I will return

72

The director takes the microphone and, with a voice full of enthusiasm, addresses the audience:

—Welcome to the science fair! Today, we have the honor of having three very special judges: Professor Ernesto, our beloved librarian, and Miss Vilma Dinkley, recognized for being part of the Mystery to the Order team.

Mystery's mention of the Order ignites a murmur of excitement among the children, who look at Vilma with amazement and admiration. She smiles, clearly used to that reaction, as the little ones return to their places to prepare for the judging of their projects.

Vilma walks around the tables, observing each presentation carefully. Note that some of the paper mache volcanoes don't work well, probably due to a bad connection, while other projects show genuine effort. He stops at a clock made of potatoes and leans towards the child responsible.

"This is very good, but if you change the position of these cables, it may work better," he advises, seeing the boy's grateful smile upon receiving the advice.

As he continues, he comes across strange and entertaining projects, until he reaches the table of Heidi, the little fan he had met earlier. His model of the solar system is perfectly put together, each planet connected and with a precision that stands out. The librarian, standing next to her, comments to Vilma:

—Heidi is one of our best students. He always puts his heart in everything he does.

Vilma writes down her impressions, clearly impressed, and when all the projects have been reviewed, she meets with the other judges in the central forum. One by one, both she and Professor Ernesto and the librarian, quietly cast their votes.

Finally, the director stands in front of the microphone once again and, in a ceremonious tone, announces:

—And the winner of this science fair is Heidi Benson!

A burst of applause fills the auditorium. Heidi goes on stage to receive her award from Vilma, who warmly congratulates her. The little girl cannot hide her emotion, and the audience is infected with her joy.

The applause continues until the event comes to an end. With the children returning to their classrooms and the fair closing its final moments, I see the perfect opportunity as the space empties.

It's my time.

"It's time to act," I murmur, feeling the excitement grow.