"Best Friends Forever" by Rayna Lee: January 2026 3rd Place

“All participants from Group B of the Rivergreen Institute of Art Competition, please go to the auditorium.”

Today was going to be tough. It was my one chance to get accepted into my dream school. I had to get in. I had prepared for weeks—sketching, painting, smudging, cutting, brushing, and every other type of media I could think of. And it had paid off.

My best friend, Francine, and I had reached the final round after surviving 19 excruciating ones. I have a good chance of winning, but so does Francine since both of us placed in the top 3 every round. Scanning the room, there were barely any of us left. 5 at most including me and Francine.

Professor Charles’s sharp voice announced the theme: “The final round will be to paint a realistic landscape with water color but with only one color.”

I looked over at Francine. Whatever happened, I hope it didn’t affect our friendship.

I walked to my canvas. What?! I was given the most horrendous color ever…orange.

Calming myself down, I quickly tried to think of an idea. Aha! I had it! After an hour, the image of the last leaf falling from a tree, in the crisp autumn air appeared on my canvas, representing the circle of life.

Suddenly the timer stopped.

I glanced over at Francine’s. Hers showed a beautiful image of a flower.

After 10 minutes, the final 3 were picked. I was upset I hadn’t been chosen, but knew I still had a chance. The top 3 were going to choose the final winner, and one had already chosen me. I knew that Francine would choose me. Of course, she would.

I closed my eyes waiting to hear my name, but all I heard were people gasping. I opened my eyes just to be heartbroken.

My own best friend had chosen a stranger over me…Tears filled my eyes, as I looked over at Francine.

“I’m sorry,” she mouthed, “You’re too good.”

I knew our friendship would never be the same.