Renewal [Emmett Cullen] (1)

The thudding rhythm of my heart echoed the pounding of my feet on the track, a blur beneath me. Sweat beaded on my forehead, catching the stadium lights as the wind whipped around my face, forcing my baby hairs to cling to my skin. My muscles stretched, propelling me forward, faster, a human arrow aimed at the finish line.

I could hear the ragged wheezing of the other runners, a fading chorus behind me, and a triumphant grin stretched across my face. They were too far. Victory was mine, already tasted, already won.

I burst through the invisible tape, crossing the finish line, and the crowd erupted, a roaring wave of applause that washed over me. “Eleanor Parks has finished 1st and broken the 3rd record today!” the commentator’s voice boomed through the loudspeakers. My mom, a beacon of pride, dashed towards me, enveloping me in a hug.

“Ahh, Mom, I’m super sweaty!” I protested, laughing, but leaned into her embrace anyway. She chuckled, pulling back just enough to beam at me. “I’m just so proud, honey!”