Emily adjusted the wires on her prototype for the third time, her brows furrowed in concentration. Her small bedroom was littered with parts — scrap motors, blades, circuits, and scattered pages filled with formulas and blueprints. On her desk stood a half-completed model of a wind turbine, barely twelve inches tall, but efficient enough to power small devices.
"I just need to fix this rotation lag," she mumbled, making another note in her science journal.
"Emily!" her mother called from downstairs.
She rushed out of her room, brushing her hands on her jeans. "Mom?"
Her mother was folding laundry in the living room, glancing at her phone every few seconds.
"I wanted to tell you," Emily began cautiously, "there's this Innovation Challenge at school… for engineering students. I'm entering with my wind turbine model."
Her mother didn't look up. "Hmm….
"It's a pretty big deal. The winner gets a certificate, a grant… and a chance to intern at RiversTech."
That made her mother pause — barely. "Isn't that Vanessa Rivers' father's company?"
"Yes," Emily nodded. "But the selection is based on the design and presentation. I think I really have a shot."
Her mother picked up her phone. "Just don't be disappointed when someone like Vanessa wins. Those things are politics."
Emily's smile faded slightly. "I still want to try."
"Alright. Just don't neglect your chores because of it."
Emily swallowed her disappointment and nodded. "I won't."
She returned to her room, the ache in her chest familiar. Her parents never really celebrated her efforts. Still, she poured herself into the project. It was hers — her design, her dream.
Two Weeks Later
The auditorium buzzed with excitement.
Parents, students, teachers, and even a few company representatives filled the hall. Banners reading Cresthill High Annual Innovation Challenge hung from the rafters.
Backstage, Emily double-checked every part of her model. Her heart raced, but her fingers were steady.
Across the room, Vanessa Rivers walked in, laughing with her friends. She wore a designer blazer, and her drone project gleamed with polish. Her eyes swept the room — and settled on Emily.
Emily quickly looked away.
"You're up next, Emily," a staff member whispered.
She stepped out onto the stage.
The spotlight felt hot. The silence from the audience was thick.
With a deep breath, Emily began.
"This is a low-cost wind turbine, designed for rural areas with limited power supply. It uses recycled materials and generates enough electricity to power essential items like light bulbs and fans…"
She spoke clearly, with quiet passion. When the model lit the small bulb and turned the fan, a few gasps echoed. Then applause soft at first, but genuine.
She stepped back, hands trembling.
Vanessa presented next, her voice silky and confident. Her drone flew in perfect loops — sleek, flashy, impressive. The crowd clapped, but Emily noticed the shift. It wasn't as loud.
Then came the announcement.
"And the winner of this year's Innovation Challenge is… Emily Clarke!"
The audience erupted.
Emily stood frozen for a moment before walking to the stage. Her fingers clutched the certificate, and a smile broke across her face small but radiant.
Then she met Vanessa's gaze in the crowd.
Cold. Calculated. Furious.
It wasn't just competition now.
It was war.