Struggle (Story)

Despite my sadness, I look up from the park bench and watch a train speed into the tunnel. A passenger in the last compartment waves and I gasp. It can't be, it just can't be? My father smiles weakly as he watches me sitting on the bench. Why did he have to get sick right now? We were  both working on making a hydrogen powered car for the science battle starting two years ago and there are only two weeks left. How am I going to be able to finish it without his guidance! It isn't that I don't care, I am very worried about my dad's health, but my project is also very important. I get up and start my way  to the lab. I start working. Barely ten minutes later, I feel frustrated and call my dad. He doesn't pick up. I decide that it is better to work with what you have rather than whining, so I start greasing car axles. That night, I slept at twelve, and again wake up at four o' clock. I only take a break when I need to. I keep doing this for the next two weeks. My dad has not picked up the phone. I feel very frightened. But still, I keep working for the next two days. 

Well, tomorrow's the big day. I came to the Science Battle on  a bus, and am submitting my project. I feel nervous, sad, scared and excited at the same time.  Three hours, later the results are ready. In the mean time, I got a call from my Mom and learnt that Dad left me on purpose, he was never sick. He was home with mom, all this time. I was angry that he left me in one of my challenging and struggling moments.

In the auditorium, I apprehensively listen to the special mentions. I hear the third and second places. I am holding on to my last thread of hope. A chill went down my spine. "The champion of the Science Battle is - "Adrean Kokkrati". I gasped. Was I dreaming or was this real? I pinch myself. Then I work my way up to the stage. I look one more time at the applauding crowd. 
Suddenly I hear a rough voice behind me. Dad? Wow! This is the best moment of  my life. My dad hands me the award and whispers - "oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure".