
The Great Fart Contest
By Kathy St.George

17 Nov, 2024

The dimly lit room buzzed with excitement as fourteen ten-year-old boys assembled for what was promised to be the most legendary sleepover ever

The air was thick with the scent of popcorn and the occasional whiff of sweaty sneakers Pillows were piled high, and sleeping bags lay strewn across the floor like multicolored caterpillars

In the center of the chaos, a small AI device sat on a makeshift podium, ready to judge the night's competition.

Ethan, the de facto leader of the group with his unruly dark hair and an ever-present mischievous grin, stood up and commanded attention "Alright, everyone, gather around

Tonight, we embark on a quest to crown the King of Farts!" Laughter erupted, and the boys jostled to take their places Max, a boy with freckles and a perpetual curiosity, raised an eyebrow

"And how exactly do we win this...honor?" "Simple," Ethan declared, "Whoever produces the smelliest fart wins Extra points for accidents, but remember, undies and shorts stay on!"

Lucas, always the practical one with his neatly combed hair and glasses, pointed to the AI device "And this little guy will judge us?" Oscar, known for his infectious laugh, chimed in with a snicker

"It's unbiased and sees everything!" The AI's sensors blinked in acknowledgment, ready to fulfill its unusual duty Each boy took a deep breath, mentally preparing for the contest.

As the contest began, the room fell into a hush, broken only by the soft humming of the AI

Ryan, a boy with a crooked smile, was the first to break the silence with a timid "pfft." Laughter erupted, and the AI's lights blinked disapprovingly

Sam, always competitive, followed with an impressive "BRRRT," earning cheers and a nod from the AI.

The contest escalated with each round Leo, known for his love of spicy foods, unleashed a formidable "WHOOOOSH" that had everyone gagging

Charlie, the quiet underdog, surprised everyone with a silent but deadly "fffssss," prompting the AI to flash a triumphant green light

Suddenly, Ben, in an accidental moment of glory, let out a thunderous "BLAAARP" followed by a sheepish grin and an unmistakable smell

The room erupted in cheers, and the AI declared him the ultimate winner.

As the night drew to a close, the boys lay sprawled on their sleeping bags, their laughter echoing off the walls

Jake, wiping tears from his eyes, managed to say, "That was the best contest ever!" The AI, having fulfilled its duty, dimmed its lights, leaving only the memory of the great fart contest to linger in the air

With windows now open to let in the fresh night breeze, the boys drifted off to sleep, their dreams filled with echoes of their gaseous triumphs.