After spending several weeks wrestling with the grief and excruciating pain of Aunty Verci's loss, Rowan finally set his sights on his promise to her.
It wasn't just about proving himself, it was about keeping the promise he had made to her. To reach for something greater, to rise beyond the life that seemed destined to trap him.
On the eve of the test, Rowan picked up the payphone, his heart heavy as he dialled his mother's number. When she answered, her familiar voice stirred a mixture of longing and anger within him.
"I've decided to take the magic test," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
The silence that followed felt endless before she finally spoke, her tone sharp with disbelief.
"Rowan… magic? Really? You should focus on getting a stable, mundane job. Magic isn't for people like us. You know that."
Rowan clenched his jaw as his hand tightened around the receiver.
"How would you know? You've never even tried to believe in me. Maybe it's not for you, but that doesn't mean it's not for me."
The conversation quickly escalated into a heated argument, her voice rising in frustration as she tried to dissuade him.
"The chances of you having a high magic affinity are slim, Rowan! Stop chasing a fantasy and face reality."
"Reality?" he snapped.
"You think I don't know reality? I've lived it, every single day, scraping by just to survive. Maybe I'm tired of your version of reality."
Her words came slower, softer this time, as if searching for a way to reach him. "I'm just trying to protect you from disappointment."
Rowan's chest heaved, his voice cracking slightly as he retorted, "I don't need your protection, Mom. I need you to believe in me, just this once."
Caught off guard by his vulnerability, she paused. Finally, in a tone that was both hesitant and conciliatory, she said,
"I'll try to be there."
The words, though small, calmed Rowan's raging emotions. Stubborn tears tugged at his eyelids, but he held them back.
He hadn't seen his mother in years, and despite his tough skin, he couldn't deny how much he missed her, and Abby.
Yet, deep down, a part of him questioned the sincerity of her promise. It felt like one of those stories told to children to help them fall asleep, soothing but hollow.
Still, who could blame him for wanting to give her a chance?
***
The big day of the test finally came, and Rowan was determined to get there early. He wanted to make sure he was one of the first hundred in line.
As he waited outside the academy gates, he kept looking around. His eyes searched the streets, hoping to catch a glimpse of his mom. Each moment that ticked by made his heart sink a little more.
She hadn't shown up.
A small voice in his head, the one that was always honest with him, said, "I told you so." This time, it didn't tease him. Instead, it felt almost comforting, as if it was saying, "Let's give it our best shot."
With that thought in mind, Rowan took a deep breath. He felt a flicker of determination light up inside him. He walked through the gates, joining the crowd of teens buzzing with both excitement and nerves.
Inside, the atmosphere was intense. Teens were lined up to test their skills, and the air felt electric with anticipation.
Some teens walked away with big smiles, parents hugging them tight. Others left looking defeated, their heads hanging low as tears rolled down their cheeks.
Rowan watched all of this, and as his turn approached, it felt like time was dragging on forever. Each minute seemed to stretch to the next, feeling more like an eternity.
He couldn't help but notice those who hadn't succeeded. Watching their disappointed faces made his heart ache. Doubts crept into his mind, whispering: What if you're just like them? What if you can't do it either?
But deep down, the fire in his heart wouldn't die out. He thought of Aunty Verci and his promise to make her proud. That thought pushed away his doubts, reminding him he had what it takes.
Even as the line moved and his nerves kicked in, Rowan kept telling himself the same thing.
He wasn't there just to pass a test. He was there to change his story.
Suddenly, the board lit up with numbers: 1-0-0-2.
Rowan froze, his breath catching in his throat as he focused on those numbers. His heart raced, and he looked down at the card in his hand.
He gripped it tightly, making sure the number was real and not a figment of his imagination.
An overwhelming wave of anxiety washed over him. For a moment, it felt like his knees might buckle. But he took a sharp breath, clenched his jaw, and reignited the fire within him.
His worry began to fade, replaced by a flicker of determination that showed in his eyes.
He straightened his back and stood tall, his voice steadier than before.
"It's now or never," he told himself.
Rowan walked towards a platform where two young adults monitored the tests. They seemed close in age, maybe around twenty-four, but they had very different vibes.
One of them had a friendly energy. He was relaxed and smiled at everyone, making the candidates feel at ease.
The other one had a serious look. He moved carefully, and you could sense that he expected respect.
The friendly one smiled warmly and called out, "Number 1002, Rowan Stephenson?"
"That's me," Rowan answered, keeping his response short yet polite.
"Great. Please place your hands on the crystal," the man said while pointing to a medium-sized crystal ball on the table.
Rowan felt his throat tighten as he approached. His palms were sweaty as he reached for the smooth surface of the crystal. His fingers shook just a bit from the nerves.
"Calm yourself and focus," the other man said, his voice steady and firm.
Rowan nodded slightly. He realized he needed to gain control, even though panic simmered inside him. Slowly, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"Stay calm," he told himself over and over, trying to find that sense of focus deep inside him.
A voice cut through the silence. It was soft yet strong: "Do you feel anything?"
The tone was inviting, almost like a guide leading him into his own thoughts while also encouraging him. It pushed him to dig deeper, searching for the spark of magic he hoped was within him.
But Rowan didn't answer right away. Instead, he focused inward, using all his willpower to find that bit of magic he believed he carried.
For what felt like ages, nothing happened. Then, something shifted within him. It was like a gentle warmth creeping up from somewhere deep inside.
Gradually, an unfamiliar energy began to emerge. It felt like tiny ripples in the water, warm and real. Rowan could feel it vibrating softly in him, fragile yet present.