The entrance to the training classroom.
Owen Simmons was just about to lead the students who passed the preliminary round to form a line and head to the competition venue.
Over thirty children who failed the preliminary round stood nearby, staring at Owen Simmons with longing, their faces filled with disappointment.
Yesterday, they could still ride the school bus together to the venue.
Today, they didn't even qualify to enter the event.
Feeling the sadness in these children's gazes, Owen hesitated for a moment. "It's class time now—why aren't you all heading back to the classroom?"
As his words fell, one of the boys mustered up his courage, stepping forward to speak, "Teacher Simmons, can I go with you to watch the competition? I promise I won't cause any trouble."
Upon hearing this request, the surrounding children, who were reluctant to leave, joined in. "Teacher Simmons, I want to go too—please take me with you."
"Teacher Simmons, I want to go too..."