Jemma Wemma could barely contain her excitement as she leapt out of bed, her mind already racing with thoughts of the fishing rodeo she had been eagerly awaiting.
Paw Paw had always been her fishing mentor, and his words echoed in her ears: everyone who fishes and has fun is a winner. But today, she wanted more than fun; she wanted to win.
LaLa, with her warm smile, helped Jemma arrange their chairs and get their supplies ready. Jemma felt a mix of nerves and excitement flutter in her stomach as she cast her line into the sparkling water, the gentle ripples promising a day of adventure.
"I am going to win," Jemma declared with determination, her eyes fixed on her bobber.
Jemma focused hard, her hands gripping her fishing rod. She felt a tug and reeled in her first catch with a thrill of triumph. LaLa clapped encouragingly, whispering words of wisdom about patience and perseverance.
"Remember, it's about having fun too," LaLa reminded gently, watching as Jemma quickly baited her hook again.
Jemma caught fish after fish, her determination unwavering despite the heat pressing down on her. She glanced over at her friends, some playing in the water, and felt a momentary pang of longing to join them. But the vision of the big trophy on the clubhouse table kept her focused.
"Almost time to gather," Paw Paw announced from down the pier, his voice a beacon over the hum of chatter.
Jemma stood beside JoJo, her friend, both exchanging excited whispers about their catches. Jemma had counted eleven fish, and the knowledge that someone had caught twelve loomed over her. Yet, the thrill of the competition filled her with joy.
"I hope there's more than one big trophy," Jemma said, eyes sparkling with hope.
"We have the results," Paw Paw announced, drawing all eyes to him. The announcement of winners came, the cheers erupting as names were called. A boy named Reece got 1 st place. Jo Jo got second and Jemma got third. The results were for total weight not how many. Also one for biggest fish. Jemma felt tears burning her eyes. She wanted to hide and cry. But LaLa said be happy for your friends. You are still a winner Jemma Wemma, you fished for an hour and a half. It is your first time to do a fishing compitition. You didget second place for amount of fish. There wasnt a category for that. Jemma Hugged her friend. Fist bump to the other winners. Jemma got a suprise. She won a hat and $20 for 3rd place!
