CHAPTER EIGHT A FAITHFUL FRIDAY

Richard's heart raced like a sprinter on the starting blocks. Every tick of the clock felt like a heavy thud against his chest, counting down the seconds until the verdict of his future arrived. He couldn't shake the overwhelming feeling of nervousness that engulfed him. This Friday had transformed from just another end-of-the-week day to a pivotal moment that could alter the course of his life.

As he sat on the edge of the worn-out couch, Richard found it impossible to distract himself from the thought of the letter. He fidgeted with his hands, tapping his foot anxiously against the floor. The mere possibility of not being accepted gnawed at his mind, as doubts and uncertainties clouded his thoughts.

The anticipation was almost unbearable, and he found himself staring at the entrance door as if willing the letter to materialize before him. What if his qualifications weren't enough? What if he was too young and lacked the experience they were looking for? These questions buzzed in his mind like pesky insects, relentlessly tormenting him.

As the minutes stretched into hours, Richard's nervousness escalated. He tried to distract himself with other activities, but his eyes kept wandering back to the gate, hoping for a miraculous appearance of the letter. Each time he glanced at the closeed gate his heart sank a little further.

The sun was beginning to set when Richard heard the gate creak open. His heart leapt into his throat as he wondered if it could be the letter he'd been waiting for. Then, he heard a voice calling out, "Richie, it's me!" It was his little sister, coming home from school. Relief washed over him, but his anticipation remained. Just then, his mother walked through the front door. "Did the letter come?" she asked. Richard shook his head, disappointment settling in. He wasn't sure how much longer he could bear the suspense.

"You shouldn't lose hope, my boy. There are always other fields to try too," his mom comforted, her voice filled with warmth and concern. "You can't always be a bodyguard. Maybe your path is somewhere else."Richard looked at his mom, his eyes reflecting the pain he felt inside. "But if I don't get this, I don't think I have a purpose in this life," he confessed, his voice wavering with emotion. He stood up and left, retreating to his room, seeking solitude to grapple with the weight of uncertainty that now burdened his heart.

Richard was lost in deep thoughts, feeling an overwhelming sense of uncertainty he had never experienced before. As he pondered, he heard a gentle knock at his door.

"Please, I don't need to see anyone," Richard said, his voice heavy with emotion.

The door creaked open, and Cynthia, his sister, stepped in. "Hey, it's me," she said softly, trying to offer comfort.

"Just go," Richard insisted, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and despair.

You know I can't do that," Cynthia replied firmly. "You're the only brother I have. You can't just push me away like that."

Cynthia's words hung in the air, a reminder of the bond they shared, even in the midst of Richard's turmoil. Despite his desire to be alone, he couldn't deny the comfort in having someone who cared deeply about him by his side.

Cynthia approached him with a gentle touch on his shoulder, her eyes filled with concern and compassion. "I know you're going through a tough time, Richard," she said softly, "but you don't have to face it all alone."

Cynthia held his hand gently, offering a comforting presence. "I understand how much it means to you, but remember, your worth isn't defined solely by one opportunity. Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, and sometimes those detours bring us to even greater destinations."

Her words resonated with him, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of uncertainty. Richard found solace in knowing that his sister had faith in him, even when he doubted himself.

"Thank you," he whispered, feeling a sense of relief in opening up to her. "I just need some time to process everything."

"Take all the time you need," Cynthia replied, her support unwavering. "I'll be here whenever you're ready to talk, and no matter what happens, I believe in you."

As Richard leaned into his sister's embrace, he felt some relief as he's understands that there is no pressure to succeed from he's family and they fully support and trust him.

As Richard and Cynthia were approaching the dining room to eat, a sudden knock at the door interrupted their path. Cynthia hurriedly went to open it, revealing a delivery man on the doorstep.

"I'm sorry for coming this late," the delivery man apologized, slightly out of breath. "My bike broke down, but I believe this letter is for you, Mr. Richard."

Richard's heart skipped a beat as he took the letter from the delivery man's hand. The envelope felt crisp and official, and he could hardly contain his anticipation. With trembling hands, he tore it open, revealing the contents that would determine his future. As he read the words on the page, his eyes widened, and a mixture of relief and joy washed over him.

"I got in!" Richard exclaimed, unable to hide the excitement in his voice. "I got accepted!"

Cynthia beamed with pride and hugged her brother tightly. "I knew you could do it! Congratulations, Richard!"

In that moment, the weight of uncertainty and nervousness that had burdened him was lifted. The acceptance letter became a symbol of hope and a reminder that perseverance and the support of loved ones can lead to fulfilling dreams.he took the letter to he's mom who was soo happy to see Richard accepted it's been long Richard ever been accepted in something in hes first trial.