Morning Announcements

Momo bounced through the hallway of Riverside Elementary, her golden curls catching the morning sunlight streaming through tall windows. Her bright blue dress matched her sparkling eyes as she spotted Victoria near the lockers.

"Victoria!" Momo called, waving her hand high in the air.

Victoria turned around, her dark ponytail swishing. She wore her favorite purple sweater and had a big smile on her face. "Momo! Can you believe we actually won the crown together?"

"I know, right?" Momo giggled, adjusting her colorful backpack. "We make such a great team."

Just then, the school's intercom crackled to life. Principal Martinez's voice echoed through the hallways.

"Attention students, we have an exciting announcement. A new competition will begin tomorrow. More details to follow."

Momo and Victoria exchanged curious glances. Around them, other students began whispering excitedly.

"Another competition?" Victoria raised her eyebrows. "What do you think it could be?"

Momo shrugged, but her mind was already racing with possibilities.

The Talent Scout

The next morning, Momo hurried through the cafeteria doors, her pink sneakers squeaking against the polished floor. She spotted Victoria sitting at their usual table near the windows, picking at her breakfast.

"Did you hear anything about the competition?" Momo asked, sliding into the seat across from her friend.

Victoria shook her head. "Nothing yet, but—"

"Attention students!" The intercom crackled again. "Please report to the gymnasium for an important announcement about the Crown Challenge!"

Momo's eyes widened. "Crown Challenge? But we already won the crown!"

Victoria frowned. "That's weird. Why would they call it that?"

They joined the stream of students heading toward the gym. Inside, Principal Martinez stood on the stage holding a microphone, but beside her was someone Momo had never seen before—a woman with short, neat hair wearing a crisp white jacket.

"Students," Principal Martinez began, "this is Ms. Chen, a talent scout from the Regional Youth Competition Board. She's here because of your recent crown victory."

The woman stepped forward. "The competition you won has qualified you for something much bigger. But this time, there can only be one winner."

Momo felt her stomach flip. One winner? She glanced at Victoria, whose smile had completely disappeared.