Too Fast

"Well, there's word of a tournament. A tournament where each family can enlist a child, and a variety are chosen to compete."

Interesting, but she's still beating around the bush. "Really, what type of tournament?" I ask, feigning interest.

"A tournament to test one's skills. A tournament whose prize is the ability to freeze time."

My eyes widen in surprise. People had gotten close to slowing time to a stop, but no one had ever managed to succeed. The possibilities of such an ability would be endless.

I imagine the thrill of stopping time and having the power to keep myself out of harm's way. I wouldn't be the Runt anymore, I would be the King. With such power, I could get rid of wealthy, corrupt families and bullies on the streets.

It feels like all the happiness flies out of me in a second as I find the catch: There's no way my mother would choose me. And, if Tom got the power, my life would look more like hell than ever. "So, why are you telling me this?" I ask bitterly.

My mother sighs dramatically. "Unfortunately, only people born with no powers can attend. So, you are this family's only possible contender." Hope-- that devil-- comes sliding out of the shadows, reaching for my heart. "So, I've decided to put you in the raffle." Before I can stop it, Hope has seized my limbs, begging me to leap with joy. I contain myself. Hardly. Enough to notice the greed that flashes in my mother's eyes before she waves me off. Hope's death is as painful as the joy of its presence: Even if I win the tournament, the prize won't be mine to take.

---

In Jack's world, people have the ability to speed up and slow time. Thanks to his lack of both powers, his life has been hell. When a chance to take charge of his life to win a prize beyond imagination arrives, he takes it. But will he win the tournament? And if he does, who will stop his family from taking the prize?

WARNING: This story contains themes of abuse, language, and self-harm.