The Girl Who Spoke Last

In Mia's class, every student had to give a two-minute talk about a hobby.

Mia chose baking because she loved making cookies with her grandmother.

On the day of her talk, she stood behind the desk and felt her hands shake.

Her voice came out small, like a whisper.

Some students looked out the window, and one boy laughed quietly.

Mia wanted to stop, but she remembered her grandmother's advice: look at one friendly face.

She found her friend Leo, who was smiling and nodding.

Mia took a slow breath and spoke a little louder.

She described how to mix flour, butter, and sugar, and how the kitchen smells warm and sweet.

When she finished, Leo clapped first, and then the whole class joined in.

Later, her teacher said that speaking clearly is a skill you build with practice, not a gift you are born with.

Mia still felt nervous before her next talk, but she knew she could do it again.