There is no shame in losing....

“It doesn’t count if you’re already planning your defeat.”

Simon signed recalled the last conversation he had with his friend. He was tired of hearing people saying that he was giving up. He desperately wanted to show everyone that things were not what they seemed.

He knew if anyone found out what he  planned it would fail before it started. Simon was positive that in the face of defeat he would come through as a winner, at least his idea of a winner.

As the sun went down in a blaze of colour, he heard on the loudspeaker saying it was time to begin the contest. This contest would not end until there was only one winner. Each contestant started alone and finished alone seeing and talking to no one. Simon thought that this was part of the strategy to get the contestants to break.

Isolation in this world was something that would break the strongest person and having to fulfill numerous tasks made it harder.  He thought it would work on some, but he knew he was stronger and could make it to the end.

The contestants were told to get into a marked car and then they had to get through each test on their own. Simon took a deep breathe looked up and said, “please help me fail with courage”, before moving into his marked vehicle.

He started the machine and checked out the next instructions. His instructions told him to go straight until he came to a flaming figure. Not knowing how far or how long it would take him was a bit daunting and made him feel extremely nervous.

He started the engine and with a wing and a prayer he went forward. He felt like he drove for hours. The scenery was the same, dirt and dust and nothing else. He felt his eyes growing heavier and his body shutting down. He knew if he stopped, he would not fulfill his mission, so he pushed himself forward. Just when he thought it was over for him, he saw a bright light in the distance.

He hoped it was the burning figure. He knew he could not go on for much longer no matter his resolve. Ten minutes later he pulled up alongside the figure, shut the engine off and stepped out.

He noticed a pole with papers stapled on it. He went over and saw one that had his name on it. It said that he had a rest period of six hours where he could clean up, get some food and some sleep. He noticed a structure with the entrance blocked with a thin fabric.  He crawled inside and after he drank and eat what he was given, he drifted off to sleep.

Waking up with a start he realized he failed to look at the figure which could have been a clue. It could be important, and he once again failed. He knew there would be no more instructions and would have to make it on his own which meant figuring out what the clues meant. He knew it was going to be hard, but he was determined to get to the end and fail.

He left his nightly quarters and squinted in the bright light. He realized that his machine was missing, and he knew suddenly it was very real. There was no turning back and he would not if he could.

Looking around he saw only flat dry land that went on forever. He drew his strength and started walking in the direction he thought was opposite from the one he took the previous night.  

Hours later he still saw only flat land and nothing that hinted at what the next stop would be. He stopped and dropped to his knees. Maybe he would have to give up and not get the chance to be defeated.   He stood up with determination and started to move forward again.

Suddenly he felt the ground under him fall away. He found himself sinking into the hot sand. Panicking he tried to stop himself, but he continued falling through the sand. He looked up and saw that the sand had covered him. He thought this is it and I have not failed like I was supposed to.

It seemed like forever when he finally landed on some soft sand in an open space. He heard water running and rushed to it. He did not care if it was not fit to drink. He only thought of his thirst and the need to drink. After his belly was full, he crept into a corner and fell into a deep sleep.

Waking up he looked around and wondered for the hundredth time why he was putting himself through this. He had nothing to prove only to himself. He knew that was not true. He had to show his family and friends he had what it took, or all would be lost.

He ate his meager breakfast and looked for a way out. He knew he was running out of time. He saw a bright spot ahead and started in that direction. He had to push himself knowing that it almost time to prove he was willing to lose and claim his defeat.

After what seemed like hours, he saw an opening and entered a huge cavern. He saw hundreds of bats and knew there was a way out. He watched the bats and noticed they all went the same way.  He followed their path and hoped this would end soon. His resolve and energy were wearing very thin.

He heard what he thought was a cry and hurried toward the sound. This is what he was waiting for he hoped. As he continued the cry grew louder. He pushed through the pain and headed for the noise.

He felt he was no longer alone and as he turned the corner; he saw the body laying on the rocks. Okay he thought this is it. This is what I have been waiting for, what I have suffered for, what I have lost friends for. I hope I can do it.

He knelt next to the woman and checked her pulse. She was breathing very faintly. He gently put some water on her lips and called her name. “Krystal please don’t let this be for nothing. You need to fight.” The woman groaned and opened her eyes. “Is that you? she gasped. “I can’t believe it.”

Simon smiled at the woman and said “Yes, it’s me and we need to move now if we are going to do this.” Krystal slowly nodded her head and tried to sit up.  She was too weak to even take on step. Simon reached down and picked her up in his arms. He carried her toward the light and kept reassuring her as he went.

As they left the cave, they saw the finishing line. There were numerous people waiting behind a barricade looking anxious. “Okay”, said Simon, “you have to do this. I can’t do it for you.” “I am not sure I can”, said the Krystal. “Don’t let them win. Do not let them think we are both defeatists. You can do this so do it.” Simon knew he was a bit rough, but Krystal needed to be pushed.

She slowly stood up and made her way to the barricade where the finishing line was. Her body ached and she felt like she was on fire. She would not let Simon down and she pushed herself forward.

She saw the tape and pushed through it. She had won. She was going to be okay. Simon failed on purpose to let her win.

As Simon’s friends came to him, they had one question. “Why did you let her win. You had it and could have won.”

Simon signed and then quietly said, “I had to lose to let her live.”

Simon’s friends were silent. They did not know what to say. “Why didn’t you take the prize for yourself. You know you have the virus? We don’t understand you sometimes.” Simon just looked to the sky, then at each of his friends and said, “Sometimes it does count even if you are planning your defeat. Krystal is carrying my baby and I would let myself be defeated every time to protect her and my daughter.”

You see the winner of this contest would win a major life giving prize. The grand prize was a cure for the deadly virus that was taking over the world. The winner would receive the antidote and be immune forever.