The Student and the Science Fair

Chapter 1 — Shadows in the Gaze

Alexander was a boy with messy hair and hands often stained by paint or chemical powders. He focused intently on his experiments. In the classroom, he carefully operated his circuits and filtration devices, while some classmates watched with envy and scorn.

Whenever a project failed or a test went wrong, ridicule followed. Thomas slipped a small stone into one of his filters, and Leah swapped some components. Each time this happened, a flicker of disappointment crossed Alexander’s eyes—quick, fleeting, but revealing his hurt.

To everyone else, he remained focused, adjusting his models as if nothing had occurred. His upright posture contrasted sharply with the jealous commotion around him.

Chapter 2 — The Science Fair

On the day of the regional science fair, Alexander meticulously set up his project. He presented a small water purification device, clever and innovative. Despite some classmates’ skeptical glances, he calmly answered the judges’ questions, explaining each step clearly.

The minor sabotages—the moved filters, the misconnected wires—were corrected. The flash of frustration in his eyes vanished, replaced by focused brilliance. Classmates whispered complaints behind him, but Alexander remained composed and poised.

Chapter 3 — The Passage of Time

Ten years later, Alexander attended a top science institute. He joined a professional seminar to discuss his research on innovative water filtration. His expression was calm, his gaze steady and bright—a person who had found his place in the world.

Among the crowd, Thomas recognized him. Memories of past jealousy and petty actions surged. Summoning courage, Thomas approached him after a lecture.

— “Alexander… I need to tell you… we were wrong back then. We envied you and did things we shouldn’t have,” Thomas confessed, full of guilt.

Alexander silently regarded him. The flicker in his eyes revealed not only calm: a subtle sadness and understanding—a light reserved for himself over the years.

— “Why… aren’t you angry?” Thomas asked, shocked.

Alexander smiled faintly:

— “I was, but for them, not for me.”

Thomas froze, overwhelmed.

— “…You knew all along?”

Alexander nodded slightly, a mysterious smile on his lips, and said nothing further.

Epilogue — Continuing to Shine

Alexander continued on his path, staying true to his passions and values. The jealous ones remained trapped in comparison and dissatisfaction, while he steadily moved forward, shining with his own light, achieving both success and inner peace.

✨ Moral: Those who envy others remain bound by their dissatisfaction, while those who stay true to their light continue to shine, calm and strong.