The Legacy of Seán – Part 1: The Orphan’s Plight

Chapter 4: The Wonder Boy | Episode 10

Upon discovering that Kevin, the child prodigy, was participating in the science competition, a few jealous students, Reynold Smith and his closest allies Nathaniel McManus aka Nat, Leonard Bray aka Leo and Charlie Connor couldn’t bear to see their friend Gayle being challenged by a newcomer.

Reynold, in particular, took advantage of every opportunity to disrupt the boy inside the class and during his library visits, resorting to tossing paper balls at Kevin’s head when the coast was clear. Despite the constant disturbance, Kevin remained unfazed. He effortlessly snagged the airborne missiles without even glancing at them and tossed them away in the dustbin. This peculiar ability of the boy left Reynolds baffled, wondering how Kevin managed to catch every throw with such nonchalant ease.

Unable to distract him they now cornered him in an empty corridor where Charlie pinned him flat against the wall and held him tight. The four of them now subtly peppered the young teen with derogatory remarks in an attempt to undermine his achievements.

‘Hey, genius! We heard you’re going to compete against Gayle in the science thing. Are you sure you can handle that with your little brain in here?’ Reynold teased and poked at Kevin’s forehead.

‘Yeah, I’m pretty sure I can,’ Kevin promptly replied while trying to maintain his cool.

‘You know, Gayle’s not just the maths champ; he’s got this competition in his pocket. Five times in a row, kid! What’s your chance against that?’ Nathan joined with a mocking laugh.

‘Let’s see who wins,’ Kevin said firmly. A subtle grin played on his lips. His unyielding in his stance did not go unnoticed by the senior students. Given Kevin’s age, taking a stand against these formidable opponents appeared to showcase more than just courage; it bordered on the brink of audacity.  The big boys understood that this thirteen-year-old petite teen was not yet ready to bow down under pressure. They felt a bit anxious now. What if this boy could eliminate their friend Gayle from the competition, they wondered.

‘Sure, but Gayle’s a senior, and he’s practically a legend in these competitions. You’re just a junior, Kevin,’ Leo pointed out. ‘I’m telling you. Back off kid. This is not the cup of tea for you,’ he added.

‘Legends are meant to be challenged. I’ll decide what’s my cup of tea,’ Kevin responded with a steady gaze.’

‘Forget it guys, let him try whatever he can do, but he can’t beat Gayle…you know why,’ chimed in Charlie.

‘Yeah, carry on, you show-off genius. See you in the competition,’ sneered Reynold. He added to the insult with a derisive poke to Kevin’s belly. Leo, Nathan and Charlie followed suit. They each added their sarcastic jabs at different parts of Kevin’s body. The four seniors then erupted into a loud burst of ridicule as they walked away. Despite the physical taunts, Kevin stood his ground. He silently absorbed the mockery. He was now doubly determined to prove his ingenuity to those scornful seniors and secure a well-deserved place among the others.

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