Once there was a boy named Alan, who lived in New York. He was very different from the beginning. He was only eight years old but he was so smart that he would surprise anyone, even his teachers. He always came first in his class. One day a teacher asked Alan that how could he be so smart?

Alan smiled and replied, “Sir, I have a photographic memory. When I read something, I understand it and when I understand it, I can never forget it.”

The teacher was stunned to hear this and asked, “And how does that work? Can you show me right now?”

“Give me anything to read sir, anything that I haven’t read before,” said Alan.

The teacher gave him a paper containing all of the teachers’ employee codes. He read it once and then gave it back to his teacher.

“Sir, I want you to ask me anything from there,” said Alan.

Teacher replied, “What is the employee code of Madam Rose?”

“It’s 358049241,” said Alan.

The teacher shockingly replied, “How did you know that?”

“I told you sir, I have a photographic memory.”

The teacher tested him for a couple of more times and told him, “Alan, I happen to know that there is big competition taking place next week in Washington D.C. It’s called the American Talent Competition, and if you win, you will get 25,000 dollars.”

When Alan heard this, he felt excited because his family lived in a small house and they didn’t have a lot of money. He realised that this was a lot of money and his family could do many things with it.

After the school got over, Alan excitedly ran home and told his dad about the competition. His dad said, “Sure, I will take you there to take part in it.”

The next day he went to school and told his teacher that his dad will take a train to Washington D.C. to participate in the competition. His teacher was very proud and wished him good luck.

The day before the competition, early in the morning Alan woke up and excitedly got ready for the trip. He said goodbye to his mother and then he and his dad left for the train station. As they boarded the train, Alan was excited but nervous too.

“Dad, what if I don’t win?” asked Alan.

His dad replied, “Don’t worry son, you were born with a natural talent, just try hard and you will get through it.”

After reaching Washington D.C., they took a taxi to a hotel and stayed the night there. The next morning, they arrived early at the competition venue and Alan registered for it. Alan then went and sat with the others contestants taking part in the competition while his father watched him from the audience.

Finally, Alan heard his name being called out. An assistant took Alan backstage and said, “Alan you are up on stage in two minutes and when you get up there, you will see three judges sitting in front of the audience, you have to display your talent and then they will write your score. Ready? Best of luck!”

Then another man shouted, “Alan Monroe, on stage.”

Alan went on the stage and he could see a large audience and the three judges. He got really nervous.

The first judge said, “So what’s your talent, Alan?”

Alan replied, “I’ve got a photographic memory, sir.”

One of judges had a paper which he gave to Alan. “Take this paper, it has the names, talents and serial numbers of all the participants present here today. You have two minutes to go through it, let’s see how good your memory is.”

Alan read it once and gave it back in less than the allotted time.

The second judge asked, “So what is the talent of Arthur Jackson?”

“He can hold his breath for four minutes,” Alan replied confidently. The judges were shocked. The first judge then said, “Okay, so can you tell me what is the serial number of Daniel Lestrade?”

Alan replied, “It is 279142.”

Judges and the audience were shocked once again. They asked a few more questions and then the third judge said, “All right, you can go now.”

Alan went and sat with the rest of the participants, each anxious and nervous about their turn and the result. Finally, when it was time for the result to be announced, the judges came to the stage and the first judge said, “The third position goes to Phoebe Goldenberg. The second position goes to Rich Brook and finally the first position goes to Alan Monroe!”

Alan couldn’t believe it! His legs were shaking as he walked on the stage towards the judges to receive the check for 25,000 dollars. He looked towards the audience and saw his father beaming with happiness and pride.

Later his father hugged him and said, “I’m proud of you, my son!”

They went back to New York and Alan continued to put his talent to good use and do well in his studies. He received many great honours and now Alan is a great scientist and lives peacefully in a big house in New York.

Published in Dawn, Young World June 17th, 2017