“The Strength He Left Me,” by Olivia Yang: May 2025 Runner Up

Sky didn’t expect to be at a hospital. One minute he was at band practice, the next he was being picked up and quietly driven away by his mom. “Why are we here?” he asked.

“I’ll explain later,” she said. “If I don’t come back soon, go to the bathroom or ask the front desk ladies to take you to the playroom.”

Wandering the hallway, Sky tripped over a loose white tile. He shifted it, revealing a hole just big enough for him. Backpack in hand, he climbed down.

The tunnel below buzzed faintly, lit by dim flickers. As he walked, Sky found a metal piece and, curious, adjusted it. It sparked to life—a tiny, broken robot.

“Hello! I’m Roro 23470. If you want assistance, press—oh, never mind. Sorry. Didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You didn’t,” Sky said gently. “Can you show me around?”

Roro blinked. “I’ll show you something more important.”

They passed old parts—lost socks, buttons, a perfume bottle—forgotten scraps. 

“This is where I made things. Only three inventions. But this one... this one’s for you.”

Roro revealed a machine: a glowing screen with a nozzle and buttons. “It shows what you need to see most.”

Roro twisted knobs. The screen lit up.

Sky saw his father lying in a hospital bed. “Where’s Sky?” his dad asked, voice weak.

“He should be here,” his mom said.

A doctor looked down sadly. “Are you sure you’ll make it?”

His dad whispered, “As long as Sky lives a good life... stays strong... he’ll be fine.”

The monitor slowed.

Beep...

Beep...

Beep…

Silence.

Sky stared, frozen.

Around him, the tunnel flickered. Machines sputtered. The floor trembled—but he didn’t run.

He looked at Roro, then back at the screen.

Even with the world below collapsing, he stayed.