24/03/2026
OMATA (Am not Mad) Episode 9
I reckoned I could steer my fame into something bigger and contesting for the post of the Noble Faces could push it up. Though I had little financial support from home, I dared to pursue the dream. I began making findings about the office and, to my delight, I came out successful. I gave in to practicing and rehearsing George Legend's "All of Me" and Celine Dion's "Now On" for the contest. The entire hostel number eight residents felt the atmosphere, and I gained more impetus getting prepared for the contest.
As the days went by, my confidence grew. I would often sneak out to the mango tree behind the hostel, trumpet in hand, and belt out tunes that echoed through the evening air. The sky was not too bright, displaying an eventide hue. A slight wind rustled the leaves of the mango tree, carrying my voice above. I paused, feeling a touch on my shoulder.
"Chris," a soft female voice followed the touch. I turned to see a girl walking out from behind the tree, admiring my trumpet. I chuckled, leaning backwards.
"Good evening," she greeted, sitting on the bench some feet opposite me. "I would like to learn how to play the trumpet, are you going to teach me?" She asked, giving out a smile and her head bent from the neck. Our eyes met, and we laughed loudly.
"Have we met?" I asked, trying to place her.
"Are you not Chris?" she asked, one blink at the trumpet, another at me.
"Yeah, that's me," I replied, smiling.
"My name is Mitchell," she said, extending her hand.
We shook hands, and I was struck by her bright smile. "Nice to meet you, Mitchell. I'd be happy to teach you how to play the trumpet."
As we began to talk, I learned that Mitchell was a student in the university, and she had heard me singing at a local event. She was impressed by my voice and wanted to learn how to play an instrument. I was drawn to her enthusiasm and energy.
We spent the next few hours talking, laughing, and making music together. The evening air was filled with the sweet sound of trumpet and conversation. As the night wore on, I realized that this chance encounter might just be the push I needed to take my dream to the next level.
The Noble Faces contest was just around the corner, but I was no longer focused solely on winning. I was excited to see where this new connection would lead and how it would impact my journey.
(To be continued)