I'm ready."

Layan looked at the shore and saw Grandpa Salem in the very front row, holding his wooden stick high. She saw her mother waving a blue handkerchief, her teacher clapping, and the boys who had laughed at her drawing standing quietly, waiting.