Liya's heart was still racing as she walked out of the gallery, her mother's arm around her shoulders. She couldn't believe it - she had made it to the top three finalists in the art competition!
As they walked home, Liya's mind was filled with thoughts of what, if anything, she had done differently. She had poured her heart and soul into that piece, and it had paid off.
As they walked, Ama's phone rang. She answered it, and her eyes widened in surprise. "It's the competition organizers," she whispered to Liya.
Liya's heart skipped a beat as Ama listened to the person on the other end. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and she grabbed Liya's hand.
"Liya, you're the winner!" she exclaimed.
Liya's jaw dropped. "What? No way!"
Ama nodded, tears streaming down her face. "Yes, sweetie, you won! They want you to come to the awards ceremony tonight to receive your prize."
Liya felt like she was dreaming. She had never imagined that she would win. She had just been happy to be a part of the competition.
As they walked home, Liya couldn't stop smiling. She felt like she was on cloud nine. She couldn't wait to tell Akira and her friends about her win.
When they got home, Liya called Akira to share the news. He was over the moon, and they made plans to meet up later to celebrate.
The awards ceremony was a blur of lights, cameras, and congratulations. Liya felt like a celebrity as she walked up to the stage to receive her prize.
As she stood there, holding her award, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. She had followed her heart, and it had led her to this moment.
The prize was a scholarship to a prestigious art school in Lagos, and Liya couldn't wait to start her new journey.
As she looked out at the crowd, she saw Akira and her friends cheering for her. She saw Ama, beaming with pride. And she knew that this was just the beginning of her journey as an artist.
Liya's win was a turning point in her life. It gave her the confidence to pursue her dreams, to take risks, and to never give up.
As she walked off the stage, Akira handed her a bouquet of flowers. "You deserve it, Liya," he said, smiling.
Liya smiled, feeling happy and content. "Thank you, Akira. I couldn't have done it without you."
And as they walked out of the hall, Liya knew that she had found her true calling - art.
The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity as Liya prepared for her new journey. She said goodbye to her friends, and hello to a new chapter in her life.
As she boarded the bus to Lagos, Liya felt a sense of excitement and nervousness. She was leaving behind the familiar, and embracing the unknown.
But she knew that she was ready. She had the support of her loved ones, and her own determination to succeed.
As the bus pulled away, Liya looked out at the passing landscape, her heart full of hope and anticipation. She knew that this was just the beginning of her journey, and she was ready to see where it would take her.
Liya's thoughts drifted back to her father, who had always encouraged her to pursue her passion for art. She smiled, knowing that he would be proud of her.
As the bus drove on, Liya felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that she had made the right decision, and that her future was bright.
The bus stopped at a traffic light, and Liya looked out at the vibrant city around her. She saw people from all walks of life, each with their own story to tell. And she knew that she was ready to tell hers.
As the bus pulled away from the light, Liya felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. She was ready to take on the world, and she knew that nothing could stop her.