He longed to go. To try his luck at the ‘Talent competition’. Not in his town, but in New York.
Robin was a born dancer, so said everyone.
He was swaying and pirouetting long before he could walk.
Music found him. The clinking of glasses, chirping of birds, tinkling of fountains, somehow presented him music and rhythm, which he responded to with tapping his feet and dancing to the beat.
His mom Judy, was an hourly wage worker at the local Walmart. A hardworking soul, her ambition was to move on to be a regular employee with salary and perks. So, she could ensure Robin would go to University.
At school, Robin’s warm smiles and cheery “Hi!” endeared him to all. Even the bullies lurking in the corners would wave him on.
The dance competition at school attracted many from far and near. The judge was the chic and famous Mel B.
Waiting for his turn, Robin realised he was the last to go on stage.
“And now, please put your hands together for our very own…Robin!” announced the MC. The music burst forth, upbeat and peppy, every foot in the auditorium was tapping with the beat and Robin burst on the stage. His simple, graceful twists and turns soon turned into complicated steps, leaps, pirouettes and splits.
With the crescendo, Robin’s triple somersault ended with a perfect split. Silence!
And the auditorium erupted in applause and standing ovation. Mel B herself wiped a tear before she said “Here is Michael Jackson of this town!”
As he walked home, arm swung around his friend Dave, he was heard saying, “I wish I could participate in America’s Got Talent, in New York.” Dave stopped mid step, “Why?”
“If I win, Mom need not work so hard. I can go to university one day and have a dancing school of my own. It would be free!”
Overhearing this, the wicked brothers Sean and Biff, posted Robin’s posters all across, mocking him and his dream.
Riley and Robert the notorious bullies, stopped Robin in the hall the next day. “Is this true? Do you want to go to Aerica’s got talent, in New York?”
“Yes!” was a surprised reply.
“Even we want to go to NASA centre in Florida, but…” Riley’s voice trailed off.
“Really? I didn’t know you guys were into Space and nerdy stuff!” Robin exclaimed with amazement.
He soon forgot about this conversation as he tried to figure out how would he manage to go for the audition.
“I have some money saved, honey! Take it!” said Judy.
“No way mom! Never!”
He made a video inspired by MJ and sent it off.
He immediately received an invitation to the audition.But, how could he go?
Robert and Riley stepped in. They washed cars and mowed lawns. Every cent was counted!
One ticket to New-York, bought.
“I stood at the airport, watching them walk away, not knowing when or if I’d see them again,“ wrote Robin in his journal that night.
PS: Picture courtesy https://pixabay.com/photos/aviator-begin-take-off-lift-up-1277230/
