Riley and Val oneshots

Trusting oneself

Pov Nobody

Riley and Val had been best friends since kindergarten, their bond forged over shared adventures and a mutual love for challenges. Growing up in a quaint suburb, they were known for their daring spirit and unbreakable friendship.

As they entered their final year of high school, life took an unexpected turn. Val's family faced financial difficulties, threatening her dream of attending a prestigious art school abroad. Meanwhile, Riley grappled with self-doubt about her academic future, unsure if her passion for science would lead to a meaningful career.

One chilly autumn afternoon, as they strolled through the park, Riley noticed a flyer fluttering in the breeze. It advertised a national robotics competition with a substantial scholarship prize—exactly what Riley needed to secure her future. Excitedly, she shared the news with Val, her eyes shining with determination.

"Riley, this is perfect for you!" Val exclaimed, her voice tinged with concern. "But are you sure you want to do this? It sounds challenging."

Riley nodded resolutely. "I have to try, Val. It's a chance to prove myself, to make a difference."

With Val's unwavering support, Riley threw herself into preparations for the competition. Late nights in the school lab became routine as she meticulously designed and built her robotic creation. Val, meanwhile, poured her heart into her artwork, seeking solace and inspiration amidst the uncertainty.

As the competition date approached, doubts crept into Riley's mind. The other participants were seasoned competitors with state-of-the-art designs, while her robot still faced glitches and imperfections. Val noticed Riley's anxiety and offered a comforting embrace.

"You've worked so hard for this, Riley. Trust yourself and your abilities," Val reassured her, her voice steady with conviction.

Encouraged by Val's words, Riley faced the competition head-on. On the day of the event, nerves fluttered in her stomach as she watched her robot take the stage. The judges scrutinized each creation, evaluating innovation, functionality, and performance.

In the final round, Riley's robot encountered a critical malfunction—a glitch she hadn't anticipated. Panic threatened to overwhelm her, but then she remembered Val's words: trust yourself. Drawing on her determination and ingenuity, Riley quickly improvised a solution, recalibrating the robot's systems on the fly.

To her surprise and relief, the robot not only resumed operation but exceeded expectations, showcasing its unique capabilities in a dazzling display of precision and creativity. The audience erupted into applause, and Riley felt a rush of pride and accomplishment flood her senses.

She glanced over at Val, who beamed with pride and relief. "You did it, Riley! I knew you could," Val exclaimed, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

Riley grinned, her heart swelling with gratitude for Val's unwavering support. "I couldn't have done it without you, Val. Thank you for believing in me."